Today, with just a few taps on your smartphone or clicks on your computer, you can access a wide range of financial services from diverse top best online banks in Europe. Impressive, right?
So, let’s take a look at the safest online banks (there are even banks that give debit cards immediately) that have emerged as frontrunners in providing innovative solutions for individuals looking to streamline their banking experience. We will delve into their unique features and benefits, such as low fees, competitive interest rates on savings accounts, user-friendly interfaces, robust security measures, and convenient mobile apps.
Whether you’re seeking a reliable bank for everyday transactions or aiming to optimize your savings through high-yield investment options – the safest online banks in Europe offer it all. Join us as we navigate through this exciting landscape where digital technology meets finance and discover how these institutions can enhance your financial journey like never before.
So sit back and get ready to embark on an insightful journey into the world of virtual banking – welcome to our guide on finding Europe’s best online banks in 2023! But before that, let’s figure out things to be considered before making a choice.
Factors to Consider
When choosing an online bank that suits your needs best, there are several factors to consider:
- Security measures and encryption protocols: Are online banks safe? One of the primary concerns while using any financial service is security. Look out for banks in Europe that employ robust security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA), biometric verification methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition technology, and end-to-end encryption to protect your personal information from unauthorized access.
- Account fees, transaction limits, and interest rates offered by different banks: Compare European bank account fees charged by various online banks Europe before making a decision. Some may offer free accounts with no monthly maintenance charges or minimum balance requirements, while others might have certain limitations on transactions or charge higher fees for extra services like international transfers.
- Accessibility through user-friendly interfaces and mobile apps: Online banking should be easy to use with intuitive interfaces designed to provide a seamless experience across devices – desktops/laptops as well as smartphones/tablets.
The Best Online Banks in Europe
| Bank | Brief Info |
| Revolut | A digital banking platform that offers multi-currency accounts, budgeting tools, and fee-free spending abroad. It also provides features like cryptocurrency trading and stock investing. |
| Monzo | An online bank with a mobile app that focuses on helping users manage their money effectively through real-time notifications, savings pots, and personalized budgets. |
| Monese | A mobile-only banking service designed for people who frequently travel or have an international lifestyle. It allows customers to open UK current accounts quickly without the need for a local address or credit history. |
| N26 | Known as “The Mobile Bank,” N26 offers fully digital banking services with no physical branches. The bank emphasizes simplicity in managing finances while providing various financial products such as insurance options. |
| Wise | Formerly known as TransferWise, Wise is primarily focused on international money transfers at competitive rates compared to traditional online banks Europe by utilizing peer-to-peer technology rather than conventional methods. |
Revolut
Revolut is a digital banking app that offers multi-currency accounts, debit cards, and various financial services. It has gained popularity for its low fees and user-friendly interface.
Pros:
- Global ATM withdrawals: Users can withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide with no additional fee up to a certain limit per month.
- Budgeting Features: The app provides advanced budgeting tools such as spending categorization, real-time notifications, and insights into your spending habits.
- Cryptocurrency trading: Revolut enables customers to buy, sell or hold cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum within the app.
- Insurance benefits: Premium European bank account holders receive travel insurance coverage along with other perks such as airport lounge access.
Cons:
- Limited Customer Support Channels: Some users have reported difficulties in reaching customer support due to limited contact options (primarily through chat).
- Fee Structure Changes: Revolut occasionally introduces new fees or changes existing ones, which may inconvenience some users who signed up based on previous fee structures.
- Investment Options Are Limited: While it does offer investment features like stock trading under the “Wealth” section, it lacks comprehensive investment options compared to traditional brokerage firms.
Monzo
Monzo is another top best digital bank that can be called one of the best online banks in Europe. It is known for its flexible current accounts and innovative mobile banking experience.
Pros:
- Mobile-first banking experience: Monzo’s intuitive mobile app makes managing finances easily by providing instant transaction updates categorized by merchants’ names rather than obscure codes used by traditional banks.
- Budgeting tools & insights: Monzo helps you track your expenses using colour-coded categories while also offering personalized insights.
- Fee-free overseas spending: Customers enjoy free foreign currency transactions during weekdays up until specific limits depending upon the type of account held.
- Easy payment splitting: Monzo simplifies splitting bills with friends through their app, enabling you to request or send money easily without the hassle of bank transfers.
Cons:
- Limited cash deposit options: Monzo does not have its own physical branches, which can limit cash deposit options.
- Overseas ATM fees: While overseas spending is free, there are fees associated with using ATMs abroad after a certain withdrawal limit is exceeded
- Limited financial products: Compared to the safest online banks, Monzo’s product range lacks some features, such as mortgages and loans.
Monese
Monese offers digital banking services specifically targeted towards individuals who struggle to open accounts in traditional banks due to a lack of credit history or residency requirements.
Pros:
- Instant account opening: Users can create an account within minutes using just their mobile phone and personal identification documents.
- Multi-currency accounts: Similar to Revolut, Monese supports multiple currencies, allowing users seamless international transactions at competitive exchange rates.
- International money transfers: Sending money internationally becomes simplified by offering low-cost currency conversion along with transparent fee structures.
- Accessible customer support: Monese provides customer support via email, chat & telephone across multiple languages
Cons:
- ATM withdrawal limits: While withdrawals from UK-based ATMs are unlimited, in Europe, they have limits above which transaction fees apply.
- No interest in savings: The basic account doesn’t offer any interest in savings like some higher-tiered competitors.
N26
N26 is also called the best European online bank by some. Itis a German fintech company that focuses on providing simple yet modern banking solutions primarily aimed at European customers but now expanding globally.
Pros:
- Sleek Mobile App Design: The best European online bank offers an intuitive interface, making it easy for customers to track expenses while managing finances effortlessly
- Free Eurozone Transactions: N26 allows free card payments within the euro area, including cash withdrawals, making it an attractive option for frequent travellers.
- Early Salary Access: Customers who receive their salary directly into the N26 account can get instant access to a portion of their funds ahead of payday.
Cons:
- Limited availability: While they have expanded globally, some features like free ATM withdrawals are limited to certain regions (i.e., Europe).
- Foreign currency transaction fees: Outside the eurozone, N26 charges fees on foreign currency transactions, which may not be competitive compared with other providers.
- No joint accounts: N26 does not offer joint accounts at present.
How to Stay Safe Using Digital Banking Services
Online banking has become a convenient and popular way to manage your finances. However, it is crucial to prioritize safety when using digital banking services. Here are some essential tips on how to stay safe:
- Create strong passwords: Ensure that you have unique and robust passwords for all of your online accounts, including your banking login credentials. Include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters in order to make it more difficult for hackers to guess them.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Many banks offer the option of enabling 2FA as an additional layer of security when logging into your account or conducting sensitive transactions such as money transfers or bill payments. This typically involves providing another verification factor, like receiving an SMS with a one-time code before granting access.
- Be cautious with emails and links: Beware of phishing attempts where scammers impersonate legitimate institutions through fake emails or websites in order to steal personal information from unsuspecting victims.
- Monitor accounts regularly: Regularly review transaction histories across all connected financial platforms – mobile apps/online portals -to identify any unauthorized activities promptly. If anything seems unusual or unfamiliar, directly contact customer service immediately.
- Update software & antivirus protection: Keep both operating systems (e.g., Windows/macOS)and applications updated. Also, ensure that reliable antivirus software is installed on devices used for digital banking. Prompt updates minimize vulnerabilities which could otherwise lead to possible hacking threats.
- Be aware of scams: Stay vigilant regarding potential scams, such as phishing calls or messages pretending to be your bank.
- Regularly review privacy settings: Familiarize yourself with your banking platform’s privacy settings and take advantage of any additional security features offered by your bank. This may include setting up notifications for transactions exceeding a certain amount or receiving alerts when new devices log into your account.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your digital banking experience is secure. Hopefully, our review will help you to make the best choice possible. Enjoy modern technologies and stay safe!
