Verdict
- N26 scores higher overall (6.1 vs 6.0 out of 10).
- Curve Pay is clearly stronger on: Fees, Availability.
- N26 is clearly stronger on: FX & international.
- For 1,500 EUR/month of spend, N26 comes out about 116 EUR a year ahead on base-tier terms.
Curve Pay is a good fit for
- No specific audience can be derived from the published data yet.
Stronger on: Fees, Availability
N26 is a good fit for
- Frequent travellers
Stronger on: FX & international
Score by criterion
| Criterion | Curve Pay | N26 |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 100 | 82 |
| Cashback & rewards | 3 | 4 |
| Availability | 100 | 70 |
| FX & international | 0 | 100 |
| Product features | 70 | 70 |
| Custody & security | 75 | 75 |
| Credit & financing | – | 30 |
| Limits & ATM | 60 | 66 |
| Transparency | 86 | 79 |
| Best for Cashback | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Best for Travel | 4.6 | 7.6 |
| Best for High Spenders | 3.5 | 4.6 |
| Best for Low Fees | 6.7 | 8.4 |
| Best for Beginners | 7.8 | 6.8 |
| Best E-Money Card | 6.4 | 8.1 |
Product
Product status
ActiveShow source
Product status: Active
Source: Fees – Curve Help Centre
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
ActiveShow source
Product status: Active
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 22 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Card type
Debit cardShow source
Card type: Debit card
Source states (paraphrased): Free virtual debit card
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 90%
Network
MastercardShow source
Network: Mastercard
Source states (paraphrased): Fees charged on top of the Mastercard rate.
Source: Fees – Curve Help Centre
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 22 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
MastercardShow source
Network: Mastercard
Source states (paraphrased): qualifying transactions made with your N26 Mastercard
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Custody model
Custodial*Show source
Custody model: Custodial
The provider holds the funds
Source states (paraphrased): Owner research: custodial
Source: https://www.curve.com/
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
The provider holds the funds
Custodial*Show source
Custody model: Custodial
The provider holds the funds
Source states (paraphrased): Owner research: custodial
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
The provider holds the funds
Card issuer / program manager
Curve UK Limited (UK); Curve Europe UAB (EEA)Show source
Card issuer / program manager: Curve UK Limited (UK); Curve Europe UAB (EEA)
Source states (paraphrased): The Curve Card and the e-money related to cards issued in the EEA is issued by Curve Europe UAB
Source: Curve Cashback & Rewards
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 90%
Tiers / plans
Curve Pay · Curve Pay X · Curve Pay Pro · Curve Pay Pro+Show source
Tiers / plans: Curve Pay · Curve Pay X · Curve Pay Pro · Curve Pay Pro+
Source states (paraphrased): Plans Curve Pay Curve Pay X Curve Pay Pro Curve Pay Pro+
Source: Curve Cashback & Rewards
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Standard · Smart · Go · MetalShow source
Tiers / plans: Standard · Smart · Go · Metal
Source states (paraphrased): N26 Smart and N26 Go customers can choose from one of five card colors.
Source: What's the difference between debit vs. credit cards?
Official help center / FAQ (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Fees
Monthly fee
Free*Show source
Monthly fee: Free
Curve Pay (free plan)
Source: What Curve Pay subscription plans are available?
Official help center / FAQ (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Curve Pay (free plan)
Free*Show source
Monthly fee: Free
Standard account
Source: Bank for free with an N26 account (Belgium)
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 22 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Standard account
Physical card fee
€10*Show source
Physical card fee: €10
Standard plan; included in Smart, Go and Metal
Source states (paraphrased): Physical card €10
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Standard plan; included in Smart, Go and Metal
Virtual card fee
Free*Show source
Virtual card fee: Free
First virtual card free on Standard
Source states (paraphrased): Free virtual debit card
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 90%
First virtual card free on Standard
FX fee
2.99%*Show source
FX fee: 2.99%
Free plan above £250/month fee-free FX; paid plans £3,333–£100,000 fee-free
Source: Fees – Curve Help Centre
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Free plan above £250/month fee-free FX; paid plans £3,333–£100,000 fee-free
0%*Show source
FX fee: 0%
Page lists worldwide card payments as free on all plans; exchange rate not stated on this page
Source states (paraphrased): Worldwide card payments Free
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 75%
Page lists worldwide card payments as free on all plans; exchange rate not stated on this page
Crypto conversion fee
1.5%*Show source
Crypto conversion fee: 1.5%
N26 Crypto (Bitpanda) trading fee for Bitcoin; 2.5% for other coins, 3.5% for low-liquidity coins; N26 Metal 0.5% discount up to €5,000 order volume per month
Source states (paraphrased): Trades are subject to a transaction fee of 1.5% for Bitcoin and 2.5% for all other coins
Source: N26 Crypto: conveniently trade over 400 cryptocurrencies
Official product page (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 75%
N26 Crypto (Bitpanda) trading fee for Bitcoin; 2.5% for other coins, 3.5% for low-liquidity coins; N26 Metal 0.5% discount up to €5,000 order volume per month
ATM fee
2% (min. £2)*Show source
ATM fee: 2% (min. £2)
No free allowance on the free plan; X £300, Pro £500, Pro+ £1,000 per month
Source: Fees – Curve Help Centre
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
No free allowance on the free plan; X £300, Pro £500, Pro+ £1,000 per month
1.7%*Show source
ATM fee: 1.7%
Withdrawals outside the eurozone on Standard and Smart; free on Go and Metal. Euro withdrawals: 2 free per month on Standard (3 Smart, 5 Go, 8 Metal); fee beyond the quota not stated on this page
Source states (paraphrased): ATM withdrawals outside the eurozone 1.7% fee
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 75%
Withdrawals outside the eurozone on Standard and Smart; free on Go and Metal. Euro withdrawals: 2 free per month on Standard (3 Smart, 5 Go, 8 Metal); fee beyond the quota not stated on this page
Other fees & markups
+1.5% on weekend FX spending (free plan) · 1.5% per transaction on commercial cards · 2.9% when funding through an international payment card above the allowanceShow source
Other fees & markups: +1.5% on weekend FX spending (free plan) · 1.5% per transaction on commercial cards · 2.9% when funding through an international payment card above the allowance
Source: Fees – Curve Help Centre
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
N26 Standard: one-off fee covering delivery of a physical debit card (amount not stated)Show source
Other fees & markups: N26 Standard: one-off fee covering delivery of a physical debit card (amount not stated)
Source states (paraphrased): N26 Standard account holders can get a debit card paired with their N26 account against a one-off fee covering the delivery.
Source: What's the difference between debit vs. credit cards?
Official help center / FAQ (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Cashback & rewards
Base cashback
0%*Show source
Base cashback: 0%
Free plan
Source: What Curve Pay subscription plans are available?
Official help center / FAQ (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Free plan
0%*Show source
Base cashback: 0%
Standard: no cashback; Go and Metal get 1% travel cashback
Source states (paraphrased): Reise-Cashback 1 | 1 % | 1 % (only Go and Metal columns)
Source: https://n26.com/de-at/konten-vergleichen
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Standard: no cashback; Go and Metal get 1% travel cashback
Max cashback
1%*Show source
Max cashback: 1%
Paid plans: on non-European/non-UK currency spend (X) or selected retailers (Pro/Pro+, capped £25/£50 per month)
Source: Curve Cashback & Rewards
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 22 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 80%
Paid plans: on non-European/non-UK currency spend (X) or selected retailers (Pro/Pro+, capped £25/£50 per month)
1%*Show source
Max cashback: 1%
Travel cashback on Go (9.90 €/month) and Metal (16.90 €/month) only
Source states (paraphrased): Alle Smart Features und Gratisabhebungen außerhalb der Eurozone 1 % Cashback auf Reisen
Source: https://n26.com/de-at/konten-vergleichen
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Travel cashback on Go (9.90 €/month) and Metal (16.90 €/month) only
Cashback paid in
Curve CashShow source
Cashback paid in: Curve Cash
Source states (paraphrased): Cashback is stored on your Curve Cash card and can be used for future purchases.
Source: Curve Cashback & Rewards
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Cashback type
FiatShow source
Cashback type: Fiat
Source: Curve Cashback & Rewards
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 22 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Interest on balance
0.3%*Show source
Interest on balance: 0.3%
Tagesgeld (savings) on Standard, variable; Go 0.50%, Metal 1.50% p.a.
Source states (paraphrased): Tagesgeldzinsen 2 | 0,30 % p.a. | 0,30 % p.a. | 0,50 % p.a. | 1,5 % p.a.
Source: https://n26.com/de-at/konten-vergleichen
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Tagesgeld (savings) on Standard, variable; Go 0.50%, Metal 1.50% p.a.
Cashback conditions
1% on non-European/non-UK currency spend requires a premium plan (X, Pro or Pro+) · Pro: 1% at 6 chosen retailers up to £25/month; Pro+: 12 retailers up to £50/month · Brand offers up to 20%, usually one-time and activated in app, UK only (coming soon to EEA)Show source
Cashback conditions: 1% on non-European/non-UK currency spend requires a premium plan (X, Pro or Pro+) · Pro: 1% at 6 chosen retailers up to £25/month; Pro+: 12 retailers up to £50/month · Brand offers up to 20%, usually one-time and activated in app, UK only (coming soon to EEA)
Source states (paraphrased): You need to be on any premium plan to benefit from this cashback (X, Pro or Pro+).
Source: Curve Cashback & Rewards
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Credit & financing
Credit line
NoShow source
Credit line: No
Source states (paraphrased): Credit cards are not currently offered.
Source: What's the difference between debit vs. credit cards?
Official help center / FAQ (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 90%
Credit type
NoneShow source
Credit type: None
Source states (paraphrased): Credit cards are not currently offered.
Source: What's the difference between debit vs. credit cards?
Official help center / FAQ (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 90%
Availability
Available in
United Kingdom, EEAShow source
Available in: United Kingdom, EEA
Source states (paraphrased): Regulated across the UK and EEA
Source: Curve Cashback & Rewards
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 60%
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland*Show source
Available in: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
21 countries listed: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France (not DOM/TOM), Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland; residency and requirements apply
Source states (paraphrased): We offer our accounts in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France (not available for residents in the DOM/TOM)
Source: Availability across Countries
Official help center / FAQ (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 90%
21 countries listed: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France (not DOM/TOM), Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland; residency and requirements apply
Own IBAN / bank details
YesShow source
Own IBAN / bank details: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): Give your N26 account IBAN to your employer
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Features
Apple Pay
Yes*Show source
Apple Pay: Yes
Card can be added to Apple Pay for online payments; using Apple Pay for contactless may forfeit cashback and fee-free FX
Source states (paraphrased): You can connect Curve Pay to Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Source: One tap. Every card. (Curve Pay wallet)
Official product page (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Card can be added to Apple Pay for online payments; using Apple Pay for contactless may forfeit cashback and fee-free FX
YesShow source
Apple Pay: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): Add it to Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Apple Pay
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Google Pay
Yes*Show source
Google Pay: Yes
Card can be added to Google Pay; using Google Pay for contactless may forfeit cashback and fee-free FX
Source states (paraphrased): You can connect Curve Pay to Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Source: One tap. Every card. (Curve Pay wallet)
Official product page (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 85%
Card can be added to Google Pay; using Google Pay for contactless may forfeit cashback and fee-free FX
YesShow source
Google Pay: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): Add it to Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Apple Pay
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Physical card
YesShow source
Physical card: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): we’ll send you a new card in the post right away!
Source: I need a new Curve card
Official help center / FAQ (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 90%
YesShow source
Physical card: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): If you ordered a physical debit card, this will arrive via post.
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Virtual card
YesShow source
Virtual card: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): Free virtual debit card
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
ATM withdrawals
YesShow source
ATM withdrawals: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): 2 free ATM withdrawals in euros
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Airport lounge access
No*Show source
Airport lounge access: No
Only Curve Pay Pro+ (paid plan); free Curve Pay does not list it
Source states (paraphrased): Airport lounge access
Source: https://www.curve.com/plans
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Only Curve Pay Pro+ (paid plan); free Curve Pay does not list it
No*Show source
Airport lounge access: No
Standard: 33 € per visit; Go first visit 15 €, Metal first visit per year free
Source states (paraphrased): Zugang zu Flughafenlounges 6 | 33 € pro Besuch | 33 € pro Besuch | Erster Besuch pro Jahr 15 €, danach 30 €
Source: https://n26.com/de-at/konten-vergleichen
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Standard: 33 € per visit; Go first visit 15 €, Metal first visit per year free
Travel / rental car insurance
No*Show source
Travel / rental car insurance: No
Only Go and Metal plans (not Standard)
Source states (paraphrased): Up to €2,000
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Only Go and Metal plans (not Standard)
Purchase protection
No*Show source
Purchase protection: No
Only Metal plan
Source states (paraphrased): Purchase protection8 Up to €2,500 per claim
Source: Compare N26 bank account features and services
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Only Metal plan
Security & custody
Regulation / licences
Curve UK Limited: FCA-authorised e-money issuer (FRN 900926) · Curve Europe UAB: electronic money institution licence No. 73, Bank of LithuaniaShow source
Regulation / licences: Curve UK Limited: FCA-authorised e-money issuer (FRN 900926) · Curve Europe UAB: electronic money institution licence No. 73, Bank of Lithuania
Source states (paraphrased): authorised in Lithuania by the Bank of Lithuania (electronic money institution license No. 73 issued on 22 of October, 2020)
Source: One tap. Every card. (Curve Pay wallet)
Official product page (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 90%
German full banking licence (BaFin)Show source
Regulation / licences: German full banking licence (BaFin)
Source states (paraphrased): N26 has been granted a full German banking license from BaFin.
Source: Bank for free with an N26 account (Belgium)
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Deposit protection
No*Show source
Deposit protection: No
Stated for UK customers and for funds on the Curve Cash card
Source states (paraphrased): FSCS protection does not apply to the funds held on your Curve Cash card
Source: Curve Cashback & Rewards
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 60%
Stated for UK customers and for funds on the Curve Cash card
Yes*Show source
Deposit protection: Yes
Up to €100,000
Source states (paraphrased): protected up to €100,000 by the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme
Source: Bank for free with an N26 account (Belgium)
Official pricing / fee schedule (tier 1)
Extracted from source by research agent · retrieved 23 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Up to €100,000
Annual cost at 1,500 EUR/month
Curve Pay
- Annual & monthly fees+0 EUR
- FX costs−108 EUR
- Crypto conversion–
- ATM costs−29 EUR
- Cashback+0 EUR
- Net annual value-136 EUR
N26
- Annual & monthly fees+0 EUR
- FX costs+0 EUR
- Crypto conversion–
- ATM costs−20 EUR
- Cashback+0 EUR
- Net annual value-20 EUR
Assumes 300 EUR foreign spend and 100 EUR ATM per month, base tier only. Use your own numbers