N26 vs Uphold Debit Card (US)
E-money / FinTech
Crypto native
Verdict
- N26 scores higher overall (6.1 vs 5.6 out of 10).
- N26 is clearly stronger on: Availability, FX & international.
- Uphold Debit Card (US) is clearly stronger on: Fees, Cashback & rewards.
- For 1,500 EUR/month of spend, Uphold Debit Card (US) comes out about 295 EUR a year ahead on base-tier terms.
N26 is a good fit for
- Frequent travellers
Stronger on: Availability, FX & international
Uphold Debit Card (US) is a good fit for
- Stablecoin holders
- Everyday spenders who want cashback
Stronger on: Fees, Cashback & rewards
Score by criterion
| Criterion | N26 | Uphold Debit Card (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 82 | 99 |
| Cashback & rewards | 4 | 50 |
| Availability | 70 | 3 |
| FX & international | 100 | 40 |
| Product features | 70 | 70 |
| Custody & security | 75 | – |
| Credit & financing | 30 | 30 |
| Limits & ATM | 66 | 74 |
| Transparency | 79 | 86 |
| Best for Cashback | 4.1 | 5.6 |
| Best for Travel | 7.6 | 5.7 |
| Best for DeFi Users | n/a | 5.8 |
| Best for Stablecoins | n/a | 6.6 |
| Best for High Spenders | 4.6 | 5.9 |
| Best for Low Fees | 8.4 | 7.8 |
| Best for Beginners | 6.8 | 6.5 |
| Best E-Money Card | 8.1 | n/a |
Product
Product status
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%
ActiveShow source
Product status: Active
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
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%
Debit cardShow source
Card type: Debit card
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Network
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%
VisaShow source
Network: Visa
Source states (paraphrased): Use anywhere Visa is accepted.
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Custody model
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
Tiers / plans
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%
Essential (no annual fee) · Elite ($99.99/year)Show source
Tiers / plans: Essential (no annual fee) · Elite ($99.99/year)
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Fees
Annual fee
Free*Show source
Annual fee: Free
Essential; Elite $99.99/year
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential; Elite $99.99/year
Monthly fee
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
$4.99*Show source
Physical card fee: $4.99
Essential
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential
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
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
1.5%*Show source
FX fee: 1.5%
Essential; Elite has no foreign transaction fees
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential; Elite has no foreign transaction fees
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
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
$2.95*Show source
ATM fee: $2.95
Essential; Elite has no ATM fees
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential; Elite has no ATM fees
Other fees & markups
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%
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
2%*Show source
Base cashback: 2%
Essential, paid in XRP
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential, paid in XRP
Max cashback
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
4%*Show source
Max cashback: 4%
Elite ($99.99/yr) on crypto- or metal-funded purchases; 3% when funded by fiat or stablecoins
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Elite ($99.99/yr) on crypto- or metal-funded purchases; 3% when funded by fiat or stablecoins
Cashback paid in
XRP (or other crypto at Uphold's discretion)Show source
Cashback paid in: XRP (or other crypto at Uphold's discretion)
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Cashback type
CryptoShow source
Cashback type: Crypto
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
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.
3%*Show source
Interest on balance: 3%
Up to 3% APY on stablecoin balances; variable; no paid plan stated on page
Source states (paraphrased): earn rewards of up to 3% APY on stablecoin balances
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Up to 3% APY on stablecoin balances; variable; no paid plan stated on page
Max cashback per month
$120/month*Show source
Max cashback per month: $120/month
Essential; Elite $300/month
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential; Elite $300/month
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%
NoShow source
Credit line: No
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
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
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
United States*Show source
Available in: United States
Not in Louisiana, New York or US territories
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Not in Louisiana, New York or US territories
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
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%
Yes*Show source
Apple Pay: Yes
When available
Source states (paraphrased): Anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide, online and in person, including Apple Pay and Google Pay (when available).
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
When available
Google Pay
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%
Yes*Show source
Google Pay: Yes
When available
Source states (paraphrased): Anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide, online and in person, including Apple Pay and Google Pay (when available).
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
When available
Physical card
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%
Yes*Show source
Physical card: Yes
Essential: plastic $4.99; Elite: metal $0
Source states (paraphrased): Physical Card $0 (Metal card) $4.99 (Plastic card)
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Essential: plastic $4.99; Elite: metal $0
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%
Yes*Show source
Virtual card: Yes
Essential and Elite: $0
Source states (paraphrased): Virtual Card $0 $0
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Essential and Elite: $0
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%
Yes*Show source
ATM withdrawals: Yes
Essential: $2.95 per withdrawal; Elite: $0
Source states (paraphrased): ATM Withdrawal Fee $0 $2.95
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Essential: $2.95 per withdrawal; Elite: $0
Spend stablecoins
YesShow source
Spend stablecoins: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): Funding your card with stablecoins. Use USD-pegged stablecoins to help keep taxes low.
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Airport lounge access
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
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%
USD balances held at Cross River Bank, Member FDIC (pass-through insurance up to $250,000 if conditions are met) · Uphold is not a bankShow source
Regulation / licences: USD balances held at Cross River Bank, Member FDIC (pass-through insurance up to $250,000 if conditions are met) · Uphold is not a bank
Source states (paraphrased): are held at Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, and are insured up to $250,000. Uphold is not an FDIC-insured bank.
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Deposit protection
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
N26
- Annual & monthly fees+0 EUR
- FX costs+0 EUR
- Crypto conversion–
- ATM costs−20 EUR
- Cashback+0 EUR
- Net annual value-20 EUR
Uphold Debit Card (US)
- Annual & monthly fees+0 EUR
- FX costs−54 EUR
- Crypto conversion–
- ATM costs−32 EUR
- Cashback+360 EUR
- Net annual value274 EUR
Assumes 300 EUR foreign spend and 100 EUR ATM per month, base tier only. Use your own numbers