The 5 Best Mobile Banks in Germany

What are Mobile Banks?

The term mobile bank is used to describe any financial services company that offers banking services through mobile devices. They typically fall into one of two categories: non-bank entities that offer banking functionality via apps, and banks that use their mobile apps as a portal to their full website. Some mobile banks are strictly transactional, but many offer additional features like bill pay, remote deposit capture (scanning checks with your phone), e-commerce payments, and more. If you live in Germany and want to bank on your smartphone or tablet—or if you're just curious about what's out there—here are five of our favorite mobile banks in Germany.

Our top 5 picks

1. N26

If you live in Germany, chances are you’ve heard of N26 by now. N26 is a mobile-only bank that launched in early 2015 and has since grown to more than 900,000 customers across 17 countries. From getting started with N26 to actually managing your account (i.e., checking your balance, transferring money, etc.), everything happens through an app—which is one of the main reasons it became so popular so quickly. The company offers full-featured banking services for free and charges just €2 per month if you want paperless statements or free delivery of checks.

2. Nuri, Formerly Bitwala

Nuri (formerly Bitwala) is a London-based company that allows you to send and receive money internationally. If you live or work abroad, or if you regularly wire money to other countries, Nuri can save you a lot of time and headaches by making your transactions as easy as possible. In addition to online banking services for German accounts, Nuri now offers a debit card for European bank accounts. With it, you can convert euros from your bank account into bitcoin via Nuri’s platform and have those funds available on their Visa card almost instantly—perfect for traveling or paying bills abroad quickly and easily. This service is currently only available in Europe, but we’re hoping that it will be expanded elsewhere soon!

3. Bunq

Bunq is a mobile-only bank, designed to make your financial life easier. The app is free, and deposits can be made from your phone by taking a picture of a cheque or using your smartphone’s NFC capabilities. Transaction charges are low and there are no fees for overdrafts. Bunq was originally only available in Belgium but has expanded its services to users across Europe. And now it can be used by German residents as well!

4) Fidor Bank

Although it’s only been around since 2009, Fidor Bank is already one of Europe’s most innovative online banks. Even though it doesn’t have any physical branches, Fidor Bank has focused on developing mobile apps for both iPhone and Android devices. To make bank transactions fast and secure, Fidor Bank relies on 256-bit SSL encryption technology to protect user information. And to provide an even more convenient way to manage your finances, you can link your savings account with Google Wallet—and check your balance using NFC technology! So if you’re looking for a mobile bank that won’t leave you bored or behind on technology, look no further than Fidor Bank.

5. Monese

At Monese, you can get a debit card without requiring proof of address. Just download their app, create an account, upload your ID, and select an available virtual or plastic card. One other unique feature is that you can have your salary paid directly to your Monese account as soon as you start working for a company. Then at any time of day or night from anywhere in Europe, you can use your Monese Debit Card to withdraw cash from ATMs or pay for items at stores with low transaction fees. If you’re interested in trying out a mobile bank with a focus on international money transfers and spending power beyond European borders, then check out Monese today!

What are the benefits of an online bank account in Germany?

The digital age has revolutionized banking in Germany. Most banks now offer online portals where you can do most of your transactions. The best mobile banks in Germany allow you to check your account balance and transaction history, make transfers and pay bills online and via mobile app. They’re usually free and easy to sign up for. If you don’t feel like setting up an account, there are plenty of places where you can pay cash directly from your smartphone; we think these represent some of the best mobile banking services available

Final Thoughts

The best way to stay on top of your money is to embrace technology. Whether it’s using a mobile app or online banking, most banks have made it easy to manage your finances from just about anywhere. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to choose a bank that offers accounts that fit into your financial lifestyle and that you can access conveniently with just a few clicks. After all, when your bank helps make your money management process easier, there’s less room for mistakes!