Revolut Metal vs N26 Metal

N26 has chosen to stop operating in the UK due to Brexit, leaving only one winner in this match up.

EU based digital bank N26 has chosen to stop operating in the UK in early February due the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Read our guide for alternatives to N26.

Revolut and N26 are big names in the growing wave of mobile-only banks. Offering a totally digital banking experience, these rising stars have won customers over with their clean and stylish apps, and features like fee-free spending abroad.

Both Revolut and N26 are now looking to capitalise on the success of their free-to-use basic accounts by launching premium accounts, both called Metal. These cards are designed for jet-setters and big-spenders.

Revolut Metal and N26 Metal at a glance

Revolut metalN26 metal
What is it?Revolut is a complete alternative to high-street banking. It offers a prepaid card, a currency and cryptocurrency exchange, and P2P payments.N26 is an app-based bank account that can be used on the go in any EU country. It’s all about the ease of sending and saving money. It launched in the UK in 2018.
Main selling points
  • A black metal Mastercard, with more colours on the way
  • Concierge service
  • Cashback on spending abroad
  • Higher ATM fee-free limit of £600. Basic account is £200
  • Hold different currencies simultaneously
  • Easy to use app lets you analyse your finances
  • The best exchange rate for spending abroad
  • Disposable virtual cards protect you from fraud
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Buy cryptocurrencies
  • Lower monthly fee than N26’s metal account
  • Interbank exchange rate means sending money abroad is cheaper than with most banks
  • A choice of a black, grey or pink metal Mastercard
  • Partnerships with platforms like WeWork (office space) and Zipjet (dry cleaning)
  • Free ATM withdrawals worldwide. Basic card holders are charged 1.7%
  • Mostly fee-free spending
  • Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical expenses
  • Dedicated customer support
  • 10 additional “Spaces” for saving for specific goals
  • MoneyBeam lets you send, receive or request money from your friends instantly – this is not yet available in the UK
  • Mastercard exchange rate means it’s cheaper to send money abroad than with a high-street bank
Drawbacks
  • Reported delays in customers receiving their Metal cards
  • The cheaper Revolut premium account gives you comprehensive insurance, too
  • You’ll have to spend over £15,000 abroad to make cashback worthwhile
  • N26 gives customers free ATM withdrawals worldwide
  • N26 You gives you free ATM withdrawals worldwide also
  • Customer support isn’t around the clock
What is unique about it?Revolut Metal has a couple of features that lift it above other Revolut options. The concierge service is exclusive to Metal account holders. Customers can ask for help in the app for a range of needs. You might want restaurant suggestions, or perhaps you need to book a last-minute trip. The concierge will sort these bookings out for you and give you a price. All you have to do is accept in the app.

Metal cashback is unique to the Metal card too. This gives customers 0.1% cashback on spending in Europe, and up to 1% on transactions outside of Europe.

N26 Metal users can get a couple of features its Black account members can’t. For one, N26 Metal offers dedicated customer support in its app.

N26 Metal’s defining quality is its partnership deals. It has a few of these, but the pick of them is probably its coupling with WeWork. For one day a month Metal customers get to use office space at WeWork for free. Discounts on the dry cleaning site Zipjet and the hotel booking platform Hotels.com are also notable.

What are the main costs?
  • Monthly cost £12.99/annual cost £120
  • Fee-free to withdraw up to £600 a month, but you’re charged 2% for each withdrawal thereafter
  • Costs £14.90 a month
  • Minimum membership is one year
How do I get the card?Download the app for iOS (rated 4/5) or Android (rated 4.2/5).Download the app for iOS (rated 4/5) or Android (rated 4.2/5).
How safe is it?Revolut is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, but any money it holds directly isn’t protected by the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme.Your N26 account is protected by the German financial authority, up to the sum of €100.000 (around £88,000).
Want to find out more? Visit Revolut Read our review

Video: Alex Weber, head of international markets, on why N26 is different

Verdict: Revolut Metal vs N26 Metal

It depends on which benefits you’ll use the most. Both these cards are ultimately tailored to big-spending travellers, but if you like to withdraw cash when travelling around then N26 is probably the one for you, while if you spend a lot on your card abroad, then Revolut’s likely to be a better option.

Likewise, if you like the look of one of N26’s partnerships then you could regularly save money with Metal. Given that a basic WeWork membership usually costs $45 a month (about £36), N26’s £14.90 a month doesn’t look too bad.

In truth, though, neither represents great value for money. Other than the allure of a sleek metal card, both Revolut and N26’s cheaper premium accounts offer pretty much the same features. Even then, these are really only necessary if you travel abroad a few times a year.

Revolut and N26’s basic accounts will cover most customers’ needs. You can check out how they compare in our review. You can also learn more about Revolut metal here.

Promoted
Revolut Metal

Revolut Metal

  • Choose from three fully metal contactless cards
  • Earn up to 1% cashback in any currency
  • One free LoungeKey Pass to use at 1,000 airports
  • Delayed baggage and flight insurance
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site