Looking to settle in Europe and wondering which bank to choose? We’ve compiled a list of the top European banks for migrants, expats, and non-residents, making it easier to open accounts, manage your finances, and transfer money. Each bank offers outstanding features, top-tier security, and a seamless banking experience. While learning a new financial system may seem daunting, these European banking solutions make your intercontinental transition smooth and stress-free.
The best European digital banks, neobanks, or wallets provide exceptional services, ensuring security, convenience, and stability. Below are five of the top options to help expats, migrants, and non-residents easily navigate their financial journey in Europe.
Credits is a highly convenient platform for opening a European IBAN account. With Credits, you gain access to a free euro IBAN account, Mastercard, and cryptocurrency services, making global money transfers effortless. This solution simplifies sending and receiving payments worldwide without complications.
Free Euro IBAN & SEPA Transfers: Credits offers free euro IBAN accounts with SEPA transfers included. The account allows for quick and efficient transfers across the EU, making it a popular choice for migrants and non-residents.
Instant Transfers: Enjoy instant, free transfers between your wallet and crypto accounts.
Crypto Integration: Easily exchange cryptocurrency to fiat and transfer funds to your IBAN or Mastercard.
Why Choose Credits?
Credits is the ideal platform for young professionals, travelers, migrants, and non-residents who rely on modern payment services, including crypto. It’s also the most affordable option, offering a free IBAN account with access to crypto features.
N26 is a pioneer in digital banking, launching in Germany in 2013. It now boasts over 8 million customers across 24 European countries. Known for its low fees and feature-rich offerings, N26 makes banking in Europe a breeze for expats.
Free Digital Bank Account: N26 Standard offers a free digital account with a virtual card for contactless payments. You’ll also earn 2.8% interest and get three free EUR ATM withdrawals monthly.
Premium Options: Upgrade to N26 You (€9.90/month) for travel insurance and fee-free ATM withdrawals worldwide, or N26 Metal (€16.90/month) for additional perks and 4% interest on balances.
Why Choose N26?
N26 is ideal for expats planning a longer stay in Europe, as you’ll need a residency permit. It offers flexible tiers that cater to various needs, from basic services to travel-focused features.
Bunq, founded in the Netherlands, is designed specifically with expats in mind, allowing U.S. citizens and non-residents to bank in Europe without needing a residency permit. Opening an account is simple—just provide basic personal information and verify your identity via video.
Free IBAN & Savings: The Easy Card plan is free, offering an IBAN and savings account where you can earn 2.46% interest.
Premium Plans: At €3.99/month, Bunq’s Easy Bank plan includes a physical card, instant payments, and joint accounts. For €18.99/month, the Easy Bank Pro XL plan includes up to 26 virtual credit cards and six free ATM withdrawals per month.
Why Choose Bunq?
Bunq is perfect for U.S. citizens and non-residents looking for a reliable banking option in Europe without needing a residency permit. Its range of features caters to all types of users, from travelers to long-term expats.
Monese is a top choice for U.S. migrants and expats looking for a fast and easy way to open multi-currency accounts in Europe. With Monese, you can quickly verify your identity and start banking with just a passport, email address, and phone number.
Multi-Currency Accounts: Monese offers free GBP, EUR, and RON accounts, but international transfers and ATM withdrawals come with a 2% fee.
Higher Tiers: For £7.95/month, the Classic account provides lower fees, insurance coverage, and higher allowances, while the £14.95/month Premium account eliminates many fees and offers VIP customer support.
Why Choose Monese?
Monese is ideal for migrants needing quick access to multi-currency accounts. It provides a straightforward verification process and plenty of banking features to manage finances across currencies.
Tomorrow is a digital bank with a focus on sustainability, offering environmentally-conscious banking solutions. Available in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Spain, Tomorrow offers its services in English, making it expat-friendly.
Affordable Plans: The base plan, Now, costs €4.00/month and includes a free debit card and worldwide withdrawals. Higher tiers, Change (€8.00/month) and Zero (€17.00/month), provide more features such as unlimited domestic withdrawals and sub-accounts for automated savings.
Sustainable Investments: Tomorrow also offers sustainable investment opportunities, allowing users to invest in companies focused on positive environmental and social impact.
Why Choose Tomorrow?
For expats who prioritize sustainability, Tomorrow offers an excellent banking solution that combines convenience with eco-friendly investment options.
When moving to Europe, efficient money transfers are essential. Credits offers a seamless experience for expats with:
Low Fees: Credits provides transparent, affordable fees for opening a free European IBAN account and making transfers across Europe.
Fast Transfers: Transfer money quickly and securely using Mastercard or cryptocurrency. Payments often arrive within 15 minutes, ensuring rapid access to funds.
Convenient Apps: Manage your funds on the go with Credits’ iOS and Android apps, featuring user-friendly tools to track transfers, find cash pickup locations, and more.
Top-Level Security: Credits prioritizes security with robust identity verification, secure data protection, and a dedicated customer safety team.
Credits supports multiple payment methods, including traditional bank transfers and modern cryptocurrency payments, giving users the flexibility they need to manage their finances globally.