Looking For An N26 Virtual Card Alternative?
Getsby Blog Team | Nov 27, 2024
Digital banks are a convenient way to manage and spend money online. Unlike traditional banks, they prioritise convenience and accessibility, enabling account holders to access a range of features, including virtual cards.
N26 is one of the most popular solutions in Europe, but it stopped offering accounts to UK users after Brexit. Despite its many features, there are plenty of N26 alternatives to explore. Whether you’re in the UK and need to find a replacement bank or want to explore other virtual cards, we’ve got the answers.
If you recently read our Monese virtual card alternatives guide, you’ll love the suggestions in this post. Let’s get straight to it.
What are N26 Virtual Cards?
As a digital bank, N26 offers users free and paid account plans, with each tier offering unique benefits. All customers can take advantage of an N26 Virtual Card, but upgrading gives you access to six free cards.
The cards are ideal for different purchases, as each has a unique design. This makes it easy to manage subscriptions, spend abroad, cover grocery expenses, and keep an account for leisure.
Of course, to access these features, you’ll need to become a premium account holder, which costs between €4.90 and €16.90 monthly – depending on the type you choose.
The benefits of N26 virtual cards:
- Convenience: The N26 app makes it easy to create a virtual card instantly, with no need to wait around. Just set it up, and you’re ready to use it for online purchases.
- Security: N26 takes security seriously, offering users advanced tokenization and MasterCard 3D Secure to safeguard transactions.
- Control: Digital banks often have more personalisation features, including setting limits, unblocking the card, and freezing the account when needed.
- Flexibility: Whether it’s for online shopping, subscriptions, or digital services, you can use your virtual card for a variety of purchases. Premium account holders can assign virtual cards to different accounts and take advantage of low foreign transaction fees.
- Safety: Since there’s no physical card, you don’t have to worry about losing or misplacing it, giving you extra peace of mind.
The cons of N26 virtual cards:
- Limited availability: N26 mainly operates in Europe, so if you’re outside that region, their services might not be as accessible or available. Brexit means that former UK account holders now have to find different options.
- Fees: Although N26 offers many fee-free services, you may be charged for international money transfers or ATM withdrawals outside the Eurozone.
- Customer support: Some users have mentioned challenges with getting help, especially with more complicated issues or inquiries.
- Limited physical card options: Although N26 provides physical cards, their selection may not be as broad as that of more traditional banks.
- No Prepaid Options: While N26 offers virtual cards, you can’t access a prepaid debit card, which provides more security and convenience.
Four fab alternatives to an N26 virtual card
If you’re ready to move on from N26, we’ve got some great alternatives. Whether you’re looking for online banking services that offer virtual cards or want a prepaid solution for maximum security, the following providers offer something for everyone.
1: Monzo Virtual Card
Monzo is a well-known digital banking platform that offers a range of services for users. From personal and business bank accounts to savings accounts and its virtual card, Monzo offers convenience and flexibility.
With different virtual cards on offer, you can choose the account option that suits your needs. One thing to be aware of is that a free account doesn’t come with any virtual cards.
Pros:
- Convenience: It’s simple to create and manage a virtual card within the Monzo app. Most users can complete the process in a couple of minutes.
- Security: Monzo uses industry-standard security to prevent fraud and provide users with peace of mind when shopping online.
- Control: One key benefit of the app is the ability to set spending limits, ensuring you don’t exceed your budget.
- Integration: The virtual card works seamlessly with other Monzo features, so you can manage all your finances in one place.
Cons:
- Fees: If you want to create a virtual card, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee. The fee depends on the account you choose, but basic memberships might have virtual card limitations.
- Customer Support: While many users have good experiences, some have reported inconsistent support, especially for more complex issues.
In short, the Monzo virtual card offers a secure and flexible way to make online payments, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to see if it fits your specific needs.
2: Getsby Virtual Card
If your main focus is using a virtual card, Getsby is an excellent decision. While it’s not an online bank, Getsby offers two prepaid virtual cards, each offering unique benefits.
The Getsby Virtual Green Card is an eco-friendly reloadable card that lasts for up to three years, while the Virtual Black Card is disposable. You load it up, spend money and switch to a new card once it runs out.
Pros:
- Convenience: Getsby accounts don’t require lengthy application processes. You can sign up within minutes and connect the cards to both Google Pay and Apple Pay. Doing this also means you can make in-store and online payments.
- Security: Make secure payments with advanced privacy features, including Mastercard 3D Secure 2.0 and tokenization. The virtual cards don’t link to your bank account either, adding additional protection for online transactions.
- Control: The best thing about prepaid cards is their seamless control. Whether you’re making domestic or international payments, you can’t overspend.
- Low Fees: Getsby cards also come with low monthly fees, giving you access to various features without impacting your budget.
Cons:
- Spending Limits: Both the Virtual Black and Green cards have spending limits. These limits depend on the card you choose, but it’s easy to order a new one.
- It’s Not A Bank: Getsby isn’t an online bank, so you won’t be able to access features like savings and multi-currency accounts.
3: Revolut Virtual Card
Revolut is one of the most popular online banks. The provider sets itself apart by offering an assortment of virtual cards. Users can choose a single-use virtual card or a multi-use option (both of which are available within the app).
You’ll need to set an account up to access the virtual cards, and the type you choose will impact how many cards you’re entitled to.
Pros:
- Convenience: There’s no need to carry around a physical card, as everything is digital and right in the app. Once you sign up, you can choose your account and virtual card option.
- Control: You can easily manage your spending habits, setting limits and tracking your transactions.
- Flexibility: The card works for all kinds of online transactions, whether it’s shopping, subscriptions, or other digital payments.
- Currency Conversion: Revolut lets you enjoy competitive exchange rates when making international transfers or transactions in different currencies.
Cons:
- Fees: While you can access a basic Revolut account for free, you’ll need to pay additional fees for premium features.
- Limitations: All Revolut account holders can access just one disposable virtual card at a time, which isn’t ideal if you want to transfer money and buy items online at the same time.
4: Curve Virtual Card
So far, we’ve covered options that let you open a new bank account or order a virtual card – but what if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution? Curve is a European digital bank that sets itself apart by allowing account holders to combine multiple cards into one convenient payment solution.
You can combine multiple bank accounts into one virtual card, using it to make transactions and money transfers.
Pros:
- Simplicity: Curve is ideal if you’re searching for a headache-free spending solution. Buy items online, send money and manage multiple accounts—no more bulky wallets.
- Travel Benefits: Enjoy perks while travelling, like good exchange rates and no extra fees on foreign transactions.
- Mobile App: The Curve mobile app makes it easy to manage your accounts in one place, simplifying your spending.
- Rewards: If you’re a regular Curve user, you can access a range of rewards, including cashback and airport lounge access.
Cons:
- Account Limitations: Curve offers a virtual card, but it combines your other payment solutions into one virtual solution.
- Card Compatibility: Some cards might not be compatible with Curve, which could limit your options. It’s best to check before you sign up for an account.
Which virtual card suits your needs?
When deciding on an N26 alternative, it’s essential to consider what each option offers. While some are best for convenience, other virtual cards provide an all-in-one account. Here’s what to consider before making a decision.
Do you want to combine bank accounts?
If you have multiple bank accounts and want to combine them into one convenient virtual card, you can’t go wrong with Curve. The platform distinguishes itself by letting you merge multiple bank accounts, but there are better options if you’re looking for a standalone virtual card.
Are monthly fees potential dealbreakers?
Most digital banks charge extra fees for certain features, including virtual cards. While these amounts are usually low, banking platforms often charge you for having an account. Opting for a Getsby Virtual Card means you can enjoy low fees and won’t need to pay for another bank account.
Will you be making lots of international transactions?
If you plan on using your card abroad, it’s important to find a solution with low transaction fees. All of the cards on this list have relatively small charges, but Revolut is probably the best solution for international money transfers.
Order your Virtual Cards online
Apply for a digital prepaid card online and receive the activation code via email within 2 minutes.
