Mobile banking in Germany has come a long way. What started with traditional Girokonto apps from Sparkasse and Commerzbank has now expanded into digital-first challengers like N26, Revolut, bunq, and Vivid Money. By 2025, mobile banks aren’t just about sending money — they offer instant SEPA transfers, multi-currency wallets, AI-powered budgeting tools, and strong security protocols under PSD2 regulations.
Whether you’re an expat looking for an English-friendly bank, a freelancer needing fast IBAN access, or just someone who wants low fees with maximum convenience, this guide breaks down the top mobile banking apps in Germany for 2025.
Why Mobile Banking Apps Dominate in 2025
- Ease of setup: Most fintechs allow you to open an account via VideoIdent within minutes.
- German IBAN: Digital banks like N26 and bunq offer DE IBANs, essential for salaries and bills.
- Global usage: Apps like Revolut give access to multi-currency wallets, great for travelers and freelancers.
- Security first: PSD2-compliant banks in Germany now require biometric logins, two-factor authentication (2FA), and TLS-encrypted transactions.
- Lower costs: Many mobile banks still provide free accounts or low monthly fees, with transparent pricing on extras.
The 5 Best Mobile Banking Apps in Germany (2025 Edition)
1. N26 – The Pioneer of Mobile Banking in Germany
- Highlights (2025):
- Free Standard account still available with DE IBAN.
- Premium plans (N26 Smart, Metal) offer insurance, extra sub-accounts, and travel perks.
- Clean interface, great for expats (full English support).
- Instant SEPA transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay support.
- Fees: €0–€16.90/month depending on plan.
- Best for: Expats, freelancers, and anyone wanting a German IBAN + international usability.
2. Revolut – Best for Global Travelers & Multi-Currency
- Highlights (2025):
- Multi-currency accounts with great FX rates.
- Support for crypto and stock investing inside the app.
- Instant money transfers to Revolut users worldwide.
- German IBAN rollout completed in 2025.
- Fees: Free basic account, premium tiers €3.99–€13.99/month.
- Best for: Frequent travelers, digital nomads, and people sending money abroad.
3. bunq – The Sustainability & Innovation Champion
- Highlights (2025):
- Known as the “Bank of The Free.”
- Full German IBAN support for locals and expats.
- Strong Personal Finance Management (PFM) tools — auto-budgeting, categorization.
- “Easy Green” plan plants trees for card payments.
- Fees: €2.99–€17.99/month.
- Best for: Eco-conscious users and freelancers who need smart money tools.
4. Vivid Money – Cashback & Investments Combined
- Highlights (2025):
- Up to 10% cashback deals on categories like groceries, streaming, or travel.
- DE IBAN with free account options.
- Investment options in stocks, ETFs, and crypto directly inside the app.
- Stylish metal cards for premium users.
- Fees: Free basic account, premium plan €9.90/month.
- Best for: Cashback lovers and people interested in investing alongside banking.
5. Commerzbank / C24 App – Traditional Bank with Digital Face
- Highlights (2025):
- Backed by Commerzbank but fully mobile-first.
- Free account with DE IBAN, overdraft, and Girocard availability.
- More trust from conservative users who still want mobile banking convenience.
- Full German & English app interface.
- Fees: Free with minimum usage, otherwise €4.90/month.
- Best for: Locals and residents who want a hybrid between old-school security and new-school app convenience.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
| Bank/App | Free Account | German IBAN | Multi-Currency | PFM Tools | Cashback | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N26 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Biometric + 2FA |
| Revolut | ✅ | ✅ (2025) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Biometric + 2FA |
| bunq | ❌ (paid) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (strong) | ❌ | Biometric + 2FA |
| Vivid | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Biometric + 2FA |
| C24 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Limited | ❌ | Biometric + 2FA |
Security: What Changed in 2025?
German regulators enforce PSD2, OAuth, and TLS encryption standards across all mobile banks. By 2025:
- Biometric logins (face/fingerprint) are mandatory for most apps.
- Instant SEPA transfers are standard, with fraud protection.
- Deposits up to €100,000 remain protected under the German Deposit Guarantee Scheme (Einlagensicherung).
FAQs – Mobile Banking in Germany 2025
1. Which mobile bank is best for internationals in Germany?
👉 N26 remains the easiest for expats due to its English-first support and German IBAN. Revolut is also great for internationals, especially travelers.
2. Do digital banks provide German IBANs?
👉 Yes. N26, bunq, Vivid, and now Revolut (since 2025) issue German IBANs, which are required for salaries and utilities.
3. Are mobile bank deposits safe in Germany?
👉 Yes. All licensed mobile banks in Germany are covered by EU deposit protection up to €100,000 per person.
4. Does N26 still offer free accounts in 2025?
👉 Yes, the free Standard account remains, though premium plans include more perks like insurance.
5. Which apps support instant SEPA transfers?
👉 N26, Revolut, bunq, and Vivid all support instant SEPA in 2025.
Final Thoughts
By 2025, Germany’s mobile banking scene is mature, secure, and competitive.
- Choose N26 if you’re an expat or freelancer.
- Go with Revolut if you travel often.
- Pick bunq if sustainability and budgeting tools matter.
- Try Vivid if cashback and investing excite you.
- Stick with C24 if you prefer the stability of a traditional bank behind your app.
No matter your choice, you’ll enjoy faster banking, stronger security, and more flexibility than ever before.
