# Revolut vs N26 in Austria (2026)

> Updated June 2026. Head-to-head comparison of Revolut and N26 in Austria: fees, tiers, FX rates, verification times, and which app-based bank is better for new arrivals.

Updated: June 6 2026 · By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-austria.com/banking/revolut-vs-n26

Updated June 2026. Both **Revolut** and **N26** are app-based banks offering **Mastercard debit** and **virtual cards**. **N26** holds an Austrian-friendly **EU banking licence** with clear Euro pricing, while **Revolut** offers more tiers (Standard to Ultra) and stronger **multi-currency FX**. **Revolut** identity verification can take **up to 7 working days**. **N26** reserves **phone support for premium customers**. Both are ideal **day-one cards for new arrivals** before a traditional Austrian bank card arrives.

## Revolut or N26: Which Is Better in Austria?

Both **Revolut** and **N26** are excellent day-one cards for new arrivals in Austria. **N26** is simpler: one EU banking licence, straightforward Euro pricing, and faster identity verification in **1 to 2 working days**. **Revolut** is more powerful: five tiers from **Standard to Ultra**, instant virtual cards, and the strongest **multi-currency FX rates** available on a consumer app. Most expats open both.

Best for Travel/FX

### Revolut

4.5Revolut is an app-based bank licensed through Revolut Bank UAB (Lithuania). It offers Standard to Ultra tiers, instant virtual cards, and the best multi-currency FX available on a consumer app. Ideal for expats who travel often or earn in multiple currencies.

Why we recommend it: Best multi-currency FX and widest tier range from free Standard to Ultra, ideal for frequent travellers and multi-currency earners.

Best for: Frequent travellers, multi-currency earners, and expats who exchange money regularly

Pros

- +Best multi-currency FX rates of any consumer app
- +Five tiers: Standard (free), Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra
- +Instant virtual card on sign-up
- +Broad SEPA coverage with LT-prefix IBAN
- +Spending analytics and budgeting tools

Cons

- −Identity verification up to 7 working days
- −LT-prefix IBAN may not be accepted by all Austrian landlords
- −Weekend FX markup on Standard tier
- −Customer support primarily in-app chat on free tier

- Standard to Ultra tiers, free Standard available
- Instant virtual Mastercard debit card
- Multi-currency wallets (30+ currencies)
- Interbank FX rates within monthly limits
- Broad SEPA transfers via LT-prefix IBAN
- Spending notifications and analytics

[Open Revolut](https://revolut.com/referral/?referral-code=julesf2not!JUN1-26-AR-RPB-L1&geo-redirect)Best for Daily Banking

### N26

4.4N26 is an EU-licenced app bank with a full German banking licence. It offers Standard, Smart, You, Go, and Metal tiers with Mastercard debit and virtual cards. Clear Euro pricing and a DE-prefix IBAN make it the simplest day-one account for new arrivals in Austria.

Why we recommend it: EU banking licence, clear Euro pricing, and faster ID verification make N26 the simpler day-one account for new arrivals in Austria.

Best for: New arrivals who want a simple EU-licenced account with clear Austrian pricing and fast setup

Pros

- +EU banking licence with clear Euro pricing
- +Faster verification: 1 to 2 working days
- +Free virtual Mastercard debit on Standard
- +Standard, Smart, You, Go, and Metal tiers
- +Full English-language app and customer support

Cons

- −Phone support on premium tiers only
- −N26 Metal costs EUR 16.90 per month
- −DE-prefix IBAN, not AT-prefix
- −No physical branches in Austria

- Standard (free), Smart, You, Go, Metal tiers
- Free virtual Mastercard debit card on Standard
- N26 Metal: EUR 16.90 per month with travel insurance
- DE-prefix IBAN for SEPA transfers
- No foreign transaction fees on all tiers
- English-language app and support

[Open N26](https://n26.com/de-at)

## How Do Revolut and N26 Work in Austria?

Both **Revolut** and **N26** are app-based banks with **Mastercard debit** and **virtual cards**. Neither has physical branches in Austria. You manage your account entirely through their mobile apps. Both support **SEPA transfers**, direct debit, and salary payments. **N26** operates under a **German banking licence** supervised by BaFin and the European Central Bank, which means deposits up to **EUR 100,000** are protected by the German deposit guarantee scheme. **Revolut** operates through **Revolut Bank UAB**, licenced in Lithuania, with deposits protected under the Lithuanian deposit guarantee scheme up to **EUR 100,000**.

**N26** provides a **DE-prefix IBAN** (e.g. DE89...) for all accounts. This is accepted across Austria for SEPA transfers, salary payments, and most utility direct debits. **Revolut** provides a **LT-prefix IBAN** (e.g. LT...) through Revolut Bank UAB. Both IBANs are legally valid for SEPA purposes throughout the EU, but some Austrian landlords and older Austrian companies may prefer an **AT-prefix IBAN**. For those cases, a traditional Austrian bank account from **Erste Bank**, **Bank Austria**, or **Raiffeisen** is the complement.

Both collect **tax residency and TIN data** under the **Common Reporting Standard (CRS)**. Austrian residents must provide their **Austrian Steueridentifikationsnummer** (TIN). This is a standard EU legal requirement, not a red flag.

## Which Has Better Customer Support?

**N26** reserves **phone support for premium customers** on Smart, You, Go, or Metal plans. Standard account holders can only reach **N26** via in-app chat. **Revolut** offers in-app chat on all tiers, with **priority phone support** on Premium and Metal plans. Neither provider has a physical branch in Austria where you can walk in. For urgent card issues, **Revolut**'s in-app chat is available 24/7 on all plans, giving it a slight edge for Standard-tier users.

Both apps support **instant card freezing** and spending notifications, which reduce the need to contact support for routine issues. **N26** also offers a dedicated support section in English at their help centre. **Revolut** has a larger community forum and more extensive self-service documentation. If phone support matters to you, budget for at least the **N26 Smart** or **Revolut Premium** tier.

## How Much Do Revolut and N26 Cost?

Both **Revolut** and **N26** offer a **free Standard tier** with a Mastercard debit card and virtual card. Paid tiers unlock phone support, higher FX limits, travel insurance, and premium metal cards. **N26 Metal** costs **EUR 16.90 per month**. **Revolut Ultra** is the highest tier at the premium end. Debit-first onboarding is easier than applying for an Austrian bank credit card.

| Feature | Revolut | N26 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Card type | Mastercard debit | Mastercard debit |
| Free tier | Standard (EUR 0) | Standard (EUR 0) |
| Premium tier price | Metal / Ultra (varies) | N26 Metal EUR 16.90/month |
| Virtual cards | Yes, instant | Yes, on all tiers |
| FX / multi-currency | Best-in-class, 30+ currencies | No foreign transaction fee; no multi-currency wallets |
| Phone support | Premium and Metal tiers | Premium tiers only (Smart and above) |
| Verification time | Up to 7 working days | Typically 1 to 2 working days |
| SEPA | Yes, LT-prefix IBAN | Yes, DE-prefix IBAN |
Sources: Revolut and N26 official pricing pages. Prices as of June 2026.

## How Do You Open an Account?

Both **Revolut** and **N26** are opened entirely through their mobile apps. You do not need a **Meldezettel** (Austrian registration) or an existing Austrian bank account to open either. You need a valid passport or EU ID, a selfie for identity verification, and an Austrian or EU phone number. **Debit-first onboarding** is significantly easier than applying for a traditional Austrian bank credit card, which requires a Meldezettel, a KSV1870 credit check, and minimum income proof.

For **N26**: download the app, enter your details, and complete a **video ID check** via the app. Approval typically takes **1 to 2 working days**. Your virtual card is available immediately after approval. The physical card arrives by post in **5 to 10 working days**.

For **Revolut**: download the app, enter your details, and upload photos of your ID. **Verification can take up to 7 working days** in Austria. Your virtual card is available as soon as your account is approved. The physical card arrives separately. To speed things up, apply as early as possible before you need the card.

## Related Guides

[### Fintech Apps in Austria N26, Revolut, bunq, and Wise compared for expats and new arrivals.](/banking/fintech-apps)[### Best Credit Cards in Austria free.at Mastercard Gold, N26 Metal, Erste Visa Gold, and more compared.](/banking/credit-cards)[### Prepaid Cards in Austria Options for spending without a bank account or credit check.](/banking/prepaid-cards)[### Open a Bank Account in Austria Step-by-step guide to opening your first traditional Austrian bank account.](/banking/open-bank-account)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Revolut or N26 better for new arrivals in Austria?

Both are strong **day-one cards** before you have an Austrian bank account. **N26** holds an **EU banking licence** with clear Euro pricing, making it simpler for newcomers. **Revolut** offers more tiers and better **multi-currency FX**. Most new arrivals open both: **N26** as their primary Euro account and **Revolut** for travel and currency exchange.

### How long does Revolut verification take in Austria?

**Revolut** identity verification can take **up to 7 working days** in Austria. **N26** verification is typically faster, often completing within **1 to 2 working days** via video ID. If you need a card urgently, **N26** is the faster option. Both issue a **virtual card instantly** once the account is approved.

### Does N26 have phone support in Austria?

**N26** reserves **phone support for premium customers** on Smart, You, Go, or Metal plans. Standard account holders can only reach support via in-app chat. **Revolut** offers in-app chat support on all tiers, with **priority phone support** on Premium and Metal plans.

### Do Revolut and N26 collect tax residency information in Austria?

Yes. Both **Revolut** and **N26** collect **tax residency and TIN** (Tax Identification Number) data under the **Common Reporting Standard (CRS)**. Austrian residents must provide their **Austrian TIN**. This is a legal requirement for all EU-licenced banks, not a policy specific to either provider.

### Can I use Revolut or N26 as my main bank account in Austria?

Yes. Both support **SEPA transfers**, direct debit, and salary payments via an **Austrian-compatible IBAN**. **N26** provides a **DE-prefix IBAN** (German), which is accepted throughout Austria for SEPA purposes. **Revolut** provides a **LT-prefix IBAN** (Lithuanian) through Revolut Bank UAB. For landlords or employers requiring an **AT-prefix IBAN**, a traditional Austrian bank account is recommended alongside.

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Source: https://www.how-to-austria.com/banking/revolut-vs-n26
Last updated: Updated: June 6 2026
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