How to Open an N26 Business Account Online in 2024

N26 Overview

N26 is a German online bank headquartered in Berlin, Germany. It is licensed and regulated by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin). 

Founded in 2013, N26 operates in various member countries within the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), including Germany, France, and Ireland. N26 discontinued its services in the US in 2022 to focus on the European market. 

N26 provides business banking products targeting Europe-based freelancers and sole traders, including business accounts and electronic device insurance. N26 has no physical branches, and users can access all their services online from their mobile phones.

This article will guide you through the N26 account opening process, covering essential details from eligibility, types of bank accounts available, and account opening fees. 

💡 Tip: Find out more about N26’s features, fees, and customer support ratings in our N26 business account review.

Types of Accounts Available

N26 offers bank accounts for personal and business purposes. Both are current accounts with four plans: N26 Standard, N26 Smart, N26 You, and N26 Metal. However, this guide will focus on their business accounts. 

N26 business accounts are designed for sole traders, self-employed individuals, or those working freelance. With an N26 business bank account, you will receive a physical and virtual Mastercard® debit card. 

N26 Standard

N26 Standard is a free basic account plan. N26 Standard users can benefit from the following features:

• Virtual and physical card
• Free card payments worldwide
• 3 free ATM withdrawals within the eurozone per month
• 0.1% monthly cashback on all Mastercard® spending

N26 Smart

N26 Smart users can benefit from all the features in the Standard plan, plus the following:

• Free ATM withdrawals in other currencies
• 5 free ATM withdrawals within the eurozone per month
• Deals, discounts, and offers from partner brands
• Share sub-accounts with up to 10 other N26 users

N26 You

N26 You is an upgraded plan with travel perks, including travel insurance from Allianz. 

• Free ATM withdrawals in other currencies
• 8 free ATM withdrawals within the eurozone per month
• Get coverage for medical emergencies while travelling, travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, lost or stolen baggage, as well as personal liability insurance.

N26 Metal

N26 Metal is a premium business account that includes all benefits of the other plans and the following:

• 8 free ATM withdrawals within the eurozone per month
• 0.5% monthly cashback on all N26 Mastercard® spending
• Allianz travel insurance
• Exclusive insurance with purchase protection and mobile phone coverage in cases of accidental damage or theft.

💡Tip: As N26 is based in Europe, their bank accounts support SWIFT and SEPA payments in euros. Moreover, deposits in N26 accounts are protected under the German Deposit Protection Scheme. 

Eligibility

You can only have one active N26 account in your name, meaning that you cannot open an N26 business account if you already have a personal one. 

Additionally, you must be over 18 years old and be able to verify your identity in English, German, Spanish, Italian, or French.

Countries Eligible

You must be a resident of one of the countries where N26 operates, including:

Company Types Eligible 

You can open an N26 business account if you are a freelancer, a self-employed or individual entrepreneur with a VAT number, or a registered sole proprietor. 

Companies and partnerships are not eligible to open a bank account with N26. 

What Documents Do I Need to Open an N26 Business Account?

You must provide valid proof of identity when opening an N26 business account. The type of ID you can use varies depending on your nationality and country of residence.

You can use your passport or ID card if you hold the nationality of an EU country, including Germany, France, and Ireland. You must provide a residence permit if your citizenship is outside the EU, such as the UK, Hong Kong, or Singapore. 

You must provide a valid Tax ID (as per Art. 202, Ley General Tributaria 58/2003) if you apply for an N26 account in Spain. You may also be asked to provide valid proof of address. 

Application Forms and Useful Resources 

You can only apply for an N26 account through their website and mobile app.

For other resources, such as the accepted ID Type according to your nationality, we recommend you consult N26’s support page. 

How To Open an N26 Business Account

You can open an N26 bank account online on their website or via the N26 app on compatible smartphones. 

Step 1 - Create Your Account

The first step is to head to N26’s website and click “Open business account” at the top right of the page, where you will be led to their account opening portal. 

You will have to select your country of residence at this step. You will be asked to join a waiting list if N26 services are unavailable in your region. 

Step 2 - Provide Additional Information and Create Your Password

The next step is to provide additional information, including:

• Personal details - including your first and last name, email address, and date of birth
• Home address - N26 will send your debit card to this address
• Tax information - you may have to provide your tax identification number depending on your country of residence

After completing this process, you must create a password for your account. 

Step 3 - Connect Your Smartphone

If you register on the N26 website, the next step is to download the N26 app and connect your phone to your new account. 

On your first login to the N26 app, you will be prompted to verify your login. To do this, you must click a confirmation link sent to your email and enter a 4-digit code sent by SMS.

Step 4 - Verify Your Identity

You must confirm your identity as a part of the KYC process.

The ID verification method varies based on nationality, residence country, and ID type. In most cases, you will have to take a photo or video of yourself as instructed. 

Step 5 - Activate Your Card

Lastly, after verifying and approving your account, N26 will send your Mastercard® by post. You can activate your card by simply making deposits to your account.

You can use your N26 card for payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay wallets before the physical card arrives. 

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How Long Does It Take To Open an N26 Business Account?

The N26 business account application process usually takes around 10 minutes. After verifying your identity, you can use your N26 bank account instantly.

How Much Does It Cost to Open an N26 Business Account?

N26 does not charge an account opening fee, while the monthly fees vary depending on your chosen account plan. The N26 Standard business account is free of opening and monthly fees. 

It is worth noticing that N26’s pricing for some services may be different depending on your country of residence. For other fees by country, we recommend you visit their support page for pricing. 

How to Contact N26 Customer Support?

You can email support@n26.com or chat with the N26 chatbot for general queries.

Once you’ve successfully opened an account with N26, you can chat with their customer support team via the app on your smartphone from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CET. This in-app chat support is available in multiple languages, including English, German, and French.

You can get phone support if you have an N26 You, Smart, or Metal account. However, you must only call from the number you provided in the application process. 

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