N26 closes in the UK - What now for cardholders?

N26 UK has announced that it is to close its UK operations following the UK leaving the European Union at the end of January 2020. If you have an N26 Standard, You, or Metal card, we have all the information on your options, alternatives, and next steps.

Why is N26 UK closing down?

On 11 February 2020, N26 UK announced that it is closing down its operations in the UK on 15 April 2020. Because of the UK leaving the European Union at the end of January 2020, its European banking licence will no longer permit it to operate in the UK.

N26 originated in Germany and operates throughout Europe. N26 cardholders in other countries are unaffected and their accounts will operate as usual.

What will happen to my N26 UK account?

N26 has confirmed that it will close all existing UK accounts on 15 April 2020. Until then, all accounts will operate as usual, including payments, direct debits, and standing orders.

N26 UK has stopped all new applications, so it is no longer possible to open an account or upgrade an existing account.

What will happen to my money?

N26 UK advises customers to transfer their balance to an alternative bank account or withdraw their balance in cash from an ATM before 15 April 2020. In addition, customers will need to ensure they have moved any direct debits or regular payments to a new bank account before 15 April 2020 to prevent them from being declined.

Any money held in your N26 account remains protected under the German Deposit Protection Scheme, which insures all deposits up to GBP equivalent of €100,000

I am an N26 Metal or N26 You customer, what will happen to my perks?

N26 Metal and You customers will no longer have access to their perks and benefits from 15 April 2020. This includes LoungeKey membership and other partner offers.

N26 UK will stop charging membership fees for Metal and You accounts from 14 March 2020.

If you use your N26 Metal travel insurance, it will no longer be valid for journeys that begin after 15 April 2020.

What action do I need to take with my N26 UK account?

There are a few key things you will need to do before 15 April 2020.

1. Withdraw or transfer your existing N26 UK balance (including money held in Spaces) from your account before 15 April 2020.
2. If you are overdrawn, you will need to top up your balance to a minimum of £0
3. If you have your salary paid into your N26 UK account, you will need to provide new bank details to your employer before 15 April 2020.
4. You will need to cancel any regular automatic payments.
5. You will need to cancel any direct debits, or move them to a new bank account.
6. You should remove any stored N26 card details, such as PayPal, Apple Wallet.

How do I withdraw my N26 balance?

Your N26 card will still be functional until 15 April 2020 and so you can use it to withdraw your account balance at an ATM or transfer it to an alternative bank account via bank transfer before 15 April 2020.

What alternative banks are there to N26 UK?

N26 gained popularity in the UK because of its innovative app, budgeting tools, and low cost fees. Fortunately, there are plenty of similar accounts still available that you can apply for to continue receiving similar features and benefits you have experienced with N26 UK to manage your money.

If you are unsure which Bank is the best option for you, then you can compare current accounts and find the most suitable choice for you.

What will happen after my N26 UK account is closed?

All N26 UK accounts will close on 15 April 2020. If you have followed the above guidance, your account will close and you should use an alternative bank for all of your banking needs.

What happens if I receive a payment to my N26 UK account after 15 April?

If you receive a payment after 15 April 2020, the payment will bounce and be returned back to the sender. You will then need to contact them to provide them with your new details.

If you receive a payment before 15 April, it will be credited to your N26 account as usual. However, don’t forget you will need to bring your account balance to zero before 15th April.

Will I still be able to access the N26 UK app after 15 April?

No. On 15 April, all N26 UK accounts will close and you will be unable to access the mobile app or online banking to view your account or transaction details.

If you need records of your N26 transactions, you should download a statement from your N26 account online banking before 15 April 2020.

Selectra’s guidance on the closure of N26 UK

Understandably, it can be a frustrating and stressful experience to discover that your bank is closing down, especially if you use N26 as your main bank account.

N26 has given customers advance notice of its intentions to cease trading in the UK and all N26 customers can still access and use their account until 15 April 2020.

To avoid any last minute issues and bounced payments, N26 UK customers should follow the advice provided on the N26 UK website, including:

1. Withdraw any money held in your N26 account, including in your Spaces.
2. Open a new bank account as soon as possible.
3. Provide your new bank details to any companies you have direct debits or recurring payments with.
4. Provide your employer with your new bank details to have your salary paid into.
5. Remove your N26 card details from any saved locations, including your computer, PayPal.

How do I complain about N26 UK closing?

In line with the T&Cs customers agreed to when opening an account, N26 UK has announced it will close all UK accounts on 15 April 2020.

If you wish to make a complaint you should contact N26 UK directly via its mobile or web online chat. With N26 being a digital bank, it does not have a branch.

You can also seek further guidance and information from the following organisations:

• Citizens Advice Bureau
• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

If you are concerned about the effects the closure of N26 UK may have on your finances, you should reach out to organizations such as Citizens Advice Bureau or StepChange, who will be able to provide you with financial advice.