Best neobanks 2026
Comparison of mobile neobanks: cards, limits, fees abroad, regulatory status. Editorial ranking scored out of 100 according to our methodology.
- Neobanks shine on mobile experience and instant account opening; Revolut claims around 9 million users in France, Sumeria (formerly Lydia) more than 7 million accounts.
- Regulatory status is decisive: Revolut (Lithuanian banking licence) and N26 (German licence, BaFin) are covered by the deposit guarantee up to €100,000; Sumeria operates as an ACPR-authorised payment institution (segregated funds, no FGDR guarantee).
- The right choice mostly depends on your usage: travel and multi-currency, everyday banking or peer-to-peer payments.
- ⚠️ This is not personalised advice — check the status, authorisation and level of deposit guarantee before opening an account.
Born on mobile, neobanks set a new standard: account opening in a few minutes, instant notifications and budget management right inside the app. Not all are equal, and beyond exchange fees and limits, the most structuring point remains regulatory status: a banking licence (Revolut, N26) grants entitlement to the deposit guarantee up to €100,000, whereas a payment institution like Sumeria (formerly Lydia) merely segregates the funds. This comparison is an editorial ranking scored out of 100 using the same grid for all of them, to help you find the neobank suited to your usage.
Our methodology
Each option is scored out of 100 against weighted criteria, using the same grid for all.
| Criterion | What we look at | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & currency exchange | Subscription, withdrawals, foreign-currency payments | 30 |
| Features | Sub-accounts, budgeting, instant payments | 25 |
| Cards & limits | Card type, limits, included insurance | 20 |
| Mobile experience | Store ratings, usability, account opening | 15 |
| Security & guarantee | Authorisation, deposit guarantee, support | 10 |
The 2026 ranking
Revolut
N26
Sumeria (formerly Lydia)
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Comparison table
| Neobank | Status | Deposit guarantee | Exchange | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | Banking licence (LT) | Up to €100,000 | Favourable | 91 |
| N26 | Banking licence (DE) | Up to €100,000 | Standard | 88 |
| Sumeria (formerly Lydia) | Payment institution | Segregated funds (no FGDR) | Standard | 84 |
Frequently asked questions
Can a neobank replace a traditional bank?
For everyday banking (current account, card, payments), often yes. For a mortgage, a regulated savings passbook or a dedicated adviser, a traditional or online bank is generally still needed.
Are neobanks safe?
It depends on their status. A neobank holding a banking licence (like N26 or Revolut) is covered by the deposit guarantee up to €100,000. A payment or electronic-money institution (like Sumeria) segregates funds in a separate account, but without the formal FGDR guarantee.
What is the difference between a banking licence and a payment institution?
An authorised bank can receive deposits covered by the deposit guarantee and offer credit. A payment institution, supervised by the ACPR, handles payments and segregates client funds without bringing them within the scope of the €100,000 deposit guarantee.
🗓️ Update history
- 05/08/2026 — Verification of players and facts, 2026 update.
- 12/07/2026 — Updated 2026 plans and exchange fees.
- 05/03/2026 — Comparison created.
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