My experience with N26 has been extremely disappointing. Shortly after opening my account, €2,500 was blocked without any prior warning or clear explanation. The funds are still inaccessible.

I understand that banks must carry out security and compliance checks, but customers should first be contacted and given the opportunity to answer questions or provide information before their money is blocked, especially when there is no obvious sign of fraud.

This situation is particularly serious for people travelling abroad. Imagine being on vacation and suddenly losing access to what may be your only available money. It could leave someone unable to pay for accommodation, food, transport, or a flight home.

Based on my experience, I would not recommend relying on N26 as your only bank while travelling. Revolut or Wise may be more suitable alternatives.

Edit:
You accepted a €2,500 deposit made with a legitimate card and then restricted access to the funds without any prior warning or notification.

I had to contact your helpdesk three times, spending more than 30 minutes on the phone, and even then, nobody was able to provide a clear or complete explanation. Meanwhile, I received no message or update from N26 for more than 48 hours.

I understand that banks must comply with financial regulations. However, other financial institutions such as Wise, Revolut, and bunq generally request additional information or give the customer an opportunity to explain the transaction before restricting access to their money.

Are you seriously suggesting that your regulatory obligations are more important than the impact your actions may have on a customer, even when they could completely disrupt someone’s vacation or leave them without access to their money?

Regulation is the law, but it is also a framework that banks can implement in a fair, proportionate, and customer-friendly manner. Your current approach shows very little consideration or respect for the customer. If this remains your standard way of operating, I believe it will seriously damage customer confidence in N26.