Head to head
Bunq vs Revolut 2026: Best European Banking App?
Verdict: too close to call.
TL;DR Verdict
Bunq is a budgeting powerhouse with Spaces and savings goals. Revolut is a superapp for forex, stocks, and crypto. Both offer free tiers. Pick Bunq for structured saving, Revolut for travel and investing.
Plans and Monthly Fees
Both follow freemium model. Bunq description: "Free tier plus paid plans." Revolut description: "Free tier plus paid Premium and Metal tiers." Exact fees not provided. Check official websites for current pricing.
| Feature | Bunq | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Budgeting & Savings | Spaces, savings goals | Budgeting tools, analytics |
| Foreign Exchange | Not highlighted | Forex services |
| Investing | Not highlighted | Stocks & crypto |
| API Access | Yes | Not highlighted |
| User Base | 14M+ users, €7B+ deposits | Not disclosed |
Budgeting: Spaces vs Pockets and Analytics
Bunq Spaces
Bunq's core budgeting tool is Spaces. Create separate sub-accounts for rent, groceries, travel, or savings goals. Money stays inside one overall account but organized. Setup takes seconds. Great for shared expenses.
Revolut Budgeting
Revolut offers built-in analytics and spending categories. Tracks expenses automatically. Pockets feature (not detailed in provided data) allows money compartmentalization. Reason: Revolut description mentions "budgeting" as part of superapp.
Winner for budgeting: Bunq Spaces more structured, Revolut analytics stronger for tracking.
Travel, FX, and Card Perks
Revolut Travel
Revolut description highlights "forex." Spend abroad with interbank exchange rates (weekdays, no markup up to certain limits). Premium and Metal tiers offer airport lounge access, travel insurance.
Bunq Travel
Bunq does not emphasize travel perks. Standard card works abroad but without specific FX kickbacks. No travel insurance mentioned.
Verdict: Revolut obviously stronger for frequent travelers.
Banking License, Deposit Protection, and Support
Both are regulated EU financial entities. Bunq calls itself a "neobank" (licensed bank). Revolut operates under "digital banking superapp" – holds a banking license from Bank of Lithuania. Deposit protection schemes apply (up to €100k per EU law) – not explicit in provided data but standard for licensed banks. Support: both offer in-app chat. No specifics on response times.
Recommendation: When to Pick Bunq, When to Pick Revolut
Choose Bunq if:
- You want clear budgeting with Spaces and savings goals.
- You need API access for automation or linking external tools.
- You prefer a no-frills banking app focused on deposits and spending.
Choose Revolut if:
- You travel frequently and need low-cost forex.
- You want to invest in stocks, crypto, or commodities.
- You like having everything (banking, trading, budgeting) in one app.
Both apps are excellent choices. The right pick depends on your primary need: saving vs. investing. For most users, a tie – each excels in different areas.