Category: Money | Page 2

bunq Review 2026: Better than Revolut?

Last updated: January 01, 20262 Comments

bunq is a fully app-based EU bank founded in 2012 and licensed under De Nederlandsche Bank. It targets users who value automation, strong budgeting with multiple IBANs, and an eco-focused brand. Unlike e-money institutions, bunq is a licensed bank and covered by the Dutch Deposit Guarantee up to €100,000.

Company Background

Founded: 2012, Amsterdam.
License: Full EU banking license (DNB supervision).
Coverage: 30+ EEA countries; UK via e-money permissions.
Scale: Multi-billion euro deposits; rapid feature cadence.

Who bunq Is For

Digital nomads and frequent travelers managing multiple currencies.
Freelancers and entrepreneurs who want quick, flexible banking.
Families who benefit from shared sub-accounts and spending controls.
Developers who want API access and automation.
Eco-conscious users who value tree-planting initiatives.

Account Types & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Fee	Key Features
Easy Bank	€2.99	Basic current account, EU IBAN, core app features
Easy Money	€8.99	Multiple sub-accounts with IBANs, budgeting tools, extra cards
Easy Green	€17.99	All Easy Money features + tree-planting perks + premium extras
Business (tiers)	from €12.99	Multi-user, API access, bookkeeping integrations, VAT sub-accounts

Subscription model. Transparent pricing. No freemium with hidden FX spreads.

Core Features

Multi-IBAN sub-accounts: segment budgets, projects, and taxes.
Multi-currency: EUR, USD, GBP support with fair FX.
Cards: physical and virtual Mastercard; Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Automation: rules to sort income, allocate VAT, and fund goals.
API: public developer API for custom workflows.
Investing (bunq Stocks): fractional shares/ETFs from €10, simple fees.
Green focus: tree planting and impact tracking on Easy Green.

Business Banking

Multiple IBANs to separate revenue, expenses, and tax.
Permissions and team cards with limits per user.
Bookkeeping integrations and export options.
API hooks for invoices, reconciliations, and payouts.

Investing with bunq

Access US/EU stocks and selected ETFs.
Fractional trading from low ticket sizes.
Simple fee model suitable for beginners.
Not a pro trading platform; basic execution and analytics.

Security

EU bank license; Dutch Deposit Guarantee up to €100,000 per depositor.
Biometric login, instant card freeze, granular controls.
Note: bunq has faced compliance scrutiny and an AML-related fine; the bank disputes aspects of this. Keep a backup account as standard best practice.

Crypto

You can buy/sell from the Crypto tab in the bunq app. Fees start at 0.25% per trade. Coverage is via Kraken infrastructure.

They also rolled out EU-wide flexible staking (no lockups) with advertised yields up to ~10% APR.

Customer Experience

Strengths: polished app, real-time notifications, budget clarity, automation, clear pricing.

Weaknesses: reports of slow support, occasional freezes, limited help in fraud disputes.

bunq vs Competitors

vs Revolut: Revolut excels in trading/crypto. bunq offers a full EU bank license and stronger multi-IBAN budgeting.
vs Wise: Wise is best for international transfers. bunq is better as a primary current account with automation.
vs N26: N26 has strong presence in DE/ES. bunq pushes faster on features and developer tooling.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Licensed EU bank, deposit protection.
Multi-IBAN sub-accounts for precise budgeting.
Open API and automation.
Eco features with Easy Green.
Entry-level investing access.

Cons

Subscription costs higher than some rivals.
Mixed support reputation; compliance scrutiny.
Best experience within the EEA footprint.

Conclusion

bunq is a strong pick for international users, freelancers, and small businesses who value automation and budgeting clarity. Pricing is not the lowest, but the toolset—multi-IBANs, API, rules, and green options—justifies it for many. Use bunq as a core account and keep a secondary option for redundancy.

Try bunq today

FAQ

Is bunq a real bank?

Yes. bunq operates with an EU banking license under the Dutch central bank (DNB). Eligible deposits are protected up to €100,000.

Does bunq work in Spain and across the EEA?

Yes. bunq serves most EEA countries. You get a European IBAN and can spend globally with Mastercard.

Can bunq replace my traditional bank?

For many users, yes. You can receive salary, set up direct debits, and manage savings and budgets. Keep a backup account for resilience.

How good are bunq’s exchange rates?

Rates are competitive and transparent. There is no freemium cross-subsidy via hidden FX spreads. Check current plan terms for precise fees.

Is bunq safe?

bunq includes standard security features and is covered by the Dutch Deposit Guarantee. Like any bank, it faces regulatory oversight. Maintain good account hygiene and a secondary account.

Does bunq support Apple Pay and Google Pay?

Yes. You can add bunq cards to Apple Pay and Google Pay in supported regions.

What’s special about bunq for businesses?

Multi-IBAN sub-accounts, VAT allocation, permissions, team cards, exports, and a public API for automation.

Does bunq offer investing?

Yes. bunq Stocks provides fractional access to selected US/EU shares and ETFs. It is designed for simple, long-term investing rather than active trading.

Paying in Foreign Currencies: Best Practices to Save on Fees

Published: September 10, 2025Leave a Comment

Traveling abroad or shopping online often means dealing with currencies that are different from your home country’s. While this may seem straightforward—your card gets charged, and your bank handles the rest—the reality is that small decisions at the checkout can save (or cost) you significant amounts over time.

Whether you’re exploring a new country or purchasing from a foreign website like Amazon.co.uk while living in the Eurozone, the following tips will help you avoid hidden fees, unfair exchange rates, and unnecessary charges.

1. Use a Modern Multi-Currency Card

Traditional banks typically charge a currency conversion fee of 2–3% on every foreign transaction, on top of using their own less favorable exchange rates. Over a holiday or a year of online shopping, this adds up.

Cards like bunq solve this problem by:

Offering real-time exchange rates that are close to interbank levels.
Charging no hidden fees on everyday purchases.
Allowing you to hold and exchange multiple currencies directly in the app.

If you travel regularly or shop internationally, using a modern card like bunq should be your default choice.

2. Always Pay in the Local Currency

When offered the option to pay in your home currency or the local currency, always choose the local currency.

Many merchants and ATMs use a system called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). At first, it looks helpful—you see the amount in your familiar home currency. But behind the scenes, the provider applies its own inflated exchange rate, often adding 4–5% on top of your purchase.

Example:

Paying €100 worth of goods in Thailand using DCC could cost you €105–€106.
Paying in Thai Baht and letting bunq handle the conversion would give you the fairer rate.

Rule of thumb: Local currency always wins.

3. ATM Withdrawals: Choose Checking or Savings

When withdrawing money abroad, some ATMs ask whether to charge your credit, checking, or savings account. Choose either checking or savings. Selecting “credit” may result in additional fees or failed withdrawals.

Also remember:

ATM prompt with conversion vs. without conversion → Always choose without conversion. Otherwise, you fall into the same DCC trap described above.

4. Know Your Card’s Limits and Markups

While bunq gives you flexibility with multiple currencies, it’s important to know the conditions that apply:

Some plans include free ATM withdrawals up to a limit; beyond that, a small fee applies.
Currency conversion is generally done at live rates with no added spread, though bunq may pass on a minor markup for less liquid currencies.
As with most providers, weekend or off-market conversions may come with a small buffer to protect against volatility when Forex markets are closed.

To maximize savings, exchange during weekdays if you know you’ll need cash abroad.

5. Watch Out for Hidden Fees in Online Shopping

Shopping from foreign websites comes with the same pitfalls:

Always pay in the website’s native currency instead of converting to yours at checkout.
Check if your card provider charges international processing fees (bunq plans do not, unlike many traditional banks).
For recurring purchases (e.g., subscriptions), make sure the correct currency is set from the start to avoid repeated conversion charges.

6. Optimize Subscriptions and Recurring Payments

Streaming platforms, software subscriptions, and cloud services often price differently depending on the billing country. Paying in the service’s native currency with bunq avoids repeated conversion fees. In some cases, you may even benefit from lower regional pricing, provided the service allows it.

7. Pre-Load and Budget in Foreign Currencies

If you know you’ll spend in USD, GBP, or other currencies, bunq lets you hold balances in those currencies. You can top up when rates are favorable and then spend directly from that balance abroad. This not only avoids conversion surprises but also doubles as a budgeting tool, since you can cap your spend in advance.

8. Use FX Alerts and Automation

Exchange rates fluctuate daily, and if you have predictable foreign expenses—like rent, tuition, or freelancer payments—you can save by converting at the right time. Bunq allows you to set rate alerts or automate conversions when rates hit your preferred target. This feature effectively gives you a lightweight hedging tool without needing a broker account.

9. Extra Tips to Save More

Withdraw larger amounts at once rather than many small ATM withdrawals, to minimize per-transaction fees.
Use local cash sparingly if digital payments are widely accepted—contactless payments with a no-fee card are often safer and cheaper.
Keep a backup card in case your primary one is declined, especially in regions with less reliable banking infrastructure.
Check your app notifications after each transaction to ensure you were charged the correct amount.

Final Thoughts

Foreign currency transactions don’t have to be confusing or costly. By sticking to a few simple rules—use the right card, always pay in local currency, avoid DCC, pre-load foreign balances when possible, and understand your provider’s limits—you can save money and avoid unpleasant surprises.

If you want the simplest way to manage all of this, bunq is one of the best options available today. It’s built for travelers, online shoppers, and anyone who deals with multiple currencies regularly.

The next time you’re abroad or shopping online, follow these tips and keep more money in your pocket rather than handing it to banks and ATM providers.

Do you have other tried-and-tested strategies for saving money on foreign transactions? Share them in the comments below.

Kviku Review 2026 – Avoid This Platform

Last updated: January 17, 2026Leave a Comment

Kviku is one of those names that used to show up often in P2P lending circles—especially among investors chasing high double-digit returns in emerging markets. I gave them the benefit of the doubt at first. They looked solid on paper: Russian roots, cross-border expansion, supposedly high-tech scoring systems. But let’s not sugarcoat it—Kviku has turned out to be a mess.

When the Music Stopped

If you were invested in Kviku during the early days, things probably looked fine. They were paying interest, claiming buyback guarantees, and issuing updates that sounded reassuring. Then came the geopolitical fallout: sanctions, financial restrictions, and an absolute collapse in credibility. Suddenly, payments stopped flowing—and communication dried up with them.

And here’s the kicker: Kviku kept promising repayments “soon.” Some platforms hosting their loans even doubled down on this, stringing along investors with timelines that never materialized. We’re now talking years, not months. And let’s be honest—if you haven’t been paid back by now, you’re probably never getting your money.

The Buyback Guarantee Lie

One of the biggest red flags in P2P lending is a “buyback guarantee” that depends entirely on the originator’s goodwill. Kviku proved exactly why that model is broken. When push came to shove, the guarantees weren’t worth the digital paper they were printed on. If the loan originator has no access to funds—or simply doesn’t want to pay—you’re stuck. That’s exactly what happened here.

Platform Silence & Excuses

The platforms that listed Kviku loans (like Bondster, Mintos, and others) did a poor job, to put it mildly. They allowed Kviku to drag on repayment timelines endlessly, citing vague excuses and political instability as the cause. Sure, some of that is fair—but the absolute lack of accountability or urgency showed where their priorities lie: not with investors.

Even when Kviku issued updates, they were cryptic at best and misleading at worst. “We’re finalizing restructuring,” “We’ve secured banking channels,” “We’ll resume payments next quarter”—it’s been the same recycled nonsense for over a year.

My Take

In my view, Kviku has joined the growing list of platforms and originators that overpromised, underdelivered, and ultimately betrayed the trust of retail investors. I’m chalking it up as a lesson and moving on. These days, I’m far more selective about who I trust with my capital—especially in higher-risk markets. Flashy returns mean nothing if you can’t withdraw your money.

Bottom Line

If you’re still hoping Kviku will make good on its obligations, I hope you’re right—but I wouldn’t hold my breath. For those looking at similar platforms now: be ruthless in your due diligence. Don’t just look at the yield—follow the money, the ownership, the regulation (or lack thereof), and the real-world ability to enforce contracts.

As always: stay diversified, stay skeptical, and remember that capital preservation beats high returns on paper that never materialize.

LenderMarket Review 2026 – Promising Changes in v2

Last updated: January 17, 2026Leave a Comment

Update: December 2025 – LenderMarket has launched version 2.0 and appears to be recovering from its major issues. However, given the platform’s history, I remain cautious about recommending it.
I’ll be completely honest with you. LenderMarket is on my list of worst P2P platforms in Europe, and there’s a good reason for that. The platform has had serious issues with delayed loans, non-fulfillment of buyback guarantees, and blocking withdrawals through pending payments.

That said, with the launch of LenderMarket 2.0 in April 2024, some investors are reporting improvements. So let me give you the full picture.

The Troubled History You Need to Know

Before I get into the current state of the platform, you need to understand what happened.

Between 2022 and 2024, LenderMarket was essentially broken. Investors had their funds locked in “pending payments” for months, sometimes years. I’m talking about people waiting 5+ years to get their money back through tiny monthly payments.

The core problem was with Creditstar, LenderMarket’s main loan originator. When Creditstar faced liquidity issues, it affected virtually all investments on the platform. Loans were being extended up to 180 days (6 extensions of 30 days each), making the maximum delay 240 days total.

Some investors called it a Ponzi scheme. While the platform continued offering cashback bonuses to attract new money, existing investors couldn’t withdraw their funds.
This is why I included LenderMarket in my worst platforms list. When an investment platform blocks withdrawals and delays returns for years, that’s a major red flag.

LenderMarket 2.0: A Fresh Start?

In April 2024, LenderMarket launched version 2.0. This wasn’t just a cosmetic update – they rebuilt the entire infrastructure.

The strategy seems to be separating the old problems (version 1.0) from the new platform (version 2.0). Version 1.0 still exists with all the old pending payments, while version 2.0 operates as a clean slate.

Early signs are promising. Investors on version 2.0 haven’t reported the same issues that plagued the original platform. Cash flows are working properly, and withdrawals seem to be processing normally.

As of July 2025, several users have reported finally receiving funds that were stuck in pending payments for years. This suggests the platform is making genuine efforts to resolve past issues.

Current Investment Offering

Returns: 15.58% average annual return
Fees: 0% commission (one of their genuine advantages)
Minimum: €10 investment
Auto-Invest: Available and well-designed
Buyback Guarantee: Yes, but remember their track record

The platform works with three main loan originators:

Rapicredit (Colombia) – 18% returns, 10% skin in the game, focuses on microlending
CrediFiel (Mexico) – 12% returns, consumer loans with financial inclusion focus
Dineo (Spain) – 12% returns, online and offline consumer loans with physical presence

The Auto-Invest feature is actually quite good. It automatically diversifies across originators and regions based on your preferences. However, auto-invested loans have a minimum term of 360 days when reinvesting pending payments, which limits flexibility.

The Risks You’re Taking

Let me be clear about what you’re signing up for:

Platform Risk: Despite improvements, LenderMarket has a history of major operational failures. Version 2.0 might be better, but it’s only been running for about a year.
Creditstar Dependency: The platform is still heavily dependent on Creditstar’s financial health. If Creditstar faces problems again, it could affect all your investments.
No Deposit Insurance: Your money isn’t protected like it would be in a bank account.
Limited Transparency: The platform doesn’t provide detailed insights into loan performance or risk management processes.
Regulatory Uncertainty: They’ve had issues obtaining proper regulatory licenses, which delayed platform operations.

My Personal Take

I haven’t invested in LenderMarket, and I won’t be changing that stance anytime soon.

Yes, version 2.0 shows promise. Yes, they offer attractive returns with zero fees. But their track record speaks volumes about risk management and investor protection.

When a platform locks up investor funds for years and then launches a “new” version while the old problems persist, that raises serious questions about management competence and priorities.
I much prefer platforms like Mintos, where I’ve consistently achieved 11.42% returns without the drama and uncertainty that comes with LenderMarket.

Who Might Consider LenderMarket

If you’re determined to try LenderMarket despite these warnings, here’s who it might suit:

Experienced P2P investors who understand platform risks
Investors willing to limit exposure to 2-3% of total portfolio
People attracted to high returns who can afford potential losses
Investors with 3+ year time horizons

Who Should Definitely Avoid It

First-time P2P investors
Anyone needing guaranteed safety or liquidity
Investors who can’t afford to lose their entire investment
People uncomfortable with platforms that have troubled histories

The Bottom Line

LenderMarket 2.0 might eventually prove that the platform has learned from its mistakes. The zero fees and high returns are genuinely attractive.

But I’ve seen too many investors get burned by platforms with similar track records. When you’re choosing where to put your money, past behavior is often the best predictor of future performance.

If you want exposure to P2P lending, I’d suggest starting with more established platforms like Mintos or Twino. Once you’re comfortable with P2P investing and have built a diversified portfolio, then you might consider allocating a small portion to higher-risk platforms like LenderMarket.

Remember, in P2P lending, the goal isn’t just to chase the highest returns. It’s to build a sustainable portfolio that generates steady income without keeping you awake at night wondering if your money is safe.

How to Withdraw Money from PayPal Without Losing on Currency Conversion (2025 Guide)

Last updated: September 21, 20253 Comments

PayPal is one of the most widely used payment processors in the world, especially for freelancers, e-commerce businesses, and creators. But when it comes to withdrawing money—particularly in USD from European PayPal accounts—things get complicated quickly. PayPal’s default behavior is to convert your balance into your local currency (usually EUR) before withdrawing, and their exchange rates are notoriously unfavorable.

In this updated guide, I’ll show you the most efficient ways to withdraw your funds while minimizing or avoiding unnecessary fees and bad conversion rates.

💸 Updated PayPal Withdrawal Comparison (2025)

Method	Currency Received	FX Rate	Fee	Limit
Visa debit card (Wise)	USD	Bank conversion	$2.50	$3,000/tx
Visa debit card (Revolut)	USD	Bank conversion	$2.50	$2,500/tx
Bank account (EUR)	EUR	PayPal FX (poor)	Free	High

Withdrawing to a Debit or Credit Card

This is currently the best way to keep your funds in USD when withdrawing from a European PayPal account. If your Visa card supports USD (like those from Wise or Revolut), PayPal can send the funds directly without converting them to EUR. Your bank will then handle the currency conversion, often at a better rate than PayPal’s.

There is a flat $2.50 fee per withdrawal. While the traditional limit was $2,500, recent data shows that some users are able to withdraw up to $10,000 per transaction depending on the card and PayPal account history.

In my experience, for Revolut you need to set the withdrawal amount to $1,999 as a maximum. Anything beyond that and PayPal will throw an error. However, you can make two $1,999 withdrawals per day, bringing the total withdrawal to Revolut per day maximum to around $4k.

Withdrawing to a Local EUR Bank Account

This option allows for high-limit or even unlimited withdrawals, but comes with a big drawback: PayPal will automatically convert USD to EUR using their internal exchange rate, which includes a hidden margin of around 3–4%. This can result in hundreds or thousands of euros lost on large transfers.

What About USD Bank Accounts in Europe?

Even if your bank provides a USD account, PayPal will often still convert to EUR before sending, unless the account is registered as a U.S. bank (such as through Payoneer or Wise US routing). I’ve been able to add a USD-denominated account manually to my PayPal business profile, but this is an exception, not the rule.

My Recommended Approach

Given all the above, my personal strategy in 2025 is:

✅ For amounts up to $3,000: use Wise or Revolut USD Visa for instant transfer in USD
✅ For larger amounts: use my BoV Visa (Maltese bank) card, receive USD, let BoV handle the FX
❌ Avoid PayPal’s bank withdrawals unless I’m okay with their FX hit

If your setup supports it, this combination gives you fast access to funds, better control over exchange rates, and avoids the massive hidden fees that plague most non-US PayPal users.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tested another setup or found a better route — I’m always looking to update this article with verified options.