Jean Galea

Health, Wealth, Relationships, Wisdom

bunq Review 2026: Better than Revolut?

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bunq bank account europe

Open a bunq account

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

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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

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Kviku review 2021

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 – Is Version 2.0 Worth the Risk?

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lendermarketUpdate: March 2026 – LenderMarket 1.0 officially shut down on December 31, 2025, with all pending payments resolved. The platform relaunched as LenderMarket 2.0 in October 2025 with new technology, new loan originators, and an EU crowdfunding license. 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 relaunch of LenderMarket 2.0 in October 2025, the platform is essentially a different beast from what it was before. So let me give you the full picture.

LenderMarket at a Glance

Founded 2019 (relaunched as v2.0 in October 2025)
Country Ireland
Regulation ECSP licensed (Central Bank of Ireland, December 2024)
Average Returns ~15.58% annually
Buyback Guarantee Yes (but poor v1.0 track record)
Secondary Market No
Auto-Invest Yes
Min. Investment EUR 10
Loan Types Consumer loans (Colombia, Mexico, Spain)
My Recommendation Proceed with extreme caution

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 October 2025, LenderMarket relaunched as version 2.0 with entirely new technology and new loan originators. This wasn’t just a cosmetic update — they rebuilt the entire infrastructure.

A major milestone: LenderMarket 1.0 officially shut down on December 31, 2025, and all pending payments from the old platform have been resolved. This is significant because many investors had funds stuck for years, and the fact that they were eventually made whole counts for something.

Perhaps the most important development is that LenderMarket obtained an EU crowdfunding license (ECSP) from the Central Bank of Ireland in December 2024. This brings the platform under proper European regulatory oversight, which was sorely lacking in the v1.0 days.

However, be aware of new fees introduced in February 2026: a EUR 2 fee on second withdrawals (within the same month) and a 1.95% fee on card transactions. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they chip away at the “zero fees” advantage the platform used to promote.

Early signs on v2.0 are promising. Cash flows are working properly, and withdrawals are processing normally. But make no mistake — this is essentially a different platform from what was previously reviewed. The track record of v2.0 is still very short.

Current Investment Offering

Returns: 15.58% average annual return
Fees: 0% commission on investments, but note the EUR 2 second withdrawal fee and 1.95% card transaction fee introduced in February 2026
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:

  1. Platform Risk: Despite improvements, LenderMarket has a history of major operational failures. Version 2.0 has only been running since October 2025, so the track record is extremely short.
  2. New Loan Originators: V2.0 works with entirely new loan originators. While this removes the Creditstar dependency that plagued v1.0, these are unproven relationships.
  3. No Deposit Insurance: Your money isn’t protected like it would be in a bank account.
  4. Limited Transparency: The platform doesn’t provide detailed insights into loan performance or risk management processes.
  5. Regulatory Progress: The ECSP license from the Central Bank of Ireland is a positive step, but it’s still early days under this framework.

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, the ECSP license is a meaningful regulatory milestone. But their track record speaks volumes about risk management and investor protection.

I’ll give them credit for eventually resolving all v1.0 pending payments and obtaining proper regulatory licensing. But it took years, and many investors had their capital locked up for an unacceptable amount of time.
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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LenderMarket safe to invest in?

LenderMarket has a troubled history with locked funds and delayed payments in v1.0. Version 2.0 now holds an ECSP license from the Central Bank of Ireland, which is a significant improvement. However, the v2.0 track record is very short (launched October 2025). I recommend extreme caution.

What happened to LenderMarket investors’ money?

Between 2022 and 2024, many investors had funds locked in pending payments for months or years due to liquidity issues with Creditstar, the main loan originator. LenderMarket 1.0 officially shut down on December 31, 2025, and all pending payments were eventually resolved.

Is LenderMarket 2.0 different from v1.0?

Yes. LenderMarket 2.0 was rebuilt with entirely new technology and works with different loan originators (Rapicredit, CrediFiel, Dineo). The Creditstar dependency that caused v1.0’s problems no longer exists. However, the new originators are unproven relationships.

Should I invest in LenderMarket?

I have not invested in LenderMarket and do not plan to. While v2.0 shows promise and the ECSP license is a positive step, the platform’s history of locking investor funds makes it a higher-risk choice. If you do invest, limit your exposure to a very small portion of your overall portfolio.

The Bottom Line

LenderMarket 2.0 might eventually prove that the platform has learned from its mistakes. The ECSP license, new loan originators, and resolved v1.0 payments are all steps in the right direction.

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.

Bondster Review 2026 – Why I No Longer Recommend Investing

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Bondster review 2020Bondster was once a promising addition to the European P2P lending space. When I first came across the platform, it offered what looked like solid returns, backed by buyback guarantees and a growing selection of loan originators. However, in recent years—especially into 2025—things have taken a sharp turn for the worse. After monitoring the platform, reading investor feedback, and reviewing my own experience, I can no longer recommend Bondster as a viable P2P investment option.

Red Flags That Can’t Be Ignored

Over time, what started as minor concerns grew into recurring problems. Transparency is minimal. The platform still fails to clearly communicate loan originator performance, recovery expectations, or how it handles defaults. Too often, you’re left guessing what’s really going on with your money.

What’s even more worrying is how many loan originators have defaulted on their buyback obligations—and how little Bondster has done to protect its investors. The buyback guarantee sounds reassuring in theory, but in practice, it’s often meaningless. I’ve seen more than half of some users’ portfolios go into the “60+ days late” category, with no clear resolution path.

Investor Sentiment Has Collapsed

A quick glance at recent Trustpilot reviews tells you everything you need to know. Investors are complaining about blocked funds, multi-year delays in recovery, and poor communication. The most recent reviews in mid-2025 are damning—users are not just dissatisfied; they feel deceived.

Even the most loyal supporters of Bondster are throwing in the towel. It’s no longer just about risk—it’s about trust, and that trust has eroded beyond repair.

The Bigger Problem: Misaligned Incentives

Bondster’s main priority appears to be onboarding new loan originators rather than safeguarding the interests of its existing investors. This raises questions about their long-term strategy and who they’re really working for. In my view, they’re not doing enough due diligence on originators or enforcing buyback agreements when things go south.

Add to that the lack of meaningful regulatory oversight and it becomes clear—Bondster is playing a dangerous game with investor capital. It’s privately owned, opaque in its operations, and has failed to adapt or improve in the face of repeated problems.

Looking Ahead

There was a time when I believed Bondster might evolve into a strong player in the European P2P market. That time has passed. In 2025, there are simply better options out there—platforms with stronger governance, better transparency, and actual enforcement of investor protections.

If you’re still on Bondster, I’d suggest reviewing your portfolio and starting the process of unwinding your position. And if you’re new to P2P lending, this is a reminder to look past the headline returns and focus on platform integrity and long-term reliability.

As always, do your own research, diversify smartly, and don’t fall for the promise of “guaranteed returns” without understanding who’s standing behind them—and whether they can actually pay.

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Jean Galea

Investor | Dad | Global Citizen | Athlete