N26 Business Model: How Does N26 Work and Make Money?

N26 Stats and Facts: Funding and Major Milestones

• Founding Year: February 2013
• Founder: Valentin Stalf, Maximilian Tayenthal
• Headquarters: Berlin, Germany 
• Industry: Mobile Banking
• Revenue: €120 million in 2021
• Registered Users: 8 million 
• Business Model Type: Freemium

Journey of N26: From Startup to Banking Powerhouse

In 2013, Valentin Stalf and Maximilian Tayenthal founded N26 as a fintech startup, initially named “Number 26.” The goal was to provide prepaid cards for teenagers, controlled by parents. By 2014, the team realized the need to pivot. The real-time connection between the card and the app was a hit, signaling an opportunity to challenge traditional banks.

Despite facing numerous challenges and initial skepticism, the N26 team accomplished a remarkable feat by securing a banking license in Germany within a mere year of its founding. This achievement, which many deemed nearly impossible gave a new vision. The company rebranded as “N26” in July 2016, a remarkable moment in its evolution as it embarked on a journey to redefine the future of banking through digital innovation.

1.Rapid Expansion and Valuation (2017-2019)

N26 expanded its digital banking mobile app development services across Europe, amassing a growing customer base. In January 2019, it raised $300 million in a funding round, achieving a valuation of $2.7 billion, surpassing competitors to become Europe’s most valuable mobile bank.

2.U.S. Entry and Further Funding (2019-2020)

The U.S. market beckoned, and N26 made its soft launch in July 2019, partnering with Axos Bank. Additional funding rounds followed, extending its funding and valuing the company at $3.5 billion. However, in February 2020, N26 announced its withdrawal from the UK due to Brexit-related regulatory changes.

3.Internal Developments (2020-2022)

N26 continued to evolve internally. Subsidiaries elected works councils in late 2020. In 2021, experienced executive Jan Kemper joined as CFO, later taking on the role of COO. In October 2021, N26 secured a significant $900 million in a funding round, reaching an impressive valuation of $9 billion.

4.Exit from the U.S. and Legal Changes (2021-2022)

In November 2021, N26 announced its exit from the U.S. market, opting to concentrate on its European core business. In a major move in November 2022, N26 changed its legal structure from a German Limited Liability Company (GmbH) to a German Stock Corporation (AG). A new five-member board of directors was appointed, signaling further changes on the horizon.

5.Rising from the Ashes of Past Challenges

N26 continues to captivate with its dynamic expansion strategies. In a move that showcases its relentless global ambition, N26 unveiled its presence in Brazil in May 2023. This momentous launch follows the company’s earlier announcement of its entry into the Latin American market in 2019. N26’s ability to navigate complexities and overcome setbacks helps it consistently push the boundaries of digital banking. This also demonstrates its unwavering commitment to providing innovative financial solutions on a global scale.

How Does N26 Work: N26 Business Model Canvas

Being a financial solutions provider, N26 operates as a platform that seamlessly integrates various elements into its business model.

To better understand its approach, let’s delve into the N26 business model canvas.

• At the core of N26’s business model are strategic partnerships with entities like Wirecard and Mastercard. These partnerships are instrumental in providing the banking back-end support and issuing/payment processing solutions that underpin N26’s services.
• N26’s commitment to a digital-centric approach is pivotal. They continually invest in technology development, ensuring that their mobile banking app remains cutting-edge. This commitment enables N26 to offer a modern, user-friendly platform that resonates with its primarily youthful customer base.
• N26 has effectively cultivated a youth-driven lifestyle brand. This brand identity aligns seamlessly with their target demographic, primarily comprising tech-savvy individuals aged 18-35. N26’s brand reflects the aspirations and preferences of this generation.
• Beyond its European stronghold, N26 has successfully expanded in Brazil, marking a significant milestone. This global expansion strategy allows them to reach a broader audience, delivering their innovative banking solutions to customers worldwide.
• N26’s business model is designed for diversification. The subscription fees from premium services like “N26 Black” and “N26 Metal” serve as primary revenue sources. N26 further bolsters its income streams through usage fees, specialized business accounts, and value-added services such as insurance. This diversification ensures financial stability and future growth opportunities.

Now that you understand that N26’s business model reflects a holistic approach to delivering an efficient digital banking experience. Going ahead, let’s explore how N26 makes money.

How N26 Make Money: A Look into Their Profitable Business Model

While N26 is seen as a big challenge, the way it earns money is quite similar to traditional banks. In 2021, N26 went beyond its basic banking and payment systems, adding new services to generate revenue. This broadened their sources of income in the sector.

Now, let’s break down how N26 makes money.

1.Subscription Revenue

N26 earns its primary income from various subscription plans for both individuals and business users. There are four main plans: 

• Standard Plan: It facilitates mobile banking, up to 3 withdrawals, spending insights, and security under the German Deposit Protection Scheme. It also includes a debit card.
• N26 Smart Plan (€4.9/month): Offers Spaces sub-accounts, two extra withdrawals, premium partner offers, and the option to round up transactions and save the difference.
• N26 You Plan (€9.9/month): Includes features from the Smart plan plus travel, mobility, and winter sports insurance.
• N26 Metal Plan (€16.9/month): Offers features from the You plan, car rental, phone insurance, three extra withdrawals, and a dedicated support line. This includes a metal card.

2.Insurance Commission

N26 collaborated with insurance robo-advisor Clark. to provide various insurance plans, covering areas like liability, legal, household, automotive, health, disability, and more. 

Users who haven’t subscribed to N26 Metal can opt for these insurance plans separately. N26 earns a minimum of €4.76 per insured product. In the insurance realm, N26 acts as an intermediary, connecting users with traditional insurance brokers.

3.Interest On Cash Deposit

N26 follows a conventional banking practice of utilizing user account deposits by lending them to other financial institutions, earning interest known as Net Interest Margin (NIM). 

A portion of this interest is shared with users as savings account interest. N26 offers up to 1.38% interest on cash held in its savings accounts, aligning with standard banking practices.

4.Loan Interest

N26’s revenue stream includes loan interest. The company provides personal loans ranging from €1,000 to €50,000 through its N26 Credit division, with repayment periods spanning 6 to 48 months. N26 profits by applying interest rates on these loans, ranging from 1.99% to 19% per year. 

Also, N26 has partnered with auxmoney, Germany’s leading loan marketplace. This expands loan options for users and increases their income from interest charges.

5.Buy Now Pay Later

N26 participates in the popular “Buy Now Pay Later” trend, a concept favored by many fintech companies. Users can split expenses up to €500 into 3-6 month installments. N26 generates revenue from this service by imposing an annual interest rate, which ranges from 7.49% to 11.99%, determined by the user’s credit score.

Also Read: An Ultimate Guide to Developing Mobile Apps for Foldable Devices

3 Lessons You Should Learn from N26’s Success Story

1.N26 partners had flexibility in their vision

N26 didn’t start as a digital bank. Initially, they aimed to provide prepaid cards for teenagers, managed by parents. But when they noticed parents were using it for themselves. They swiftly adapted to the idea of becoming a digital bank, focusing on user-friendly mobile banking.

2.N26 addressed the problem customers had

N26 understood the importance of solving real customer issues. Instead of assuming what customers needed, they identified common frustrations and inconveniences people faced with traditional banks. This customer-centric approach guided their development.

3.Focusing on creating value, not a buzz!

N26’s success wasn’t built on flashy gimmicks but on creating genuine value. They leveraged the technology intending to simplify banking. They also offered a more cost-effective, flexible, and user-friendly alternative to traditional banks. This focus on real value helped them acquire customers efficiently without excessive advertising.

Closing Remark

N26’s journey is an inspiring one that has appreciably impacted the fintech industry, transforming the way people bank. We have covered all the significant aspects from how N26 works, and its revenue model,  to its business canvas for your understanding. So that you can embark on such a venture effortlessly.

For those interested in building similar apps like N26, Apptunix offers valuable expertise and assistance. We provide a wide range of services to empower your development journey.

Apptunix is a trusted app development company where vision becomes a digital reality.