Bank Accounts for Students in Europe (2024)

Revolut, a London-based neobank, is the biggest mobile-first bank in the world that has been around since 2015. Revolut experienced hyper-growth this year after attracting over half a million customers who enjoy its "hassle-free" banking services and powerful mobile apps that both look and work great. With Revolut, you get instant transfers between countries at no cost regardless of currency transferred and zero fees for ATM withdrawals, making it an excellent choice for international students looking to save money abroad. Additional "pots" for specific purposes can be shared with others, making them a great tool for managing shared expenses, like the ones you'd have when sharing a flat. The best part? You don't have to be based in Europe to open an account. An even better one? Revolut offers accounts without a monthly fee.

If you're still under 18 years old, you can start by opening a Revolut Under 18 account. It looks very similar to the "adult" app, has powerful banking features and it comes with a personalized bank card with your own unique design!

Who says banking can't be fun? Well, maybe not "fun-fun", but at least not repulsive in its complexity and seriousness! Netherlands' latest fintech unicorn, Amsterdam-based neobank bunq is not only focusing on ethical and sustainable investment options with their user, for example, by having planted over 20 million trees as part of their "Easy Green" initiative. This creative and innovative company prides themselves on "making life (and banking) easy". bunq's colorful cards are bound to turn some heads, and the best part is that you can get up to three cards included in your subscription.

bunq offers a range of savings accounts and features to make splitting bills, sending payment requests and budgeting easy. However, bunq's main selling point is that it is an easy way into the world of digital banking, investments and financial health (bunq has a ton of features that help you budget and save money). They also offer excellent interest rates and fee-free instant transfers to any European bank account.

Monese Classic card is a great option for students in the UK who are looking to have access to the best of both worlds. This challenger bank offers ATM withdrawals and "offline" payments - all from the same device! Monese bank card payments come with instant notifications on transactions (including international ones) which comes in handy when managing your spending habits. The fees for transfers are set at just €0,15 per transaction, making managing money across borders a breeze, too.

Another perk? You can have up to three different Monese debit cards, allowing you easy control over how much each person with an access to your account spends at any time. Monese is a great choice when you want simple, affordable and straightforward banking experience.

If your studies take you to Germany, you should definitely consider Tomorrow bank. This up-and-coming mobile-first bank is built with a vision of making sustainable and ethical investments available to everyone. Tomorrow lets you offset your CO₂ footprint without even thinking about it, and you can be sure your money is not going to fund any malicious businesses or worsen humanity's impact on climate even further. All the basics you'd expect (like convenient mobile apps, flashy bank cards, notifications and instant transfers) are also there, and it's relatively cheap, as well. Definitely worth a try!

Curve is not exactly a bank, but is definitely worth a mention as it might help you squeeze out some extra "juice" from your bank cards. Curve is an "all-in-one" free mobile wallet app that simplifies your life by consolidating all of your credit, debit, and rewards cards into one convenient location. Curve also categorizes payments for you automatically to make it easier to understand where the money goes while offering cash back on select purchases.

The idea is simple: you download the app, connect your existing bank card and immediately get a bunch of the fancy new features modern digital banks offer (like a simple to use mobile app, insights into your spending, cashback and rewards) without going through the hassle of switching to a new bank, getting new cards issued and updating your payment details in 15 different subscription services.

Essentially, it's an app that's been specifically designed to help users consolidate all of their cards and bank accounts in one place, as well as offering cashback on purchases at no extra cost, which is always a welcome addition for a broke student! And in case things get confusing, you can easily contact Curve support via phone or chat with their support team if any questions come up about how they work.