The Top FinTech Apps in Europe Right Now

The European FinTech Boom: Why the Top Apps Matter Right Now

Open your phone in any European city and you’ll see it: fintech is everywhere. From instant international transfers to one-tap investing and smart budgeting, the top fintech apps in Europe right now are reshaping how we pay, save, and grow our money. The region’s combination of strict regulation, open banking, and digital-savvy consumers makes it a global test bed for financial innovation.

According to industry analyses like the EY Global FinTech Adoption Index (2019) and subsequent European market updates through 2023, consumer adoption of digital financial services in Europe has surged from under 50% to well above 70% in leading markets. With PSD2-driven open banking, Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), and a wave of challenger brands, Europe’s “tech & apps” ecosystem is setting standards the world follows.

How We Chose the Top FinTech Apps in Europe

Choosing the top fintech apps in Europe right now requires more than a popularity contest. We evaluated products by customer reach, feature depth, transparent pricing, regulatory trust, and user experience. Company momentum—funding, profitability signals, and product velocity—also played a role. Finally, we considered category coverage so you can assemble a personal finance stack that fits your life and business.

• User trust and scale: Active users, app ratings, and growth since 2022.
• Regulatory posture: Licensing, passporting in the EEA/UK, and deposit protection where applicable.
• Core value: Do the features save time or money measurably?
• Cost transparency: Clear fees and fair FX rates.
• Interoperability: Open banking connectivity and integrations.

Quick Overview: The Top FinTech Apps in Europe Right Now

Below is a high-level map of standout apps by need. We dive deeper in Part 2, with examples, data points, and practical steps to get the most from each.

• Daily money and travel: Revolut, Wise, N26, Monzo, Starling Bank.
• Investing and wealth building: Trade Republic, DEGIRO, Freetrade, Bitpanda.
• Budgeting and savings: Plum, Emma, Raisin (WeltSparen), Squirrel-like envelope tools.
• Buy Now, Pay Later and shopping: Klarna, Scalapay.
• SMB finance and spend management: Qonto, Pleo, Tide, Starling Business, Spendesk.
• Insurance and protection: wefox, Lemonade (EU operations).

Many of these brands report headline numbers that illustrate their reach. For instance, Revolut announced surpassing 40 million customers globally in 2024; Klarna cites over 150 million global users; Wise reports well over 10 million active customers and 160+ countries reachable; and Trade Republic has grown to millions of European investors. Figures vary by source and timeframe, but the trend is clear: adoption is mainstream.

What Makes Europe’s FinTech Stack Unique?

Europe’s financial rails are shaped by policy and interoperability. PSD2 catalyzed open banking APIs, letting apps securely pull your bank data (with permission) to build budgeting, insights, and payments experiences. SCA tightened authentication, improving security without killing convenience thanks to biometrics and app tokens. Pan-European SEPA transfers made domestic and cross-border euro payments simpler and cheaper.

Consumers benefit from the competition: transparent FX from Wise, rich multi-currency accounts from Revolut and N26, fractional investing on Trade Republic and Freetrade, and powerful spend controls for SMBs via Pleo and Qonto. The result is a vibrant “tech & apps” ecosystem where you can mix-and-match specialized tools.

“Great fintech feels invisible: you only notice it when it fails. The best apps make money moments effortless.”

A Practical Framework: Build Your Personal FinTech Stack

Think in layers to find the top fintech apps in Europe right now for your needs. You don’t need a single super-app; assemble a stack that fits your habits, risk profile, and goals.

• Spending layer: A primary account for salary and bills (e.g., N26, Monzo, Starling), plus a travel-friendly card (e.g., Wise or Revolut).
• Savings layer: High-yield accounts or deposit marketplaces (e.g., Raisin) and automated saving tools (e.g., Plum).
• Investing layer: Low-fee brokers (e.g., Trade Republic, DEGIRO) and, if suitable, regulated crypto platforms (e.g., Bitpanda).
• Protection layer: App-native insurance offers or digital insurers (e.g., wefox, Lemonade in supported markets).
• SMB layer: If you run a business, add Qonto or Tide for accounts and Pleo for expense cards.

In the next section, we’ll profile specific apps and show how to implement them step-by-step, with real-world examples and cost-saving tips you can use right now.

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Deep Dives: The Top FinTech Apps in Europe Right Now by Category

1) Daily Money and Travel: Revolut, Wise, N26, Monzo, Starling

These are the workhorses for payments, travel, and everyday money. They deliver multi-currency accounts, low FX, virtual cards, and slick mobile UX. If you travel, shop online in different currencies, or freelance across borders, start here.

Revolut: The Multi-Tool Super-App

Revolut blends banking features, FX, budgeting, and trading into one interface. It’s available across the EEA and UK, with tiered plans from free to premium. Customers value quick card controls, disposable virtual cards, and competitive FX during weekdays.

• Best for: Frequent travelers and those who want an all-in-one “tech & apps” money hub.
• Standout features: Multi-currency accounts, junior accounts, vaults, stock and crypto trading (in supported jurisdictions), and robust analytics.
• Watch-outs: Weekend FX markups and plan-specific limits; trading features vary by country and regulation.

Wise (formerly TransferWise): Transparent Cross-Border Money

Wise built its reputation on real exchange rates and low, upfront fees. Its multi-currency account lets you hold and receive money in dozens of currencies with local account details (like GB, EU, US, AU). It’s particularly strong for freelancers and expats.

• Best for: International transfers and getting paid in multiple currencies.
• Standout features: Clear fee breakdown, mid-market FX, and compatibility with accounting tools.
• Watch-outs: Not a full bank in most markets; features like direct debits and cards vary by country.

N26: Clean Everyday Banking

Germany’s N26 offers a minimalist banking experience with instant notifications, Spaces for goal-based savings, and international card acceptance. It’s popular across the eurozone for its clean design and straightforward tiers.

• Best for: Eurozone residents seeking simple, app-first banking.
• Standout features: Real-time insights, sub-accounts (Spaces), shared Spaces, and travel insurance on higher tiers.
• Watch-outs: Premium benefits differ by market; cash deposits and certain local needs may require workarounds.

Monzo and Starling Bank (UK): Polished, Personable Banking

Monzo and Starling are UK leaders with powerful budgeting, fee-free UK transfers, and strong customer support. Both provide overdrafts and savings integrations, with Starling also excelling on business accounts.

• Best for: UK residents who want outstanding notifications, pots/spaces, and reliable support.
• Standout features: Bill pots, salary sorting, fee-free card use in many scenarios, and rich merchant data.
• Watch-outs: For EU residents, availability is limited; check eligibility before planning a switch.

Case Study: Saving on a Summer of Travel

Anika, a Berlin-based designer, spent three months traveling across Spain and Portugal. She paired Wise for large transfers (to cover rent and coworking) with Revolut for daily card spend and budget categories. By using mid-market FX on Wise and avoiding dynamic currency conversion at merchants, she estimated saving over €150 in fees across the trip.

2) Investing and Wealth: Trade Republic, DEGIRO, Freetrade, Bitpanda

Investing apps in Europe focus on low fees and simplicity. Your choice depends on asset access, local tax wrappers, and long-term plan. Always consider risk tolerance; investing capital is at risk, and values can go down as well as up.

Trade Republic: Mobile-First Investing at Scale

Trade Republic offers fractional shares, ETFs, savings plans, and bonds with low or no order commissions in many markets. It’s licensed in Germany and has expanded across the EU. Millions of users appreciate automated savings plans that invest monthly.

• Best for: Long-term ETF savings plans with minimal friction and fees.
• Standout features: Fractional investing from small amounts, scheduled contributions, and a broad EU footprint.
• Watch-outs: Order routing and price improvements vary; review cost and execution policies.

DEGIRO: Wide Market Access at Low Cost

DEGIRO (part of flatexDEGIRO Bank) serves active investors who want access to many global exchanges. It’s known for competitive fees, a web-first experience, and strong research tools. For buy-and-hold investors who occasionally trade internationally, it’s a compelling option.

• Best for: Broad market access at low cost, including niche exchanges.
• Standout features: Wide product range and reliable execution.
• Watch-outs: Fee schedule complexity; ensure you understand connection and currency fees.

Freetrade (UK/selected EU): Friendly, Plain-English Investing

Freetrade emphasizes simplicity, commission-free trading on many stocks and ETFs, and clear education. It’s a strong first step for UK investors and has been expanding in Europe. Plus plans add more instruments and features.

• Best for: Beginners who value clarity and low barriers to entry.
• Standout features: Commission-free trades on eligible assets and in-app explainers.
• Watch-outs: Paid tiers for advanced features; limited derivatives exposure by design.

Bitpanda (EU) and Regulated Crypto Access

For those exploring digital assets, Bitpanda (Austria) offers crypto, selected stocks/ETFs via derivatives, and metals within a regulated European framework. Always weigh the risks, secure your account with 2FA, and consider your allocation conservatively.

• Best for: Diversified exposure in one app with European compliance.
• Standout features: Savings plans, asset bundles, and a broad set of supported countries.
• Watch-outs: Spreads and fees; regulatory changes can affect availability.

3) Budgeting, Savings, and Smart Automation: Plum, Emma, Raisin

Automation turns good intentions into habits. These apps plug into your existing accounts via open banking to analyze cash flow, move spare change, and nudge you toward goals.

Plum: AI Nudges and Automatic Saving

Plum connects to your bank, analyzes spending, and moves small amounts to savings or investments automatically. It’s helpful for people who want to save without thinking about it. You can set rules, rainy-day pots, and recurring deposits.

• Best for: Hands-off savers who appreciate behavioral nudges.
• Standout features: Automatic saves, bill-switching suggestions, and optional investment funds.
• Watch-outs: Investment products carry risk; premium plans gate some features.

Emma (UK/EU): See Everything, Stop Paying for “Ghost” Subscriptions

Emma aggregates accounts to show a unified view of your money, flags subscriptions, and prompts you to cancel wasteful expenses. It’s particularly effective for cutting recurring costs you forgot about.

• Best for: People juggling multiple accounts who need clarity and control.
• Standout features: Subscription tracking, fee alerts, and category-based budgets.
• Watch-outs: Data privacy is paramount—review permissions and encryption details.

Raisin (WeltSparen): Access Better Deposit Rates Across Europe

Raisin operates a marketplace for term deposits and savings products from partner banks across Europe, letting you shop for better rates from one account. Eligible deposits are protected up to national scheme limits (typically €100,000 per bank in the EU).

• Best for: Rate hunters who want to diversify deposits without juggling many bank logins.
• Standout features: Single onboarding, multiple banks, and promotional fixed terms.
• Watch-outs: Lock-in periods; always verify deposit guarantee coverage and country rules.

4) BNPL and Smarter Shopping: Klarna, Scalapay

Buy Now, Pay Later apps can smooth cash flow when used responsibly. In Europe, Klarna is the category leader, while regional players like Scalapay serve Italy, France, and beyond. Remember: BNPL is credit. Missed payments can incur fees and affect your record.

Klarna: Seamless Checkout, Strong App Experience

Klarna’s app tracks deliveries, stores receipts, and offers installment options at checkout with thousands of merchants. The smooth UX and merchant network are its biggest advantages.

• Best for: Frequent online shoppers seeking integrated tracking and flexible payment options.
• Standout features: Virtual one-time cards, price-drop alerts, and extensive merchant coverage.
• Watch-outs: Overspending risk; set strict limits and use reminders.

Scalapay: Southern Europe Favorite

Scalapay focuses on three-instalment plans with fast approvals and a growing merchant base across Italy, France, and Spain. The brand resonates with fashion and lifestyle shoppers in these markets.

• Best for: Short-term splits on mid-size purchases in supported countries.
• Standout features: Straightforward repayments and clean in-app receipts.
• Watch-outs: Late fees and spending creep if used frequently.

5) SMB Finance and Spend: Qonto, Pleo, Tide, Starling Business

Small businesses and startups need better cash management, team cards, and bookkeeping integration. European “tech & apps” leaders have modernized spend with virtual cards, real-time limits, and automated workflows.

Qonto: Business Banking Done Right

Qonto is a French-born business account platform with invoicing, multi-user controls, and integrations for accounting and payroll. It’s built for SMEs and freelancers across multiple European markets.

• Best for: European SMBs that need clean accounts with multi-user controls.
• Standout features: Approval workflows, receipt capture, and scalable pricing tiers.
• Watch-outs: Cash deposits and complex lending needs may require external partners.

Pleo: Corporate Cards and Expense Magic

Pleo issues smart cards to your team and automates expense reporting with receipt capture and categorization. Finance teams regain hours per week and gain stronger cost control.

• Best for: Teams that spend across SaaS, travel, and meals.
• Standout features: Real-time spend limits, per-diem features, and integrations (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks).
• Watch-outs: Per-seat pricing; ensure utilization to justify cost.

Tide and Starling Business (UK): Fast Onboarding, Practical Tools

Tide specializes in quick setup for sole traders and micro-SMBs, with invoicing and card controls built-in. Starling Business offers fee-free accounts, marketplace integrations, and dependable support.

• Best for: UK-based freelancers and small businesses wanting speed and simplicity.
• Standout features: Invoicing, sub-accounts/spaces, and quick access to cards.
• Watch-outs: International features may be limited; confirm needs like FX and multi-currency support.

6) Insurance and Protection: wefox, Lemonade (EU)

Digital insurers streamline onboarding and claims. wefox distributes policies via a digital-first model across Europe, while Lemonade operates in select EU markets with fast claims and clear policies.

• Best for: App-based policy management and quick claims.
• Standout features: Transparent pricing and simple, in-app claims flows.
• Watch-outs: Market coverage differs by country; check availability and policy specifics.

Security, Regulation, and Peace of Mind

Safety is a top concern for fintech apps in Europe right now. Look for bank licenses or e-money authorization, clear segregation of client funds, and deposit protection. In the EU, bank deposits are typically protected up to €100,000 per person, per bank via national schemes; in the UK, FSCS covers up to £85,000 for eligible accounts. E-money institutions are not banks, but must safeguard client funds with regulated custodians.

• Use SCA and biometrics; enable 2FA.
• Create separate cards for subscriptions and online shopping via virtual cards.
• Review permissions for any open banking connections.
• Check each provider’s regulator (e.g., BaFin, FCA, ACPR, Banco de España).

Step-by-Step: How to Choose Your FinTech App Stack

Follow this practical workflow to select and roll out the top fintech apps in Europe for your needs without overwhelm. Commit to evaluating one category per week so you can implement changes right now.

• Step 1 — Define goals: Lower FX fees, automate savings, invest monthly, or control team spend.
• Step 2 — Audit fees: Export 90 days of transactions. Tag ATM, FX, transfers, subscriptions, and card fees.
• Step 3 — Shortlist apps: Pick two per category that fit your country and currency needs.
• Step 4 — Trial accounts: Open a free tier where possible. Test key actions you’ll do weekly.
• Step 5 — Security setup: Turn on 2FA/Biometric, set travel alerts, and create virtual cards.
• Step 6 — Automate: Set savings rules (e.g., €50/week), create ETF savings plans, schedule transfers.
• Step 7 — Review after 30 days: Compare fees saved, time saved, and any friction. Keep the winner.

Real-World SMB Example: Cutting Expense Chaos

A 12-person creative agency in Paris adopted Qonto for banking and Pleo for team expenses. They created merchant-specific virtual cards for SaaS tools, set monthly limits for travel, and connected everything to Xero. Result: month-end close time fell from 5 days to 2, and surprise SaaS charges were reduced by 30% in the first quarter.

“What gets automated gets managed. The right fintech stack turns finance from a monthly scramble into a daily habit.”

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Trends Shaping the Top FinTech Apps in Europe Right Now

As you choose your stack, it helps to understand where the market is going. These trends influence features, pricing, and which “tech & apps” you’ll rely on for the next few years.

• Open Finance beyond banking: PSD2 opened bank data. PSD3 and broader initiatives point toward investments, pensions, and insurance data portability.
• Embedded finance: Retailers, marketplaces, and SaaS platforms offering wallets, cards, and lending inside their apps.
• Instant payments: SEPA Instant and UK Faster Payments reduce waiting times and enable real-time budgeting and payroll innovations.
• AI and personalization: Smarter insights, anomaly detection, and proactive financial health scores.
• Regulated innovation: Sandboxes and supervisory tech (SupTech) foster safer experimentation.
• Digital euro discussion: The ECB’s exploration of a retail CBDC may standardize some rails further and spur new use cases.

Country Nuances: One Europe, Many Markets

Availability and features differ by country. For instance, Monzo and Starling are UK-focused; N26 serves much of the eurozone; Wise and Revolut span both EU and UK with variations. Tax wrappers like ISAs in the UK or specific ETF tax rules in Germany affect investing choices.

• Check local deposit guarantees and regulator registers before moving primary funds.
• Confirm supported IDs for onboarding and whether your residency matches eligibility.
• For investing, review withholding tax on dividends and ETF domicile for your country.

FAQs: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered

Q1: Which app is the single best choice for most people in Europe right now?

A1: There’s no universal winner. For daily spending and travel, Revolut or Wise often tops the list; for eurozone everyday banking, N26 stands out; for UK residents, Monzo or Starling excel. Combine one spending app with a savings marketplace like Raisin and an investing app such as Trade Republic to cover most needs.

Q2: Are my deposits safe in these fintech apps?

A2: If the provider is a licensed bank in your country, eligible deposits are usually protected up to €100,000 in the EU (per person, per bank) or £85,000 in the UK via FSCS. E-money institutions must safeguard client funds but are not covered by deposit insurance in the same way. Always check the provider’s status and disclosures.

Q3: What’s the cheapest way to send money internationally?

A3: Apps like Wise typically use the mid-market rate with transparent fees, which is one of the lowest-cost approaches. Revolut can also be cost-effective within plan limits, especially on weekdays. Compare total cost (FX rate and fees) before you send.

Q4: Should beginners invest through an app or a traditional broker?

A4: App-based brokers like Trade Republic, DEGIRO, and Freetrade are suitable for many beginners due to low fees and simple UX. The key is to focus on diversified ETFs, understand risk, and avoid frequent trading. If you need advice, seek a regulated financial adviser.

Q5: Will BNPL affect my credit score?

A5: It can. Some BNPL providers perform soft or hard checks and may report missed payments. Used responsibly, BNPL won’t necessarily harm your score, but missed payments can trigger fees and negative marks. Read each provider’s credit and reporting policy.

Q6: How do I reduce the risk of fraud when using fintech apps?

A6: Enable 2FA and biometrics, use virtual cards for online shopping, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive actions, and set up real-time notifications. If something looks off, freeze your card in-app immediately and contact support.

Putting It All Together: A Starter Stack for Different Users

Traveler/Expat

• Payments: Revolut or Wise for multi-currency and low FX.
• Everyday local: N26 (eurozone) or Monzo/Starling (UK).
• Extras: Raisin for better savings rates while abroad.

Beginner Investor

• Broker: Trade Republic or Freetrade for commission-free or low-fee ETFs.
• Budgeting: Emma to track cash flow and cut subscriptions.
• Automation: Plum to set weekly investment rules.

Freelancer/SMB

• Business account: Qonto (EU) or Tide/Starling Business (UK).
• Spend control: Pleo for team cards and receipts.
• Cross-border: Wise for invoicing and FX.

A Data Snapshot to Guide Your Choice

While figures change rapidly, company reports and industry trackers through 2024 indicate: Revolut passed 40 million customers globally; Wise serves well over 10 million active customers; Klarna counts 150 million+ users worldwide; Trade Republic and DEGIRO together serve several million European investors; and Raisin’s marketplace has onboarded well over a million savers. These numbers aren’t everything, but they signal maturity, uptime investment, and broad support.

Action Plan: Switch and Save This Week

Start with one high-impact move. If you pay frequent FX fees, open a Wise account today, verify your ID, and route your next transfer through it to benchmark savings. If your budget leaks through subscriptions, connect Emma, cancel two unused services, and redirect that €20–€40/month into a Plum rule or an ETF savings plan on Trade Republic.

• Today: Open 1–2 accounts and enable all security features.
• 48 hours: Set one automation (savings rule or ETF plan) and one virtual card for subscriptions.
• 30 days: Measure fees avoided and time saved; decide what to keep and what to drop.

Conclusion: Pick Your Winners and Get Compounding Right Now

The top fintech apps in Europe right now are more than shiny tools—they’re levers for lower fees, clearer decisions, and steady wealth-building. Whether you’re a traveler chasing fair FX, a beginner investor setting up your first ETF plan, or an SMB owner taming expenses, a well-chosen stack will pay you back every month.

Don’t wait for a “perfect” setup. Choose one payments app, one savings option, and one investing app today. In 30 days, you’ll have real data on what works for you. Ready to build your stack of tech & apps? Start with the shortlist above, secure your accounts, automate one habit, and feel your finances click into place.

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