Top Neobanks for Freelancers

A neobank is a bank that fits on the palm of your hand, so no need to visit physical banks, no long lines, and no extensive paperwork. To be more technical, neobanks are fully digital banks operating solely through your smartphone or computer. They are designed with the modern, tech-savvy freelancer in mind, making banking as easy and intuitive as using social media.

Let’s paint a picture; imagine a world where banks don’t sneak in all sorts of fees: maintenance fees, transaction fees, ATM fees — you name it. That would be pretty great, right? Well, you’re in luck, because neobanks strip all of these away.

Another considerable feature that neobanks like Revolut and N26 (which we’ll dive into shortly) offer is that they offer multi-currency accounts and the best exchange rates, meaning you can get paid in any currency without massive conversion fees. So, if your freelancing takes you around the world or involves international clients, neobanks are sure to be a game-changer for you.

Top Neobanks for Freelancers

If you’re just starting your journey as a freelancer or aren’t a tech-savvy person, you probably don’t have a neobank account set up, but don’t worry, it is quite easy to do so. The only tricky part about this process is choosing which one to pick since nowadays there are an extensive amount of options to choose from, but don’t fret, in this following section, we’ll give you all the relevant information about all the top neobanks in today’s world.

Revolut

Revolut is one of the, if not the most, recognized neobank in the market. It offers a wide range of services beyond traditional banking, including cryptocurrency trading and stock investments.

Some of the key features that they offer are:

• Multi-Currency Accounts: Hold and exchange money in multiple currencies at interbank rates.
• Budgeting and Analytics: Provides detailed spending reports and budgeting tools, right within the app.
• Crypto and Stocks: Trade cryptocurrencies and stocks directly from the app.
• Fee-Free Global Spending: Spend abroad without fees.
• Business Accounts: Tailored for freelancers with features like bulk payments and expense management.

N26

If Revolut isn’t the most recognized neobank in the world, then N26 surely is the next contender. It first started as a German-based neobank, but has expanded its services to various European countries and the U.S. It is mainly known for its sleek design and ease of use, and it also offers you the opportunity to manage both personal and business accounts.

Some of the key features that they offer are:

• Real-Time Notifications: Immediate updates for every transaction (receiving and/or sending).
• Expense Management: Categorizes your spending to help you track all of your expenses.
• Free ATM Withdrawals: Up to five free withdrawals per month in the Eurozone (more for premium accounts).
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Makes it ideal for international freelancers, but it is only for premium members.
• Spaces: Allows you to create sub-accounts for budgeting and saving.

Wise

Wise is a financial technology company known for its international money transfer services. During recent years, it has expanded its offerings to include multi-currency accounts and business banking services, making it a strong contender for freelancers who often work with international clients or frequently need to deal with different currencies.

Some of the key features that they offer are:

• Multi-Currency Account: Hold and manage money in over 50 currencies. It is also possible to receive payments in several major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, etc.).
• Real Exchange Rates: Uses the mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent fee, which is still lower than most traditional banks.
• Batch Payments: Send money to multiple recipients at once, which makes it ideal for paying vendors or managing payroll.
• Expense Management: Track your spending and manage your finances across different currencies.
• Debit Card: Access to a debit card for easy spending and ATM withdrawals in multiple currencies.

Monzo

For freelancers based in the UK, Monzo will surely ring a bell. If you’re unfamiliar with them, they are a standard UK based neobank with a heavy emphasis on transparency and customer-centric services. It also offers personal and business accounts with features designed to make banking seem as effortless as possible.

Some of the key features that they offer are:

• Instant Notifications: Real-time updates on all account activity.
• Pots: Separate your money into different pots for savings and budgeting.
• Bill Splitting: Easily split bills and track who owes what.
• Fee-Free Foreign Spending: Use your card abroad without extra charges.
• Business Accounts: Features like invoicing, integrated accounting software, and no monthly fees for sole traders.

Unlike all the neobanks listed above, it is only possible to open an account with Monzo if you're a UK resident.

Chime

Wise is a US based neobank that offers banking services without fees, with a focus on helping users save money and avoid debt. If you’re based in the US, Chime should definitely be at the top of your list for neobanks.

Some of the key features that they offer are:

• No Fees: No monthly fees, overdraft fees, or foreign transaction fees.
• Automatic Savings: Round up transactions to the nearest dollar and save the difference.
• Early Direct Deposit: Access your paycheck up to two days early.
• SpotMe: Fee-free overdraft protection up to a certain limit.
• Real-Time Alerts: Immediate notifications for transactions.

As mentioned, Chime is best for US based freelancers since accounts can only be made by members with a valid SSN, living in the United States and District of Columbia.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a neobank, it all depends on what features you as a freelancer value the most. Each of the neobanks listed above have their own unique strengths and address different needs that freelancers have.

For example, if you work for international clients or travel frequently, consider joining Revolut or Wise, but if you’re looking for robust tools to track expenses and manage your budgets, turn to N26 or Monzo (for UK residents).