Updated September 29, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team
bunq vs UNest
bunq
Higher score in this comparison
UNest
Where bunq and UNest differ
| Compare | bunqReviewVisitVisit | UNestReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | €10 | $25 |
| Markets | Stocks, ETFs, CryptoCovers more | ETFs |
| Regulators | De Nederlandsche Bank, SIPC | SEC, SIPC |
| Investor protection | EU ICS up to EUR 20,000 | SIPC up to USD 500,000 |
| Platforms | Bunq app | iOS app, Android app, Web |
| Account fee | Not confirmed | $24 |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% to 3% | Not confirmed |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | Not confirmed | No withdrawal fee |
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Key differences
- bunq scores higher overall: 8.8 vs 8.6.
- Regulators: only bunq offers De Nederlandsche Bank.
- Regulators: only UNest offers SEC.
- bunq is licensed in 6 more countries.
- bunq is available in 6 more countries.
- Markets: only bunq offers Stocks, Crypto.
- Platforms: only bunq offers Bunq app.
- Platforms: only UNest offers iOS app, Android app, Web.
- Features: only bunq offers Crypto, Fractional shares.
- Pricing model: only bunq offers Monthly.
Our verdict on each
bunq
bunq fits expats and anyone living across Europe who wants a euro account that pays interest on everyday money and handles spending and investing in the same app. Savings pay 3.01% on an easy access balance held under EU DGS up to EUR 100,000, with interest credited weekly.
UNest
UNest suits parents saving for children through simple ETF portfolios on mobile and web, where low entry matters more than broad market choice. You can start with $25 and pay an account fee of $24, with cover of SIPC up to USD 500,000 under SEC oversight.
Score breakdown
| Area | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.5HigherThe plan carries a monthly fee of €0 and an annual fee of €0, with deposits starting from €10. | 8.5Cost reflects $25 to open and $24 for the account, offset by No withdrawal fee. |
| Offer | 8.3 | 8.5HigherOffer reflects narrow focus on ETFs reached through iOS app, Android app and web for family saving. |
| Trust | 8.5 | 8.7HigherTrust reflects oversight by SEC and SIPC and cover of SIPC up to USD 500,000 for clients. |
Licences and countries
| Country | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Nationale Bank van Belgie / Banque Nationale de Belgique (NBB) BE 0769.451.708 | Not confirmed |
| France | Banque de France SIREN 893970970 | Not confirmed |
| Germany | Not confirmed | |
| Ireland | Central Bank of Ireland 909737 | Not confirmed |
| Italy | Banca d'Italia MI - 2628476 | Not confirmed |
| Netherlands | Not confirmed | |
| Spain | Banco de Espana W0086933I | Not confirmed |
| United States | Not confirmed | SIPC SIPC member 70576 |
Additional countries for bunq: 7. Additional countries for UNest: 1.
How they place
| Ranking | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Investing | 13 of 654 | 9 of 654 |
| Stock and ETF brokers | 9 of 358 | 6 of 358 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Crypto, Fractional shares, Mobile appCovers more | Mobile app |
| Pricing model | Monthly | Low fees |
| Audience | Expats | Not confirmed |
| Legal entity | bunq B.V. | Not confirmed |
| Headquarters | Netherlands | Not confirmed |
| Founded | 2012 | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre | Not confirmed |
Savings
| Fact | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Headline rate | 3.01% | Not confirmed |
| Rate type | Variable | Not confirmed |
| Deposit protection | EU DGS up to EUR 100,000 | Not confirmed |
| Access terms | Withdraw any amount free up to 2 times a month, rising to 3 free monthly withdrawals after 12 months; interest paid weekly | Not confirmed |
| Monthly fee | €0 | Not confirmed |
| Account kind | Easy access | Not confirmed |
Debit cards
| Fact | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Card type | Debit | Not confirmed |
| Card network | Mastercard | Not confirmed |
| Currencies | 8 | Not confirmed |
Crypto exchanges
| Fact | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Taker fee | 0.25% to 1.99% | Not confirmed |
| Coins listed | from 350 | Not confirmed |
| Maker fee | 0.25% to 1.99% | Not confirmed |
| Exchange type | Cex | Not confirmed |
Credit cards
| Fact | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | €0 | Not confirmed |
| Card kind | Credit | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | bunq | UNest | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account fee | Not confirmed | $24highest quarter | $0 |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% to 3%above the median | Not confirmed | 0.4 |
Median across 77 listed providers.
Pros and cons
bunq
Pros
- Investing sits in the same app, with stocks, etfs and crypto and fractional shares among the plan features.
- The card runs on mastercard, and conversion costs 0.5% to 3% across 8 currencies.
- Regulated in the Netherlands by De Nederlandsche Bank, with savings under EU DGS up to EUR 100,000 and investments under EU ICS up to EUR 20,000.
Cons
- Support runs on email and help centre only.
- The rate is variable, so the 3.01% headline can move in either direction.
- Crypto trades cost 0.25% to 1.99%, with maker fees of 0.25% to 1.99%.
UNest
Pros
- Start saving with $25, which keeps the first step affordable for family budgets
- Pay No withdrawal fee, so taking money out adds no platform charge
- Invest through ETFs, which keeps long term family portfolios simple and clear
Cons
- Account fee of $24 applies on balances of all sizes, unlike DKB with €0 for the account
- Support runs on help centre only, which limits direct contact when you need help with your account
- Choice stays limited to ETFs, so you miss stocks, bonds and funds available at broader brokers such as XTB
Who each suits
bunq
Who it suits
- Anyone banking across the euro area, since bunq is licensed in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Belgium.
- People who want saving, spending and investing in one place, since crypto, fractional shares and mobile app all run through bunq app.
- Savers who want interest without being locked into a term, since the account is easy access.
Who should look elsewhere
- Linxea, where €25 is the starting premium on a life insurance product rather than a balance that pays interest.
- Oney Préstamos ES, where €1,000 is a borrowing amount to repay, not money you hold.
- Euroasia Insurance, where UZS 60,000 buys car cover, not euro banking.
UNest
Who it suits
- Parents who prefer UNest over XTB for steady ETF saving for children rather than active share trading
- Small budget starters who prefer UNest over ActivTrades for a family saving app rather than a trading platform
Who should look elsewhere
- Active share traders who want broad stock coverage should look at XTB rather than UNest narrow ETF range
- Cost conscious savers who want to avoid ongoing charges should look at DKB rather than UNest account fee
Current offers
bunq
Current offer
First period offer
bunq Pro free for students: bunq Pro for EUR0/month while studying (normally EUR9.99/month)
Students only; Enjoy bunq Pro for free while you study
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Free trial
30-day free trial: 30 days free
Open your account in just 5 minutes and start your 30-day free trial today
Source, checked September 26, 2026
Country by country
| Country | bunq | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Yes | No |
| France | Yes | No |
| Germany | Yes | No |
| Ireland | Yes | No |
| Italy | Yes | No |
| Netherlands | Yes | No |
| Spain | Yes | No |
| United States | No | Yes |
Questions about each
bunq
How much does a bunq account cost?+
The standard plan carries a monthly fee of €0 and an annual fee of €0, so the account itself is free to hold. What you pay depends on use: currency conversion on the card runs at 0.5% to 3%, and crypto trades are charged 0.25% to 1.99%. Everything is managed in bunq app.
How much interest does bunq pay on savings?+
The savings balance pays 3.01%, and the rate is variable, which means it can move rather than being locked in for a term. Interest is paid weekly into the account, and the account is easy access.
UNest
What is the minimum deposit at UNest?+
You can open with $25. That entry point keeps family saving within reach, though ActivTrades with $0 and XTB with €0 allow a lower start. Fund the account, then set regular contributions that match your household budget and aims.
Does UNest charge an account fee?+
UNest charges an account fee of $24. That charge applies whether markets rise or fall, so weigh it against expected contributions and time horizon. DKB charges €0, which may appeal if you wish to avoid ongoing account costs while you save.