Updated September 29, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team
Mintos vs UNest
Mintos
Higher score in this comparison
UNest
What sets them apart
| Compare | MintosReviewVisitVisit | UNestReviewVisitVisit |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | €50 | $25 |
| Account fee | €0 | $24 |
| Markets | Bonds, ETFs, CryptoCovers more | ETFs |
| Regulators | Latvijas Banka, LV LV | SEC, SIPC |
| Investor protection | EU ICS up to EUR 20,000 | SIPC up to USD 500,000 |
| Deposit and withdrawal fees | Free bank transfer withdrawal; 2% card deposits | No withdrawal fee |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | iOS app, Android app, Web |
| Inactivity fee | €4.90 | Not confirmed |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5% | Not confirmed |
| Interest on cash | 2.5% | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Mintos scores higher overall: 9.2 vs 8.6.
- Regulators: only Mintos offers Latvijas Banka, LV LV.
- Regulators: only UNest offers SEC, SIPC.
- Markets: only Mintos offers Bonds, Crypto.
- Platforms: only Mintos offers iOS, Android.
- Platforms: only UNest offers iOS app, Android app.
- Features: only Mintos offers Crypto.
- Pricing model: only Mintos offers Commission free.
- Pricing model: only UNest offers Low fees.
Our verdict on each
Mintos
Mintos suits savers who want a euro account that pays interest on cash and holds investments in the same place. The account fee is €0 and the minimum deposit €50, so the running cost is thin, while an inactivity fee of €4.90 catches balances left untouched.
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 | Mintos | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8.9HigherA €0 account fee and bank transfers at no cost keep the base low, with €4.90 for inactivity and 0.5% on conversion. | 8.5Cost reflects $25 to open and $24 for the account, offset by No withdrawal fee. |
| Offer | 9.1HigherBonds, ETFs and crypto sit in bonds, etfs and crypto, cash pays 2.5% and entry starts at €50, a compact mix for a small saver. | 8.5Offer reflects narrow focus on ETFs reached through iOS app, Android app and web for family saving. |
| Trust | 9.4Higher | 8.7Trust reflects oversight by SEC and SIPC and cover of SIPC up to USD 500,000 for clients. |
Where they rank in our lists
| Ranking | Mintos | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Investing | 14 of 654 | 9 of 654 |
| Stock and ETF brokers | 10 of 358 | 6 of 358 |
Where each is licensed and available
| Country | Mintos | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Latvia | LV_LV PSD_EMI LV_FCMC!723 | Not confirmed |
| United States | Not confirmed | SIPC SIPC member 70576 |
Feature by feature
| Markets | Mintos | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| ETFs | Yes | Yes |
| Crypto | Yes | No |
| Bonds | Yes | No |
What we checked
Mintos
- mintos.com: 13 facts, checked September 26, 2026
- euclid.eba.europa.eu: 2 facts, checked September 26, 2026
UNest
- unest.co: 9 facts, checked September 29, 2026
Every fact side by side
| Fact | Mintos | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Crypto, Mobile appCovers more | Mobile app |
| Pricing model | Commission free | Low fees |
| Legal entity | SIA Mintos Payments | Not confirmed |
| Headquarters | Latvia | Not confirmed |
| Support channels | Email, Help centre, Community | Not confirmed |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | Mintos | UNest | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inactivity fee | €4.90above the median | Not confirmed | €2.45 |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.5%above the median | Not confirmed | 0.4% |
| Interest on cash | 2.5%below the median | Not confirmed | 2.875% |
Median across 77 listed providers.
Pros and cons
Mintos
Pros
- The account fee is €0, so holding a balance open costs nothing month after month.
- The dealing model in commission free means no charge on each trade, and bonds, etfs and crypto puts bonds, ETFs and crypto in the same place.
- Cash parked on the platform earns 2.5%, so idle money still pays while you decide.
Cons
- An inactivity fee of €4.90 can be charged on a balance left unused, so a forgotten account still costs money.
- Money in and out is uneven: Free bank transfer withdrawal; 2% card deposits, so card top-ups cost where a bank transfer does not.
- Converting currency runs at 0.5%, which is the fee to watch if you hold money outside the euro.
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
Mintos
Who it suits
- Savers in the euro area who want cash interest alongside bond, ETF and crypto holdings without paying per trade.
- People who prefer one place for money and markets, using the mobile app in crypto and mobile app and the platforms in Web, iOS and Android.
- First-time investors who would rather not pay a commission on every trade and start from €50.
Who should look elsewhere
- Not for people who want a smaller first transfer than €50: bunq lists a minimum deposit of €10.
- Not for traders who are content to start with nothing: CFI has a minimum deposit of $0.
- Not for people weighing a Mexican lender: Fiesta Credito MX is listed with CONDUSEF rather than the Latvijas Banka register here.
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
Country by country
| Country | Mintos | UNest |
|---|---|---|
| United States | No | Yes |
Questions about each
Mintos
Does Mintos charge a monthly account fee?+
No. The account fee is €0, so keeping the account open costs nothing in monthly charges. The costs that do apply are the inactivity fee of €4.90, the currency conversion charge of 0.5% and a fee on card deposits.
What happens if I leave my account untouched?+
An inactivity fee of €4.90 can be charged on a balance that sits unused, so keep a little activity or move the money out before it costs you. The account fee of €0 keeps applying while the account is open.
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.