What is bunq?

bunq is a digital neobank founded in 2012 by serial entrepreneur Ali Niknam. Launched publicly in 2015 as the "Bank of The Free," it emphasizes user control, transparency, and simplicity—no hidden fees, rapid sign-up in minutes, and features shaped directly by community feedback.

The platform offers tiered plans (Free, Core, Pro, Elite) with high-yield savings up to 2.01% (or higher for term deposits), multiple sub-accounts with individual IBANs for budgeting, Mastercard debit cards, crypto buying/selling/staking, self-directed investing in stocks/ETFs (expanded to the US in 2025 via broker-dealer approval), zero-FX international payments, eSIM for travel, and sustainability initiatives like planting trees for every €100 spent.

With a focus on digital nomads, expats, and location-independent users, bunq integrates GenAI assistant Finn for personalized finance management and continues global expansion, including initial US entry for investments and plans for fuller services.