N26 launches "N26 for under 18s," marking its first step toward offering services for families.

N26 has announced the launch of N26 for under-18s – a new debit card for children and young people aged 7 to 17, managed via a parent's app. The product gives children their own debit card, allowing them to experience financial independence and money management for the first time, while parents retain full control via the N26 app, where they can set spending limits, manage the card, and monitor all transactions.

The launch is an important step in the implementation of N26's strategy, which aims to create a comprehensive digital banking offering for the whole family. With N26 for under-18s, the company is developing a financial ecosystem that connects loved ones, enabling them to manage their finances together and build future wealth at different stages of life—from childhood and adolescence to adulthood—within a single app.

N26 for under-18s is designed to support parents in managing their family finances while actively involving children in everyday financial decisions. The solution is intended to help shape responsible spending and saving habits from an early age. Parents get a unified view of their child's spending alongside their own finances and can easily support their first steps in the cashless world—in a safe, fully controlled environment.

By introducing children to the world of digital banking and structured money management, N26 wants to enable families to build financial literacy that can naturally transition into saving, investing, and long-term wealth building in the future.

N26 for under-18s operates as a separate "Space" with its own IBAN number within the parent's existing N26 account. The child receives a Mastercard debit card issued in their name, and the parent has full, ongoing oversight of the account. This includes the ability to easily top up funds and set individual spending limits directly in the app, the option to receive real-time notifications, instant card blocking and unblocking, and complete financial security—the account does not offer overdraft, so spending is limited to the funds transferred by the parent. The app also allows you to manage your personal finances, your child's space, and, if necessary, a joint account with your partner in one place.

The process of opening an N26 account for people under 18 has been simplified and only requires an active parent account with N26 and a valid birth certificate for verification. For added personalization, children and teenagers can choose from seven unique card designs.

Marcus W. Mosen, Co-CEO of N26, emphasized that digital payments are now an integral part of everyday life. Even in traditionally cash-oriented markets such as Germany, around two-thirds of all retail purchases are now made cashless. In his view, N26 for under-18s allows parents to support their children in an increasingly cashless world and helps build modern financial skills from an early age. People under the age of 18 make up 18% of the European Union's population, and the demand for secure and age-appropriate financial solutions is significant. N26's ambition is to provide innovative financial services to the next generation as well.

N26 for under-18s will gradually be rolled out to all eligible customers in Germany and Austria who have an active personal or business account with N26, regardless of their membership package.