What’s the minimum amount needed to start investing?

The good news: You can invest money even with a small budget. For example, €25 per month is enough for many ETF savings plans — and with some online providers, there’s no minimum. You can start investing in cryptocurrencies with as little as €1. And with interest-bearing savings accounts, depending on the provider, there may be no minimum deposit required. If you compare your income with your expenses, you’ll see how much money you have available to invest.

How do I figure out my risk tolerance before investing?

Your risk tolerance is how well you handle it when the value of your investments goes up or down (or both). Knowing what your risk tolerance is can help you set an investment strategy and choose investments. Here are a few things to think about to figure out your risk tolerance: - Financial goals: Are you investing short-term or long-term? Do you want high or moderate returns? - Time horizon: How long can you commit your money without needing it? - Financial situation: How much can you afford to lose without jeopardizing your financial stability? - Personality: Are you comfortable with risk or do you prefer to play it safe?

How do I choose between different investment options?

To find the right investment for you, you should understand your budget, risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon. For example, if you have long-term investment goals and are more cautious, then a high-risk, yield-oriented investment strategy may not be suitable for you. Plus, remember that you should invest in a variety of financial products to spread out your risk.

Which investment is the safest?

An interest-bearing savings account is probably the safest investment, because local deposit insurance protects your account, and you can access your money at any time.

How much should I have in savings?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As a general rule of thumb, you should have the equivalent of 2 to 3 months' salary in your account for emergencies. Use our handy 50/30/20 budgeting calculator to figure out the ideal savings amount based on your income.

Can I invest small amounts of money?

Yes, for ETFs, certain stocks, or cryptocurrencies, you don't need large sums of money to place orders. Keep in mind that trades incur fees and taxes — although there are some providers where you can trade fee-free. Tip: If you live somewhere with an annual tax allowance, you can set up an exemption order with your bank or broker.

What’s the difference between stocks and ETFs?

Stocks are ownership certificates of companies. When you buy shares, you become a co-owner and benefit from any dividend payments or price developments. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are traded index funds. They’re a pool of investments in numerous companies within a sector or region (or even several regions), and are structured according to the index they track. So, you’re only indirectly investing in these companies.

Are there different types of savings plans available?

Yes, there are savings plans for a wide range of investment products. Here are a few examples: __ETF savings plan__: This allows you to regularly invest in a passively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF). There are ETFs focused on industries, commodities, sustainability, and much more. __Stock savings plan__: With this plan, you purchase fractional shares of a specific company every month. For example, if a share costs €50 and you invest €10 per month, after five months, you’d own one full share. __Bitcoin savings plan__: There are also crypto-focused savings plans that let you invest specifically in Bitcoin. Because of Bitcoin’s high price, an savings plan is a more accessible way for people to buy this cryptocurrency. __Gold savings plan__: With this plan, you gradually acquire gold in the form of coins or bars. Once you reach your savings goal, you can have the gold delivered to you by your bank.

Can I access my money at any time?

With a savings account, you can access your money at any time. Similarly, you can cancel an savings plan whenever you like and get your money back. Just keep in mind that trading fees and management costs are non-refundable. There’s also the risk of losing value if you have to sell your investments at a time when prices aren’t as strong. That’s another reason why it’s essential to have an emergency fund you can rely on.

What’s better: a recurring investment or a one-time investment?

That depends entirely on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. If you're going for an aggressive strategy and want to maximize your returns, a single lump-sum investment might make more sense. You can also combine multiple strategies to diversify your portfolio, such as using the core-satellite approach.

When are savings plans executed?

You have full control over the date and frequency of your investments — whether it’s once a month at the start of the month or every two weeks. This flexibility means the number of shares you purchase will vary slightly each time, depending on the current market price. You can track when your orders are processed in your transaction history. Some providers also send you notifications before the next investment is due. For example, with N26, you’ll receive a push notification on your smartphone one day before the scheduled execution, giving you a clear overview of where your money is going.

Secure your future with a flexible savings plan

Dreaming big but working with a tight budget? Or maybe you just don’t have the time to actively grow your savings? With an automated stock or ETF savings plan from N26, you can invest in your future every month — starting from as little as €1.
Choose from over 1000 stocks and ETFs, set up flexible savings plans, and watch your money grow — all from your smartphone. With N26, everything you need, from your broker to your bank account, is right there in one app.

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What’s an savings plan?

Planning for the future without overthinking it? That’s exactly what a savings plan helps you do. Every month, it automatically invests a set amount of your choosing and puts it into stocks, ETFs, gold, or cryptocurrencies — no extra effort required.
Once you set it up, your money starts working for you without you lifting a finger. savings plans are designed for passive investing and achieving long-term goals. Plus, they’re very flexible‌ — ‌you can adjust your plan whenever you want.

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Benefits of savings plans

Dollar-cost averaging

The market moves up and down, so each investment doesn’t buy the same number of shares, but the average cost per share balances out over time.

Complete flexibility

If your budget or the market conditions change, you can easily adjust your monthly amount, pause your plan, or cancel it altogether‌ — ‌whatever works best for you.

Personalized schedule

Instead of making one large investment, you can grow your portfolio step by step, at a pace that suits your personal goals and financial situation.

Compounding returns

Most ETF savings plans are accumulating, which means dividends are automatically reinvested rather than paid out, helping to speed up the growth of your investment.

Risks to keep in mind when setting up an savings plan

Market risks

Although an savings plan can help limit risk, it can't eliminate it entirely‌ — ‌especially as the size of your investment grows.

Not ideal for short-term goals

If you're looking to grow your money quickly or can't afford to leave it untouched for long, savings plans may not be the best choice.

No guarantees

Like any investment, returns are never guaranteed, and there’s always the potential for losing everything — ‌though this risk is generally lower with an savings plan than with individual stocks.

Limited liquidity

Always keep an emergency fund and align your investments with your available budget‌ — ‌never the other way around.

Who is an savings plan good for?

Thanks to new online tools and tutorials, managing your own investments has never been easier. But one thing hasn’t changed: Investing carries risks and usually requires some initial capital. This can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to the world of investing.Don’t worry — this is where savings plans come in. They’re affordable, allowing you to invest a monthly amount of your choice, whether that’s €100, €10, or even €1. Many platforms even offer fee-free stock and ETF savings plans, making them especially popular with people looking to invest for the long term.Unlike active investment strategies that aim for above-average returns in a short time, stock or ETF savings plans help you grow your wealth gradually. They’re generally less risky over the long term, but they do take some patience.Because they’re designed for the longer term, savings plans are ideal for people who want to:

Build a private retirement fund
Put money aside for their kids
Protect their money from inflation
Save up to purchase a home
Fund a major life goal or other investment

savings plan for retirement

For many people, government pensions aren’t quite enough to live comfortably. That’s why it’s crucial to set money aside for your retirement. Private pension plans can be expensive, often due to broker fees and administrative costs. With an ETF savings plan, you can take control of your retirement savings while keeping costs low.

savings plan for kids

Whether you’re expecting your first child or already a proud parent, an savings plan for your kids can help you prepare for significant milestones, like a study abroad program, college tuition, a first car, or even a future home purchase. It’s a great way to give your child a strong start into adulthood.

savings plan to combat inflation

While saving is always a good idea, remember that keeping it in a regular account means your money will lose value over time due to inflation. By investing in an savings plan, you can offset inflation through mechanisms like dividend payments.

savings plan for real estate

With rising interest rates and soaring property prices, taking out a loan is becoming increasingly expensive. An savings plan can help you grow your equity, making it easier to finance a home purchase later down the line.

savings plan for personal goals

Dreaming of starting your own business as a content creator? Want to turn your attic into a yoga studio? Or maybe you’ve got your heart set on owning a camper van? Whatever your goals are, a stock or ETF savings plan can help you grow the budget you need to make them happen.Pro tip: Use an savings plan calculator
savings plan calculators can help you simulate how your investments will likely grow. Some platforms even offer ETF-specific calculators. Just remember, these are only estimates — neither tools nor people can predict the exact performance of your investments. Still, they’re a useful way to figure out the right savings rate and time horizon for your financial goals.

Find the right broker for your investment plan

Trading fees and ongoing costs

To maximize your returns, choose a platform that offers commission-free stock and ETF investment plans and keeps fees low.

Availability of different plans

Compare brokers to see what investment plans they offer, and check for special deals or promotions.

Minimum investment and flexibility

Check what the minimum monthly investment amount is and whether you can adjust the plan to fit your needs.

Transparency and user-friendliness

Opt for a provider with clear, upfront fees and an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.

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Make your future self proud with a plan

Investing can be stressful. Get some peace of mind with a fully-automated savings plan, available for all memberships at no extra cost in the N26 app. You decide how much and how often you want to invest. Start your plan any day you like with more than 4000 stocks and ETFs to choose from, and even more coming soon.Set up your first stress-free stock or ETF savings plan now, and make your money work for you.

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How to set up your investment plan

Find a reliable broker

Choose a trusted broker that allows you to set up and manage investment plans — with N26, you can do everything right from the app.

Choose the right plan

Pick an investment plan — whether it's for stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies — that suits your goals and risk tolerance‌, or even set up multiple plans to diversify your portfolio.

Set amounts and frequency

Based on your budget, decide how much you want to invest and how often, and remember that you can always adjust these settings later if needed.

Finalize and automate

Choose your start date, place the order, and watch your fully automated investment plan go to work to grow your money.

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ETF savings plan

If you're looking to diversify your portfolio, ETFs can be a good choice. And with an ETF savings plan, managing your investments is even simpler‌ — ‌whether you're just starting out or already have plenty of experience.That said, it's crucial to choose your ETF carefully. Fund size, type, and the ETF's age are just some of the key factors to consider.Especially suitable for: Investors who already have some experience with securities and are familiar with the opportunities and risks of ETFs.

Start investing in ETFs

A smartphone screen displays a financial application interface showing a total balance of 8,873.26 € alongside investment details for Stocks and ETFs and Crypto.

Stock savings plan

Stock prices aren’t just volatile‌ — ‌they can vary widely between companies. On the plus side, ever-changing prices means that you can take advantage of dollar-cost averaging.Stocks come with higher risks compared to other asset classes, though, and it takes some expertise. It's important to research the companies you’re considering investing in and to protect yourself against losses by building a diversified portfolio.Especially suitable for: Investors with experience in the stock market.

Start investing in stocks

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Fund savings plan

For a low-lift investment that’s naturally diversified, many people turn to equity funds, real estate funds, or balanced funds. With a fund savings plan, you can gradually build your portfolio by purchasing shares over time‌. Actively managed funds typically have higher fees than passively managed ETFs do. Even if an savings plan is low cost, funds still carry risks, just like any investment. Especially suitable for: Investors looking for a well-managed core investment or specialized funds

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Savings account savings plan

Looking to grow your money while keeping things safe? Instead of diving into ETFs or stocks, consider setting up a savings account or money market account that earns interest.Most savings accounts don’t have any fees and are protected up to €100,000 under European deposit insurance. Plus, you can access your funds at any time.All it takes is opening a free account, setting up an automatic transfer, and watching your savings grow.Especially suitable for: Beginners who don’t want any risk.

Open a savings account

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Find a plan for you

N26 Standard

The free* online bank account

Virtual Card

€0.00/month

A virtual debit card
Free payments worldwide
Deposit protection

Open free bank account

N26 Smart

The bank account that gives you more control

€4.90/month

Free Virtual Card
Up to 10 Spaces sub-accounts
Support Center phone number
Round-ups

Open N26 Smart account

POPULAR

N26 Go

The debit card for everyday and travel

CRST-18128_PulseSoft_SavingsPlans_LP8c-Desktop-1334x1334.

€9.90/month

Up to 5 free withdrawals in the Eurozone
Flight and luggage delay cover
Medical emergency cover
Winter activities insurance
Pandemic coverage

Open N26 Go account

N26 Metal

The premium account with a metal card

€16.90/month

An 16-gram metal card
Up to 8 free withdrawals in the Eurozone
Purchase protection
Phone insurance
Dedicated N26 Metal line

Open N26 Metal account

N26 Standard

The free* online bank account

Virtual Card

€0.00/month

A virtual debit card
Free payments worldwide
Deposit protection

Open free bank account

N26 Smart

The bank account that gives you more control

€4.90/month

Free Virtual Card
Up to 10 Spaces sub-accounts
Support Center phone number
Round-ups

Open N26 Smart account

POPULAR

N26 Go

The debit card for everyday and travel

€9.90/month

Up to 5 free withdrawals in the Eurozone
Flight and luggage delay cover
Medical emergency cover
Winter activities insurance
Pandemic coverage

Open N26 Go account

N26 Metal

The premium account with a metal card

€16.90/month

An 16-gram metal card
Up to 8 free withdrawals in the Eurozone
Purchase protection
Phone insurance
Dedicated N26 Metal line

Open N26 Metal account

FAQs

The good news: You can invest money even with a small budget. For example, €25 per month is enough for many ETF savings plans — and with some online providers, there’s no minimum. You can start investing in cryptocurrencies with as little as €1. And with interest-bearing savings accounts, depending on the provider, there may be no minimum deposit required. If you compare your income with your expenses, you’ll see how much money you have available to invest.
Your risk tolerance is how well you handle it when the value of your investments goes up or down (or both). Knowing what your risk tolerance is can help you set an investment strategy and choose investments. Here are a few things to think about to figure out your risk tolerance:
- Financial goals: Are you investing short-term or long-term? Do you want high or moderate returns?
- Time horizon: How long can you commit your money without needing it?
- Financial situation: How much can you afford to lose without jeopardizing your financial stability?
- Personality: Are you comfortable with risk or do you prefer to play it safe?
To find the right investment for you, you should understand your budget, risk tolerance, goals, and time horizon. For example, if you have long-term investment goals and are more cautious, then a high-risk, yield-oriented investment strategy may not be suitable for you. Plus, remember that you should invest in a variety of financial products to spread out your risk.
An interest-bearing savings account is probably the safest investment, because local deposit insurance protects your account, and you can access your money at any time.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As a general rule of thumb, you should have the equivalent of 2 to 3 months' salary in your account for emergencies. Use our handy 50/30/20 budgeting calculator to figure out the ideal savings amount based on your income.
Yes, for ETFs, certain stocks, or cryptocurrencies, you don't need large sums of money to place orders. Keep in mind that trades incur fees and taxes — although there are some providers where you can trade fee-free. Tip: If you live somewhere with an annual tax allowance, you can set up an exemption order with your bank or broker.
Stocks are ownership certificates of companies. When you buy shares, you become a co-owner and benefit from any dividend payments or price developments. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are traded index funds. They’re a pool of investments in numerous companies within a sector or region (or even several regions), and are structured according to the index they track. So, you’re only indirectly investing in these companies.
Yes, there are savings plans for a wide range of investment products. Here are a few examples: ETF savings plan: This allows you to regularly invest in a passively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF). There are ETFs focused on industries, commodities, sustainability, and much more. Stock savings plan: With this plan, you purchase fractional shares of a specific company every month. For example, if a share costs €50 and you invest €10 per month, after five months, you’d own one full share. Bitcoin savings plan: There are also crypto-focused savings plans that let you invest specifically in Bitcoin. Because of Bitcoin’s high price, an savings plan is a more accessible way for people to buy this cryptocurrency. Gold savings plan: With this plan, you gradually acquire gold in the form of coins or bars. Once you reach your savings goal, you can have the gold delivered to you by your bank.
With a savings account, you can access your money at any time. Similarly, you can cancel an savings plan whenever you like and get your money back. Just keep in mind that trading fees and management costs are non-refundable. There’s also the risk of losing value if you have to sell your investments at a time when prices aren’t as strong. That’s another reason why it’s essential to have an emergency fund you can rely on.
That depends entirely on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. If you're going for an aggressive strategy and want to maximize your returns, a single lump-sum investment might make more sense. You can also combine multiple strategies to diversify your portfolio, such as using the core-satellite approach.
You have full control over the date and frequency of your investments‌ — ‌whether it’s once a month at the start of the month or every two weeks. This flexibility means the number of shares you purchase will vary slightly each time, depending on the current market price. You can track when your orders are processed in your transaction history. Some providers also send you notifications before the next investment is due. For example, with N26, you’ll receive a push notification on your smartphone one day before the scheduled execution, giving you a clear overview of where your money is going.

Standard

Smart

Go

Metal

Business Standard

Business Smart

Business Go

Business Metal

Secure your future with a flexible savings plan

What’s an savings plan?