N26 to launch fully-digital private retirement account in Germany in partnership with Franklin Templeton
N26 will launch its fully digital, state-subsidised private retirement account (Altersvorsorgedepot) in Germany on 1 January 2027*(1), integrated directly into the N26 app.
Backed by a competitive price structure, the offer grants customers who open a Standard portfolio by June 2027 a permanent N26 service fee exemption, while enabling Self-directed portfolio investors to trade from a selection of over 300 funds from top asset managers worldwide for just €0.90 per order.
The product is supported by Franklin Templeton as exclusive investment partner for the Standard portfolio, providing underlying investment infrastructure, ETF capabilities, and portfolio expertise.
Berlin, 12 November 2026 – N26 today announced the upcoming launch of its new private retirement account (Altersvorsorgedepot) in Germany. Available from 1 January 2027, the new product will allow customers to seamlessly manage their long-term retirement investments alongside their everyday finances, directly within the N26 app.N26’s fully-digital private retirement account will enable customers to build a long-term financial plan with flexible, capital market-based retirement provision, as Germany’s upcoming pension reform marks a transformational moment in how consumers will be able to build long-term financial security. The state-certified and subsidised investment product will help customers build retirement savings through long-term investment in ETFs while making this a seamless and integrated part of their everyday financial decisions within the N26 banking experience.This new product will be supported by a strategic partnership with global investment and asset manager Franklin Templeton. N26 will expand its mobile-first banking ecosystem with its first retirement account, combining its digital DNA with Franklin Templeton’s decades of global asset management expertise and experience in retirement solutions. Franklin Templeton will serve as N26’s exclusive investment and product partner for the Standard portfolio (Standarddepot), while supporting the Self-directed portfolio (Selbstentscheiderdepot) alongside other partners, providing the underlying investment infrastructure, proprietary ETF capabilities, and portfolio expertise for the new digital retirement solution.The options will give customers a choice between the Standard portfolio (Standarddepot), a predetermined portfolio split between two fund categories, and the Self-directed portfolio (Selbstentscheiderdepot), where customers can build their own portfolio from a selection of over 300 funds*(2).Customers who open a Standard portfolio (Standarddepot) by June 2027 will benefit from a permanent N26 service fee exemption. Sign-ups from July 2027 onwards carry an annual N26 service fee of 0.10%. Furthermore, total expense ratios (TERs), which reflect the annual percentage of assets charged to cover ongoing fund management, are completely waived for the Standard portfolio until the end of 2028 before reverting to a competitive 0.09%*(3) TER thereafter. Investors choosing the Self-directed portfolio (Selbstentscheiderdepot) can build their portfolios of eligible ETFs for a trading fee of €0.90 per order. Setting up savings plans remains free for both portfolios and across all eligible assets.Both the Standard and Self-directed portfolios qualify for government subsidies, allowing investors to unlock substantial state grants with a minimum annual contribution of just €120. Under the basic grant (Grundzulage), the state matches 50% of the first €360 contributed and 25% of subsequent deposits up to €1,800, providing an annual government contribution of up to €540. On top, parents and people under the age of 25 can benefit from extra bonuses.To help customers accelerate their long-term retirement savings, N26 is launching limited-time incentives available until March 2027: Customers can unlock a 10% kickstart bonus of up to €250 on their initial investment, credited directly to their private retirement account within 30 days. Additionally, N26 will match 10% of monthly savings plan contributions – up to €15 per month – for the first 12 months following their initial deposit.
Mike Dargan, Chief Executive Officer at N26, said: “At N26, we are making building a financial future feel as straightforward as managing money day to day. The pension reform in Germany is a transformational moment, allowing millions to change the way they plan for retirement. With Franklin Templeton as our partner, we are excited to deliver a modern digital solution that sits in your banking app, right by your investments, savings, and everyday finances, to help everyone take this important first step within the same N26 ecosystem they know and trust.”
Jenny Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Franklin Templeton, added: “Germany has a strong savings culture, and as its population ages, helping more people move from saving to investing for their future is increasingly important. Starting early and staying invested is one of the most powerful ways to build long-term financial security, yet for too many people, investing can still feel complicated or out of reach. Technology can play a critical role in breaking down those barriers. By combining Franklin Templeton’s investment expertise with N26’s digital banking platform, we can make investing simpler and more accessible, helping more people put their savings to work and take greater ownership of their financial future.”
Pre-registration for the new private retirement account is now open directly in the N26 app, giving existing customers the opportunity to sign up for the product ahead of launch. As with all investment products, investing involves risk.(1) Subject to regulatory certification(2) Funds available will be provided by Franklin Templeton, Amundi, Deutsche Asset Management (Xtrackers) and Vanguard.(3) Net figure after fee rebates; applicable solely for the Standard portfolio.
About N26N26 is a leading European digital bank operating with a German banking license. Built on a foundation of technology, transparency and trust, the company provides simple, secure, and digital-native banking to millions of customers across 24 markets. Headquartered in Berlin with a strategic presence in major European hubs including Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Vienna, the company is powered by a diverse 1,600-strong team representing over 90 nationalities. The company is committed to empowering its customers with financial confidence and control, delivering a best-in-class banking experience designed for the modern era.Website: n26.com | N26 Press Contact: press@n26.com
