Real-time banking behind the scenes

Find out what’s happening right away whenever you use your N26 card and get a real-time notification.

At N26, we have only one goal: to create a unique bank that matches your pace. We want our customers to have a simple, intuitive, and fast experience.

Having said that, keeping things simple is actually a lot of work. This article will give you a behind-the-scenes look into real-time notifications and how you receive them on your smartphone when using your N26 debit card.

Here’s an example of what you can expect when you pay with your N26 card:

You pass your card over the card reader, or insert it into the slot.

The shop's bank gets a request from the terminal and processes it.

The vendor's bank checks the card brand and forwards the request. At N26, we use Mastercard.

Mastercard receives the payment request and redirects it to us.

Once N26's availability has been confirmed, we are sent the authorization request.

We process the transaction. Our technology uses over 15 million lines of code to process your transaction as quickly as possible.

We check which account this card is linked to and whether it is active or not.

We verify that your application settings allow you to make this payment.

We make sure that the transaction does not look risky.

We check that there are enough funds in your account and that the transaction is within the limits you have set in your application.

We send a message to the vendor terminal notifying them that the transaction has been accepted. The amount is automatically deducted from your balance and the transaction appears in the N26 app.

We identify the smartphone linked to the card and send you the notification.

You get the notification.

Your payment has been processed!

We've gone the extra mile to make your life easier.

The bank account that gives you more control

Spend and save with confidence, and discover a better way to manage your money

Get bank account (new tab)