Updated October 13, 2026 · VaultCue Editorial Team
bunq vs Chime
bunq
Higher score in this comparison
Chime
bunq vs Chime: the differences
| Compare | ||
|---|---|---|
| Deposit protection | EU DGS up to EUR 100,000 | FDIC up to USD 250,000 |
| Monthly fee | €0 | $0 |
| Headline rate | 3.01% | Not confirmed |
| Rate type | Variable | Not confirmed |
| Access terms | Withdraw any amount free up to 2 times a month, rising to 3 free monthly withdrawals after 12 months; interest paid weekly | Not confirmed |
| Account kind | Easy access | Not confirmed |
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Key differences
- Support channels: only bunq offers Email, Chat.
- Support channels: only Chime offers Phone, Community.
Our verdict on each
bunq
bunq suits savers who want an easy-access euro account that costs nothing to keep and pays a variable rate with weekly interest, protected by an EU guarantee. The rate of 3.01% is solid rather than remarkable, and support runs on email, chat and help centre only.
Chime
Chime differs from branch based savings because access happens through connected tools for everyday control. Chime is a savings option that suits people who prefer managing balances through digital access with clear organisation alongside everyday money needs and simple transfer visibility.
Score breakdown
| Area | bunq | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 9.1Monthly fee of €0 on a no monthly fee account, with a currency conversion fee of 3% on the free plan. | 9.1 |
| Offer | 9.1Rate of 3.01% that is variable, close to the savings median of 3%. | 9.1 |
| Trust | 8.7 | 8.7 |
How they place
| Ranking | bunq | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| Savings accounts | 6 of 1420 | 781 of 1420 |
| Online banks | 3 of 402 | 234 of 402 |
Every fact side by side
| Fact | bunq | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | No monthly fee | No monthly fee |
| Legal entity | bunq B.V. | Chime Financial, Inc. |
| Headquarters | Netherlands | United States |
| Founded | 2012 | 2012 |
| Support channels | Email, Chat, Help centre | Phone, Help centre, Community |
Everyday accounts
| Fact | bunq | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| Currency conversion fee | 3% | Not confirmed |
| Audience | Expats, Travelers, Business, Student | Not confirmed |
| Features | Joint account, Digital onlyCovers more | Digital only |
| Local account details | IBAN | Us ACH |
Where each stands against the rest
| Fact | bunq | Chime | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headline rate | 3.01%below the median | Not confirmed | 3.25% |
Median across 658 listed accounts.
Pros and cons
bunq
Pros
- The monthly fee is €0 and the pricing model is no monthly fee, so keeping the account open costs nothing each month.
- Interest is paid weekly and the rate type is variable, so money keeps earning between withdrawals without a term to serve out.
- Balances are covered by EU DGS up to EUR 100,000, so there is a payout route if the provider fails.
Cons
- The rate type is variable, so the return follows the base rate and the account ranks 240 of 473 brands on the headline rate.
- Support runs on email, chat and help centre only, which leaves phone callers with a narrower route in.
- Features list joint account and digital only, so the service is digital only and there is no branch counter.
Chime
Pros
- Provides savings that customers manage through digital channels for everyday organisation
- Supports ACH transfers that sit beside savings for everyday money movement
- Keeps balances and transfers visible together in one digital place
Who each suits
bunq
Who it suits
- People who want an easy-access euro account that pays interest weekly and costs nothing to hold.
- Travellers and expats, part of the expats, travelers and business bunq targets, who convert currency and want a local IBAN.
- Students and savers who value EU DGS up to EUR 100,000 over a higher rate.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone chasing a top fixed rate, since 24.19% at plazo pays far more.
- Customers who need a phone helpline, as support runs on email, chat and help centre only.
- Anyone wanting a branch counter, because features list joint account and digital only and the service is digital only.
Chime
Who it suits
- People who prefer handling savings with connected tools
- Customers who value simple transfers beside savings
Country by country
| Country | bunq | Chime |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | Yes | No |
| France | Yes | No |
| Germany | Yes | No |
| Ireland | Yes | No |
| Italy | Yes | No |
| Netherlands | Yes | No |
| Spain | Yes | No |
Questions about each
bunq
What does bunq charge to keep a savings account?+
The monthly fee is €0 and the account is priced on a no monthly fee basis, so there is no recurring charge to keep it open. The one cost to watch when you spend abroad is currency conversion at 3% on the free plan. Interest is still paid weekly with no fee deducted.
How much interest does the account pay?+
The rate is 3.01% and the rate type is variable, so the figure follows the base rate instead of being fixed to a term. Across the savings accounts on the site, the median headline rate is 3%, which puts bunq near the middle. Interest is credited weekly rather than monthly.
Chime
What does Chime offer for savers?+
Chime offers savings that customers organise through digital access. Balances stay visible alongside transfer options for everyday planning. Customers review how savings fit daily needs before choosing this careful approach.
How does moving money work with Chime?+
Chime supports ACH transfers alongside savings for straightforward organisation. Customers arrange transfers through digital routes and track balances in the same place. Customers review transfer needs and savings habits before choosing this setup.
Other options to compare
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bunq
Chime