Head-to-head · Neobank Apps
bunq vs Rakuten Bank
bunq leads on 0 checks, Rakuten Bank on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorebunq · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly bunq
bunq scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
bunq is the better fit for people needing flexible personal and business accounts. Rakuten Bank is the better fit for japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking.
- bunq fits best
People needing flexible personal and business accounts
- Rakuten Bank fits best
Japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking
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Side by side
| Feature | bunq 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Rakuten Bank 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #2 in Neobank Apps | #7 in Neobank Apps |
| Best for | People needing flexible personal and business accounts | Japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | €3.99/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7 | Live chat |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features bunq 2/3 · Rakuten Bank 2/3 | ||
| Early pay access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cash deposit support | ✓ | ✓ |
| International transfers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Account scope | Both | Both |
| Savings yield | Up to 3.11% | 0.50% annual before tax for ordinary deposits (as of 2026-11-02); higher rates may require eligibility or linked services |
| Supported currencies | 20 currencies | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | bunq is a European digital bank offering personal and business accounts through mobile apps and web banking. It is aimed at people who want to manage accounts, cards, payments, savings and budgeting in one service, including those who need… Read the review → |
Rakuten Bank is a Japanese online bank for individuals who want everyday yen banking alongside access to foreign-currency deposits and international remittances. Its web, iOS, and Android options cover account activity, including balance… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
bunq — where it wins
- Multiple IBAN accounts and physical or digital cards across paid plans
- Foreign-currency accounts and transfers in over 40 currencies
- Personal and business accounts with web, iOS, and Android access
Where it doesn't
- Account and card limits vary substantially by plan
- Cash deposits are limited to eligible plans and supported countries
- Foreign-currency account availability depends on country of residence
Rakuten Bank — where it wins
- Personal yen accounts support domestic and scheduled transfers.
- Offers foreign-currency deposits and international remittances for eligible holders.
- Integrates with Rakuten Securities and Rakuten Card.
Where it doesn't
- Transaction fees may apply even though standard account maintenance is free.
- International remittances are limited to eligible personal-account holders.
- Account eligibility and service availability may depend on residency and other conditions.
- bunq9.2/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
Flexible European banking with personal and business accounts, cards, and international transfers.
Visit bunqFull verdict → - Rakuten Bank8.5/10 · Free plan
A free-to-open Japanese online bank for everyday yen banking and remittances.
Visit Rakuten BankFull verdict →
bunq vs Rakuten Bank: questions
Which is better for neobank apps, bunq or Rakuten Bank?
bunq scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
How do bunq and Rakuten Bank compare?
All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do bunq and Rakuten Bank have a free plan?
bunq: Yes. Rakuten Bank: Yes.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update