Pathetic old-fashioned bank for fintech standards
(Note: I'm comparing N26 here to other fintech banks, not "regular" banks.)

I had to change my phone number and use a new "un-paired" phone. This was a ridiculously long and OFFLINE procedure. First, I had to chat to a support agent. They then told me I had to go withdraw money. What the hell? I thought this was a 100% online bank? And why should I have to withdraw money to confirm my identity? Also, because I can't access the N26 app, I cannot check where the nearby compatible ATMs are. Where's the logic here? 

Afterwards, I had to provide my ID card information, the withdrawal amount, and a 10-digit number that is on a card YOU'D HAVE TO ORDER SEPARATELY. Luckily, I had this maestro card with the required 10-digit number, but normally, you'd only have the mastercard which does not have this 10-digit number. You have to order the maestro card separately.

I thought that was it. But no, I was then told I would have to WAIT for a PHONE CALL. No instant SMS verification. No, a human would have to call between office hours within 24 hours. 

Absolutely ridiculous. If you're in an emergency or lose your phone, you are stuck. There is no added value to the web version of the online banking since you have to confirm your login using the app. As a customer, I expect to have 24/7 access to my account. These kind of offline, old-fashioned, time-intensive procedures are unacceptable for a supposed "100% online, innovative" fintech company.

There are much, much simpler and faster ways to to do this. I also have a bunq account and with that I can login in a browser using my email, or phone/QR code, or phone number. Easy. Multiple options. No paired device, I can install the app on any device and access my account at all times. No ridiculous offline ATM procedures and waiting around for phone calls.

It's 2021, but N26 is stuck miles behind other fintech banks. (Recently they've been showing off their instant bank transfers. Seriously? So many countries and banks already offer this. This is hardly new. Just shows how behind N26 and Germany are in terms of banking.)

Will be closing my account soon and only using bunq and Revolut. At least those banks know what "100% online" means and offer better and more practical service.

Edit: You'll see from the reviews below that N26 defends these procedures as security necessities. N26, security is important, but I trust your competitors more because they understand speed and practicality and let me retain access to my account. They achieve the same goals in a much simpler and faster fashion and are equally if not more secure. It *is* possible to do things better and faster while maintaining security. N26's procedures are more of a reflection of Germany's overly-complicated protocols fetishism than of security requirements, which becomes clear when comparing N26 to competitors and when reading the other reviews here.