Google Wallet vs bunq
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Google Wallet | bunq |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.3 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Best for | Contactless payments & passes on Android | Digital nomads needing EU banking + multi-currency |
| Monthly fee | Free | ~€3–€18/mo (Core/Pro/Elite) |
| Exchange rate | Uses your card's FX terms | ~0.5–1.5% by plan/currency |
| Send / receive | No Google fee; P2P limited in many markets | Free SEPA on paid plans |
| Withdrawals | N/A | Limited free ATM on higher plans |
| Card | No standalone card; stores cards, passes & tickets | Yes — physical & virtual Mastercard |
| Availability | Tap-to-pay in 100+ countries | 30+ EEA countries (+ UK via e-money) |
| Currencies | Local card currency | ~20+ currencies |
| Regulation | Rides card networks; licences by region | De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) full EU banking licence |
| Founded | 2011 (Wallet rebrand 2022) | 2012 |
Google Wallet
Google Wallet is the default Android tap-to-pay app, free to use and accepted in over 100 countries, storing payment cards alongside transit, loyalty and event passes. It charges no fee of its own, deferring to your card's terms, but its peer-to-peer money features have been scaled back. The natural everyday wallet for Android users.
Pros
- Free contactless across 100+ countries
- Stores cards, transit, loyalty & event passes
- Tokenized payments for added security
Cons
- No own account or balance in most markets
- P2P money-sending wound down in many regions
- Feature set varies widely by country
bunq
bunq is an Amsterdam-based challenger bank with a full Dutch banking licence and €100,000 deposit protection, popular with digital nomads for its multi-currency support, sub-accounts and savings interest. Unlike some rivals it is subscription-based with no fully free everyday plan. A strong choice for EU residents wanting flexible, feature-rich banking.
Pros
- Full Dutch banking licence, €100k protection
- Multi-currency holding with fair FX
- Multiple sub-accounts & budgeting tools
Cons
- No fully free everyday plan (subscription)
- FX markup higher on lower tiers
- Mainly EEA-focused availability
The bottom line
Overall, Google Wallet edges ahead with a score of 4.3 versus 4.0 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.