Traditional banks and neobanks can offer similar everyday services, but their licences, account structures and customer protections may differ. This guide explains how to compare them by legal status, access to money, costs, lending and support across major jurisdictions.
An electronic money institution issues e-money, a payment service provider performs payment functions, and a bank can accept deposits within its permissions. This guide explains how the models differ, what happens to customer funds and how to check regulatory status across major jurisdictions.
Digital banking combines an app or website with the regulated institutions, ledgers and payment systems that hold and move money. This guide explains the mechanics, the differences between banks and non-bank providers, and what to check before opening an account.
A neobank is a digital-first financial service, but it is not necessarily a licensed bank. This guide explains how neobanks operate, where customer money is held, how they earn revenue and what to check across major jurisdictions.
