Vivid Money Review 2025: Banking & Investing App

Understanding Vivid Money's Evolution

When Vivid Money launched in Germany in 2020, it entered the fintech scene with bold ambitions and significant venture capital backing. This colorful financial app aimed to become Europe's ultimate financial "super-app," combining everyday banking with accessible investment options all in one place.

What made Vivid initially stand out was its unique blend of features: eye-catching metal debit cards, a flexible "Pockets" system for organizing money, multi-currency functionality, commission-free trading options, and a rewards program that linked cashback to asset performance.

However, in 2024-2025, something significant happened: facing intense competition from established players like Revolut and N26 in the retail banking space, Vivid strategically pivoted. While personal accounts remain available, the company has explicitly shifted its primary focus toward serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers – a less saturated and potentially more profitable segment.

This shift provides essential context for our review. As someone who's examined dozens of financial platforms for MatchMyBroker, I believe potential users should understand that while their personal accounts remain functional, future platform enhancements and potentially even support levels might prioritize the business segment.

In this review, I'll dive deep into what Vivid Money offers today, examining its banking and investment features, associated costs, user experience, and how it compares to alternatives. Whether you're considering Vivid for personal or business use, this analysis will help you determine if it aligns with your financial needs in 2025. You can also read our in-depth Vivid Money stock broker review.

Core Features: Banking, Investing, and Earning with Vivid

Banking Services: Managing Your Money

Vivid's banking services combine traditional features with some innovative twists:

Accounts & IBANs: One of Vivid's distinctive offerings is its multi-IBAN system. Personal users can choose German, Spanish, or Italian IBANs, while business accounts typically receive German IBANs. The number of sub-accounts or "Pockets" (each potentially with its own IBAN) varies by plan – personal plans allow up to 15, while business plans offer significantly more (up to 30 or even 50, depending on the plan).

Pockets System: This signature feature helps users organize finances by creating sub-accounts for different purposes like saving goals, budgeting categories, or managing specific income streams. The "Shared Pockets" function is particularly useful, enabling joint sub-accounts with friends or family members, complete with their own IBANs – simplifying shared expenses without needing a traditional joint account.

Cards (Physical & Virtual): Vivid's metal card is perhaps its most visually distinctive offering, often provided free upon signup or with premium plans. A key security feature is the absence of printed details on the card – all sensitive information is stored securely within the app. Business users can also opt for cards made from recycled PET plastic. Virtual cards are available for online spending or linking to mobile payment systems.

Payments & Transfers: The platform supports standard SEPA transfers, SEPA Instant for real-time payments, and multi-currency functionality allowing users to hold, exchange, and spend in numerous currencies. Business accounts can make international SWIFT transfers to a wide range of countries. Vivid Pay allows easy transfers between Vivid users using just a phone number.

Spend Analytics & Budgeting: The app provides tools to track expenditures, automatically categorizing transactions and displaying clear merchant names rather than cryptic codes. Users can set spending limits for different categories to help manage budgets.

Business-Specific Features: Following its strategic shift, Vivid has bolstered its business offering with integrated invoicing, bookkeeping integrations with platforms like DATEV and sevDesk, and team management features allowing different access levels. A dedicated business travel tool allows booking hotels directly within the app, often with significant cashback rewards. Business financing through a partner is also available, with loans up to €250,000 via an online application process.

The table below outlines Vivid's regulatory structure across different entities:

Investment Platform: Growing Your Money

Vivid integrates investment capabilities directly within the app, targeting users who want to start investing without needing a separate brokerage account:

Asset Classes: Users can invest in a range of assets, including US and European Stocks and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). The platform boasts access to over 300 Cryptocurrencies. Additionally, Vivid offers access to Money Market Funds (MMFs), primarily through its "Interest Rate Pocket" feature, designed to generate interest on cash balances.

Fractional Investing: A key feature aimed at accessibility is fractional investing. This allows users to buy portions of shares or ETFs, meaning they can start investing with very small amounts, such as €1 or even €0.01, removing the barrier of high individual share prices.

Investment Infrastructure: Vivid has upgraded its investment infrastructure to what it calls "Invest 2.0," facilitated by partners like Upvest. This transition enables users to hold actual European stocks and ETFs directly, granting them associated shareholder rights – in contrast to some earlier models which might have relied on derivatives without conferring direct ownership.

Interest Rate Pocket / MMFs: Vivid's high-yield interest accounts (often promoted with rates like 4% annually for an initial period) are typically powered by investing the user's cash into Qualifying Money Market Funds (QMMFs) managed by established firms like BlackRock or Goldman Sachs. To enhance security, these funds are often held via a separate legal entity, Stichting Vivid Money, a Dutch foundation designed to safeguard client assets.

Commission Structure: While often marketed as "commission-free," investing through Vivid involves specific costs. For stocks and ETFs denominated in Euros, there's typically a fixed fee of €1 per trade. For assets denominated in other currencies (like USD stocks/ETFs), this €1 fee applies alongside a currency conversion markup. Crypto trading involves percentage-based fees that vary based on the user's plan and their trading volume in the preceding month.

Here's how your funds are protected across different Vivid account types:

Cashback & Rewards: Earning While Spending

Vivid's cashback program is a central part of its value proposition, aiming to reward users for their everyday spending:

Cashback Mechanism: Users earn a percentage of their spending back when using their Vivid card for purchases. The amount of cashback earned and the monthly cap depend heavily on the user's account plan. Free plans (Standard/Start) typically offer lower base rates (0.1-0.2%) and lower monthly limits (e.g., €20). Paid plans (Prime/Plus/Pro) offer higher base rates (0.25-1%) and significantly higher monthly limits.

Stock/Crypto Rewards: A unique aspect is the ability to link earned cashback to the performance of a chosen stock or cryptocurrency. This generally means the value of the accumulated cashback fluctuates in line with the chosen asset's price, rather than granting direct fractional ownership.

Super Deals & Partner Offers: Vivid frequently runs "Super Deals" or promotions with specific brands offering significantly higher cashback percentages for limited periods or on specific purchases. Business users also get special offers, such as cashback on travel bookings or with brands like Fiverr and HP.

Eligibility Requirements: Accessing cashback, especially on free plans, often comes with conditions. Users might need to maintain a minimum account balance (e.g., €1,000 in cash) or a minimum amount in investment holdings (e.g., €100) during one month to be eligible for cashback rewards in the following month.

The breadth of features offered by Vivid, aiming for that "super-app" status, presents both opportunities and challenges. While consolidating so many services into one platform offers undeniable convenience, navigating this ecosystem demands significant user attention and understanding of the complex fee structures and conditions across different services.

Vivid Account Plans & Pricing: Decoding the Costs

Vivid offers a tiered structure for both personal and business users, but navigating the plan names and associated fees requires careful attention, as terminology has evolved and varies across different platform sections.

Personal Account Comparison (Standard vs. Prime)

Vivid Standard:

• Cost: Typically €0/month if active (requires at least one card transaction OR >€1,000 balance), otherwise €3.90/month. An additional inactivity fee of €0.90/month may apply after 4 months of inactivity for newer accounts.
• Features: Up to 3 Pockets/IBANs, 40 currencies supported, first plastic card free, lower cashback rates (e.g., 0.2%) with a low monthly cap (€20).
• Limits: Free ATM withdrawals up to €200/month (min €50 withdrawal often required to avoid 3% fee). Higher crypto trading fees and higher FX markup for USD investments.

Vivid Prime:

• Cost: €9.90/month (discounts for longer subscriptions may be available)
• Features: Up to 15 Pockets/IBANs, 100+ currencies supported, first metal card free, higher cashback rates (e.g., 1%) with a higher monthly cap (€100-€150).
• Limits: Free ATM withdrawals up to €1,000/month, lower crypto trading fees, lower FX markup for USD investments, higher free card top-up limit.

Business Account Comparison (Free Start, Basic, Pro)

Free Start: €0/month. Includes 12 accounts, 1 team member, limited free SEPA Instant transfers (5/month), basic cashback (0.1% base, up to 2% category), standard interest rate after promo, limited bookkeeping documents.

Basic: €7/month (excl. VAT). Includes 15 accounts, 15 team members, unlimited free SEPA Instant transfers, better cashback (0.25% base, up to 4% category), higher interest rate after promo, unlimited bookkeeping documents.

Pro: €19/month (excl. VAT). Includes 20 accounts, 30 team members, unlimited free SEPA Instant transfers, best cashback (0.5% base, up to 6% category), highest interest rate after promo, unlimited bookkeeping documents.

The table below provides a comprehensive comparison of Vivid's various personal and business plans:

Detailed Fee Breakdown

Beyond monthly subscriptions, users should be aware of various potential charges:

Trading Fees:

• Stocks/ETFs: €1 per trade for EUR-denominated assets. For USD assets, €1 per trade plus an FX markup (typically 1% for Standard, 0.5% for Prime, potentially lower based on turnover).
• Crypto: Tiered percentage fee based on plan and previous month's trading volume. Rates decrease with higher volume, starting around 1.25%-2% for Standard and 0.25%-0.75% for Prime at lower volumes.
• MMFs (Interest Pocket): No transaction commission, but an FX markup applies for non-EUR MMFs (0.25%) and a daily service fee is deducted from returns.

Banking Fees:

• ATM Withdrawals: Above the free monthly limit, a fee of 3% (minimum €1) typically applies. Importantly, even within the free limit, withdrawals under €50 on personal plans often incur this 3% fee.
• Card Top-Ups: Adding money via card can incur fees, especially for non-EEA debit cards or credit cards (often 3%). Even EEA debit cards incur fees above a certain free monthly limit.
• Card Fees: Issuing additional or replacement physical cards costs €19.90, plus delivery fees (€9.90 standard, €24.90 express). Virtual card issuance/reissue may have small fees after the first free one.
• Inactivity Fees: As mentioned, the Standard personal plan can cost €3.90/month if inactive. A separate €0.90/month fee applies to accounts opened after April 2022 if inactive for 4+ consecutive months.
• Other Fees: A 3% fee applies to gambling and cash-equivalent transactions. Business users may face fees for additional team members beyond plan limits, LEI issuance, or outgoing SWIFT transfers.

Below is a detailed breakdown of common fees you might encounter with Vivid:

The fee structure highlights that while Vivid promotes attractive concepts like a "free" plan or "commission-free" trading, these often come with important caveats. The Standard personal plan's "freeness" is conditional on user activity, and inactivity can trigger fees on multiple fronts.

Similarly, "commission-free" investing typically translates to zero broker commission but doesn't eliminate per-trade fees or currency conversion markups, which can significantly impact returns, especially on smaller or non-EUR trades. This means the actual cost of using Vivid is highly dependent on individual usage patterns, and users must scrutinize the fine print to avoid unexpected charges.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Vivid Experience

Advantages (The Bright Side)

All-in-One Convenience: The core appeal lies in integrating banking, multi-currency features, investments, and cashback rewards into a single application, simplifying financial management for users who value consolidation.

Innovative Features: The "Pockets" system offers a flexible way to organize finances. "Shared Pockets" provide a modern solution for joint finances without traditional joint account bureaucracy. The unique cashback mechanism linked to stock or crypto performance is an engaging concept.

Attractive Rewards/Interest (Potentially): Vivid offers high promotional interest rates on cash balances (often linked to MMFs). Cashback rates can be substantial, particularly for premium plan users or through "Super Deals" with partner brands.

Accessible Investing: The availability of fractional shares significantly lowers the barrier to entry for investing in stocks and ETFs, allowing participation with minimal capital. The platform offers a broad range of assets, including numerous cryptocurrencies.

Competitive FX (for Travel): Users report competitive exchange rates, making it potentially useful for travel and managing multiple currencies. Card payments in foreign currencies are often advertised as fee-free (though underlying markups exist in the exchange rate).

Modern Interface & Onboarding: The app generally receives praise for its slick, colorful, and user-friendly design. The account opening process is typically fast and fully digital.

Security Features: Enhanced card security with no printed sensitive data on the metal card, coupled with standard app security measures like biometric login and PIN codes.

Disadvantages (The User Concerns)

Despite the attractive features, user reviews and reports highlight several significant drawbacks:

Account Stability Issues: This is arguably the most critical concern. There are numerous and consistent reports across various platforms (Reddit, app stores) of users having their accounts suddenly blocked or closed, often with funds frozen and little to no clear explanation provided by Vivid. This instability makes it extremely risky to use Vivid as a primary bank account where salary is received or essential bills are paid.

Poor Customer Support: Widespread and persistent criticism targets Vivid's customer support. Users frequently describe it as unresponsive, unhelpful, slow, or effectively non-existent. The lack of a readily available phone support channel forces reliance on in-app chat or email, which often leads to long delays and frustrating interactions.

Changing Terms & Conditions: Users have reported dissatisfaction with frequent changes to Vivid's policies, fee structures, cashback rules, or feature availability, sometimes perceiving these changes as detrimental. This can create uncertainty and erode trust.

Complexity & Lack of Transparency: The intricate system of Pockets, multiple legal entities, conditional fees, and varying rules for perks can be difficult to understand fully. Users report struggling to get clear answers, particularly regarding account actions or specific fee calculations.

High Fees Beyond Limits: While basic usage might be cheap or free, costs can escalate quickly if users exceed free limits, use paid services frequently, or engage in regular trading, especially in non-EUR assets.

Verification/Login Issues: Some users have encountered problems during the initial identity verification process or subsequently experienced issues logging into the app. Reports of being locked out due to mandatory app updates have also surfaced.

Transfer Delays/Holds: There are instances reported where incoming SEPA transfers were held for review, causing delays in accessing funds.

No Cash Deposits: Vivid does not support depositing physical cash into accounts, which can be inconvenient for users who handle cash regularly.

A significant gap appears to exist between Vivid's polished marketing, which promotes a seamless, rewarding, and powerful financial super-app, and the reality experienced by a notable segment of its user base. While positive reviews exist, the volume and severity of negative feedback, particularly concerning account blocks and unresponsive support, cannot be ignored. This discrepancy points towards potential operational challenges that prospective customers must seriously consider. Using Vivid as a sole or primary bank account appears inadvisable given these persistent reports.

Security and Regulation: Is Vivid Money Safe?

Vivid operates within the European regulatory framework, utilizing a multi-entity structure to offer its diverse range of services. Understanding this structure is key to understanding the applicable security measures and fund protection schemes.

Regulatory Landscape

Vivid's services are provided by different companies within the Vivid group, each licensed and regulated for specific activities:

Vivid Money S.A. (Luxembourg): This entity is licensed as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) by Luxembourg's financial regulator, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). It is responsible for providing the e-money accounts (the main "Money Pockets"), issuing payment cards, and handling payment services like transfers and direct debits.

Vivid Money B.V. (Netherlands): Licensed as an Investment Firm by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). This entity provides the investment services, including the Invest Pockets (for stocks/ETFs) and the Interest Rate Pockets (linked to MMFs), receiving and transmitting client orders.

Vivid Digital S.r.l. (Italy): This company handles cryptocurrency services. It is registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with regulatory bodies in Italy, Spain, and France.

Vivid Money GmbH (Germany): This German entity primarily acts as an outsourcing service provider to the other Vivid entities. It also directly provides non-regulated services like the cashback program and the mobile application interface itself.

Fund Protection

The protection applied to user funds varies depending on which Vivid entity holds the funds and the nature of those funds:

E-Money (Held by Vivid Money S.A.): As an EMI regulated by the CSSF, Vivid Money S.A. is required to safeguard client funds. This means keeping client e-money separate from the company's own operational funds, typically by holding them in segregated accounts at credit institutions or investing them in secure, low-risk assets. If client funds are held as actual deposits in a partner bank that is a member of the Luxembourg Deposit Guarantee Fund (FGDL), those deposits would be protected up to €100,000 per depositor.

Uninvested Cash in Investment/Interest Pockets: Vivid employs a specific structure for cash held within its investment services. This cash is transferred to a separate Dutch foundation, Stichting Vivid Money, which then invests these funds in Qualifying Money Market Funds (QMMFs). Vivid states this structure is designed to protect the entire cash amount, even exceeding €100,000, from the insolvency of Vivid Money B.V. itself.

Investments (Securities): Stocks and ETFs purchased through Vivid are held in custody according to the Dutch Securities Giro Act. As an additional layer of protection, the Dutch Investor Compensation Scheme (ICS) applies, covering losses up to €20,000 per person if Vivid Money B.V. fails to meet its obligations regarding client assets (e.g., due to fraud or administrative errors). Crucially, the ICS does not cover losses resulting from market fluctuations or poor investment decisions.

Cryptocurrencies: Protection for crypto assets typically relies on the custodian's security measures and insurance policies against theft or cybercrime, as specific government-backed compensation schemes usually do not cover crypto holdings.

App and Transaction Security

Vivid implements several technical security measures:

• App access is secured via PIN or biometric authentication
• Payments often require 2-step authentication, such as 3D Secure for online card transactions
• The physical metal card enhances security by not displaying the card number, expiry date, or CVV
• Vivid employs transaction monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity
• The platform adheres to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) for handling payment information

The multi-entity structure required for Vivid's broad service offering introduces complexity into the regulatory oversight and fund protection landscape. Different regulators oversee different parts of the business, and consequently, the protection applied to user funds is not uniform across the platform. This nuanced landscape requires users to understand where their different pools of money are held within the Vivid ecosystem to accurately assess the applicable protection levels and limits.

Availability: Where Can You Use Vivid?

Vivid Money targets the European market, with services generally available to residents within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Geographic Expansion: Vivid first launched in Germany in June 2020, then expanded to France, Spain, and Italy. In early 2024, Vivid announced a major expansion, making its app and services available in 23 additional EU countries, effectively covering most of the European Union.

Business Service Availability: The Vivid Business offering initially launched for freelancers in Germany and later expanded to SMEs. As part of its strategic pivot, Vivid extended its business banking services beyond Germany into France, Spain, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

App Accessibility: The Vivid Money app is available for download on both the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android) within the supported regions. Users residing in an eligible country but unable to download the app might need to check their app store's region settings.

Currency & Transfer Reach: While account opening is limited to EEA residents, Vivid supports holding and exchanging a wide range of currencies. International transfers (especially via SWIFT for business) are possible to a specific list of around 50 supported countries globally, including non-EEA destinations like Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, UK, and US.

Vivid Money vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

Vivid operates in a highly competitive European fintech landscape. Its unique blend of banking, investing, and rewards positions it against several different types of players.

Key Competitors

Revolut: Often seen as the most direct competitor due to its "super-app" ambition, offering a vast range of services including banking, multi-currency accounts, stock/crypto/commodity trading, international transfers, and robust business accounts.

N26: A major European neobank, particularly strong in Germany and other EU markets, known for its streamlined mobile banking experience and tiered account structure.

Wise (formerly TransferWise): A leader in low-cost international money transfers and multi-currency accounts, offering transparent pricing and the mid-market exchange rate. It also provides strong business account features for global operations.

Qonto: A prominent French fintech focused specifically on business banking for SMEs and freelancers across Europe, offering features like invoicing, expense management, and team controls. Vivid's SME pivot makes Qonto a key benchmark.

Other relevant players: Bunq (Dutch neobank with multi-country IBANs), Tide (UK-focused SME banking), Monese (multi-currency accounts aimed at mobile users/nomads), and specialized investment platforms.

Comparison Points

Feature Set: Revolut generally offers the broadest range of features, aiming for true "super-app" status. N26 focuses on core banking excellence. Wise excels in FX and international payments. Qonto provides deep business-specific tools. Vivid sits somewhere in the middle, combining elements of each but perhaps not leading in any single category, especially for retail. Its integration of banking, rewards, and accessible (fractional) investing is its key differentiator.

Pricing & Fees: All offer free basic plans, but paid tiers unlock better features/limits. Wise is known for transparent, low FX fees. Revolut's FX is competitive within plan limits but can have weekend markups; its trading fees vary. N26 has straightforward banking fees. Qonto's pricing is business-focused. Vivid's fees are complex: potentially free banking if active, but with conditional fees, €1 stock trades + FX markups, and tiered crypto fees.

User Experience & Support: Revolut and N26 generally have well-regarded apps, though support can be mixed. Wise often receives praise for reliability and support. Qonto focuses on business support. Vivid's app interface is praised, but its user experience is heavily marred by widespread reports of account instability and poor customer support.

Target Audience: Revolut targets digitally savvy individuals and global businesses. N26 appeals to European residents seeking modern banking. Wise is ideal for frequent travelers, expats, and businesses dealing with multiple currencies. Qonto is tailored for European SMEs and freelancers. Vivid, especially post-pivot, seems best suited for European SMEs and freelancers who value an integrated platform combining banking, rewards, and accessible investment options.

Regulation & Protection: Revolut (Lithuanian banking license), N26 (German banking license), and Bunq (Dutch banking license) offer €100k deposit protection via respective national schemes. Wise operates as an EMI/MSB, relying on safeguarding. Qonto is a Payment Institution (France), also using safeguarding. Vivid's protection is complex, involving Luxembourg EMI safeguarding, Dutch Investment Firm safeguarding, and the €20k Dutch ICS for investment assets.

This table compares Vivid against its main competitors across key features:

Vivid occupies a challenging position. It attempted to replicate the broad "super-app" model but encountered strong headwinds from established players like Revolut. Its unique combination of asset-linked cashback and highly accessible fractional investing within a banking app remains distinctive. However, individual components may lag behind specialists: its FX costs aren't typically as low as Wise, its investment platform less sophisticated than dedicated brokers, and its business tools, while growing, may not yet match the depth of Qonto.

The strategic pivot to SMEs suggests Vivid believes its niche lies in offering an integrated package for businesses and freelancers who value banking, rewards, and basic investment access combined, rather than excelling in one isolated area for the mass retail market. This puts it in closer competition with Revolut Business and Qonto, where its blend of features, including cashback and interest accounts, could be appealing if operational issues are addressed.

Conclusion: The Vivid Verdict

Vivid Money presents itself as an innovative fintech platform blending banking, multi-currency functionality, investing, and rewards into a single, visually appealing app. Its core offerings include organizational "Pockets," distinctive metal cards, accessible fractional investing in stocks, ETFs, and crypto, and potentially attractive cashback programs and interest rates. The platform has expanded across the EEA and has recently pivoted its strategic focus heavily towards the SME and freelancer market.

However, this review must underscore the significant discrepancy between Vivid's feature set and the user experiences reported by a substantial number of customers. While the platform's capabilities are broad and its ideas often novel, recurring and serious issues with account stability (unexpected blocks and closures) and customer support (unresponsiveness, lack of effective resolution channels) represent major red flags. Furthermore, the platform's complexity, coupled with a conditional fee structure where "free" services often have strings attached, demands careful user attention to avoid unexpected costs.

Recommendations for Potential Users

For Personal Users: Extreme caution is advised. While Vivid's features like Pockets, asset-linked cashback, and fractional investing are interesting, the widely reported risks of account freezes and inadequate support make it unsuitable as a primary bank account. It might be considered as a secondary account for exploring specific features, provided users understand the risks, carefully read all terms and fee schedules, and maintain activity levels to avoid fees on the standard plan. The potential benefits must be weighed against the significant operational risks highlighted in user reviews.

For Business Users/Freelancers: Vivid's increasing focus on this segment, with features like multiple IBANs, invoicing tools, team management, business travel cashback, and competitive interest rates, makes it a potentially more compelling option. However, the critical question is whether the platform's stability and support are significantly better for business clients than reported by retail users. Businesses should compare Vivid meticulously against established business fintechs like Qonto and Revolut Business, paying close attention to fees, integration capabilities, and, crucially, recent reviews specifically from business users regarding reliability and support.

Vivid Money remains an ambitious fintech with genuinely innovative ideas attempting to carve out a niche in a competitive market. Its shift towards SMEs could provide a clearer path forward. However, its execution, particularly concerning fundamental operational reliability and customer support, has demonstrably fallen short for many users. Potential customers, whether personal or business, must look beyond the attractive interface and feature list, carefully considering the complexities, the conditional nature of fees and perks, and the significant operational risks highlighted by user experiences before deciding if Vivid Money is the right choice for their financial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vivid Money

Is Vivid Money safe to use?

Vivid Money operates under various European regulatory frameworks depending on the service type. Your funds are protected through different mechanisms: e-money safeguarding for main accounts, the Dutch foundation structure for investment cash, and the Dutch Investor Compensation Scheme (up to €20,000) for securities. However, the multi-entity structure creates complexity, and widespread reports of account freezes raise practical reliability concerns despite regulatory compliance.

Can I use Vivid Money as my main bank account?

Based on numerous user reports of sudden account freezes and poor customer support experiences, I would strongly advise against using Vivid as your primary bank account where you receive salary or pay essential bills. It may be better suited as a secondary account for specific features like investing or travel spending.

How does Vivid's cashback program work?

Vivid offers percentage-based cashback on card purchases, with rates varying by plan (0.1-0.2% on free plans; 0.25-1% on paid plans). The unique aspect is linking cashback to the performance of a stock or cryptocurrency, meaning its value fluctuates with the chosen asset. On free plans, cashback typically requires maintaining minimum balances (around €1,000) or investment holdings.

Which Vivid plan offers the best value?

For personal users who would actively use Vivid's features, the Prime plan (€9.90/month) provides substantially better value with higher cashback rates, more Pockets/IBANs, better ATM limits, and lower trading fees. For businesses, the Basic plan (€7/month) offers a good balance of features for growing SMEs, including 15 team members and unlimited SEPA Instant transfers.

How does Vivid compare to Revolut?

While both aim to be financial "super-apps," Revolut generally offers a more established and comprehensive feature set with better reported reliability. Revolut typically has more competitive FX rates and lower crypto trading fees, plus a more extensive global presence. Vivid's unique advantages include its Pockets system, asset-linked cashback, and direct ownership of EU stocks through Invest 2.0, but it lags behind in user support and account stability based on customer feedback.

What countries is Vivid Money available in?

Vivid Money is available to residents of most European Economic Area (EEA) countries. It initially launched in Germany and expanded to France, Spain, and Italy, before a major expansion in 2024 to cover 23 additional EU countries. The business offering is currently focused on Germany, France, Spain, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Is Vivid good for cryptocurrency trading?

While Vivid offers access to over 300 cryptocurrencies, its fees are relatively high compared to dedicated crypto exchanges (starting at 1.49-2% for Standard users, 0.75% for Prime). The integration with banking is convenient, but serious crypto traders would find better rates and more advanced features on specialized platforms.

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_{Disclaimer. Investing in financial markets involves risk. The value of your investment may go down as well as up. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider seeking advice from an independent financial advisor before making significant financial decisions.}