Vivid is a new German neo bank competing with N26 and Revolut. It has an attractive cashback programme, which offers users up to 20% cashback.
Vivid Bank is a fully digital bank, with no branches. Users only interact with the bank via a mobile app, which is available for both major operating systems (iOS and Android).
Vivid money is a service of Vivid bank, which uses a banking licence also from the German Solaris bank. The funds in the account are protected under the German deposit scheme up to EUR 100,000. The user receives a German transaction account and one or more cards.
User interface
The user interface is very intuitive and simple. The user can quickly find his way around the menus from the first interaction with the app. You can choose a light or dark colour scheme.
The installation, user account creation and identification process is the shortest and friendliest we have tested so far.
The menu is divided into 5 parts, namely:
Pockets - This is where your "pockets" and cards are located. You have several separate "pockets". The first one is the main one, the second one is for cashback, and you can create the rest as you like.
Timeline - Shows your transaction activity.
Rewards - Here you can find everything about the cashback programme.
Payments - Used for sending money, topping up your account or sending a payment request.
Support - Help is available in the form of FAQs and online chat.
Security
You won't find any details on your physical Vivid card - there's no card number, expiry date or security number. They are available only in the mobile app. You can lock/unlock the card in the app. You also have the option to set a monthly spending limit, disable ATM withdrawals or online shopping. You will receive a push notification every time you transact.
Payments and cards
The card is issued with a German number and works with Google Pay and Apple Pay.
You can transfer the funds to another IBAN account (SEPA transfer) or directly between Vivid users.
When you open an account, you receive a free (offer at the time of writting) VISA debit card (made of metal - the so-called Metal card) in the post. (Check the terms when ordering)
In addition, you also receive a virtual Visa card free of charge. The virtual card is usually used for online payments.
You can top up your Vivid account via a SEPA transfer from another account, via card top-up or via another Vivid user account.
Fees
There are two plans, Basic and Prime. The Basic package is free and covers most of the needs a user would have if using Vivid as a secondary bank. Cash withdrawals are free with the Basic plan, but only up to EUR 200 per month and if the individual withdrawal exceeds EUR 50. Otherwise, you pay a 3% fee. The transfer of funds between EUR accounts is free (payment of bills, etc.).
Check the details and the price list of the packages here.
Cashback programme
Cashback is paid into a special pocket called Stock Rewards. If you want to spend the funds immediately, transfer them to your main pocket.
If you keep it in your Stock Rewards pocket, you choose one of the stocks listed, such as Tesla or MasterCard. In effect, Vivid buys a fraction of a share in the company you've chosen and if the share price goes up, so does your cashback. And most importantly, if the share price falls, your funds are not reduced and are worth at least as much as they were at the beginning.
Download the Vivid app and test the N26 and Revolut alternative for yourself. Take advantage of the cashback opportunities it offers.
