Bunq Becomes First European Neobank to Offer Flexible Crypto Staking Across EU
bunq, Europe’s second-largest neobank, is making a bold move in digital finance by introducing flexible crypto staking across the EU. With this launch, bunq becomes the first European challenger bank to allow customers to earn rewards on their digital assets without restrictive lock-up periods, unlocking new opportunities for mainstream crypto adoption. The rollout follows the successful launch of bunq Crypto in April and further cements the bank’s position as an innovator in the fintech space.
Available in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Germany, and the wider EEA region, bunq’s staking feature leverages services provided by crypto trading platform Kraken. Users can earn up to 10% annually on selected cryptocurrencies by participating in blockchain validation. The offering gives retail investors the flexibility to grow their holdings while keeping full control over their ability to buy, sell, or unstake at any time.
Joe Wilson, Chief Evangelist at bunq, highlighted the customer-first approach:
“Our users have been asking for a simple way to grow their crypto. With flexible staking, they can now earn on the crypto they already own while keeping the freedom to buy, sell, or unstake anytime. We’re proud to be the first neobank to bring this to Europe.”
Solving the Timing Problem for Retail Investors
The launch comes as bunq’s research reveals that nearly 65% of its users identify poor timing—knowing when to buy or sell—as their biggest barrier to generating profit on digital assets. By offering flexible staking, bunq lowers the entry barrier, enabling users to capture rewards without the stress of market timing or lock-in conditions. This makes crypto earnings more accessible to everyday users who might otherwise avoid staking due to complexity or restrictions.
The neobank’s focus on flexibility differentiates it from traditional staking models, where funds are often locked for fixed terms. bunq’s solution allows users to capitalize on staking yields while preserving liquidity, providing a bridge between crypto’s growth potential and the demands of modern retail investors. It also reflects a growing trend in financial services to offer hybrid solutions that combine traditional banking ease with digital asset innovation.
By integrating Kraken’s infrastructure into its offering, bunq ensures institutional-grade execution and security while extending crypto’s appeal to users who may have been hesitant to engage directly with exchanges. The partnership strengthens bunq’s position as a trusted gateway to crypto within a regulated banking environment.
Positioning for Global Expansion
The launch of flexible staking is more than just a product innovation—it is also part of bunq’s broader strategy to expand globally. Recently, bunq announced that it has applied for a broker-dealer license to fast-track its entry into the US market, signaling its ambition to compete on an international stage. Offering EU-wide staking capabilities strengthens its case as a forward-looking neobank capable of bridging traditional and digital finance at scale.
For bunq, the move positions the company not only as a challenger bank but also as a frontrunner in the race to integrate crypto into mainstream financial services. With increasing regulatory clarity in Europe and rising demand for flexible yield solutions, the bank’s expansion into staking may pave the way for future innovations in tokenized finance and cross-border digital asset services.
As the crypto market matures, bunq’s flexible staking launch underscores the neobank’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver products that resonate with modern investors. By prioritizing freedom, liquidity, and ease of use, bunq is setting a new standard for how challenger banks can approach digital assets, positioning itself ahead of competitors both in Europe and globally.
Investor Takeaway