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Home / Europe / Borrowing US Dollar · Updated 11 March 2026

Borrowing
US Dollar (USD).

Most EU neobanks offer borrow products only in EUR — credit-institution licences require national-level credit approval, which is jurisdiction-specific. For US Dollar (USD) borrowing, the options are typically: a USD-denominated credit card secured by a EUR deposit, or a EUR personal loan with the proceeds converted to USD.

3Top picks
3With full DGS
Federal ReserveRegulator
$250,000FDIC ceiling
Top pick · Borrowing USD
Revolut
The most feature-rich neobank globally — combining banking, investing (stocks, crypto, commodities), and travel perks in a single app, with the widest currency support (120+) and 65M+ customers
Licence Full bank
Protection €100,000 DGS
Pricing Free tier
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How it works

The mechanics of borrowing USD from Europe.

How USD borrowing actually works

Revolut and N26 offer credit-card products to EU residents — credit limits are denominated in the cardholder's home currency (typically EUR), with FX conversion applied at the disclosed rate when spending in USD. For larger USD financing, EU residents typically need to access the United States-based lenders or use a EUR personal loan + FX. US Dollar-denominated credit at EU neobanks is rare and usually limited to multi-currency overdraft facilities.

Watchouts and hidden costs

Credit-card APRs on EU neobank products are typically 8–20%, depending on jurisdiction. For USD-denominated credit, factor the FX risk: if the EUR/USD rate moves against you between drawing the credit and repaying it, you pay more in EUR. Always read the disclosure for both the interest rate and the FX-conversion methodology.

FAQ

borrowing USD: common questions.

Can I get a USD loan from an EU neobank?

USD-denominated personal loans from EU neobanks are rare — most neobank credit products are EUR-based for EU residents. The practical alternatives are: (a) a EUR personal loan with the proceeds converted to USD, or (b) a credit card with a USD balance via FX. For larger USD financing, the United States-based lenders are typically required.

What credit-card APR can I expect on a USD balance?

EU neobank credit cards (Revolut, N26) charge APRs in the 8–20% range depending on jurisdiction and product. Balance-revolving on a USD purchase incurs the EUR APR plus any FX spread on the conversion. For predictable repayment, paying the full balance each month avoids both the interest cost and the FX-fluctuation risk.

Are EU neobank loans regulated for consumer protection?

Yes — credit-institution neobanks (Revolut, N26, Bunq) operating credit products in the EU are subject to the Consumer Credit Directive (CCD) and national implementing legislation. This requires APR disclosure, cooling-off periods, and standardised pre-contractual information. EMIs (Wise) do not currently offer credit products.

Safety first

Is USD actually protected at an EU neobank?

FDIC covers eligible deposits up to $250,000 per depositor per institution. Not every neobank holding USD qualifies — EMIs (Wise) safeguard funds, which is structurally different from deposit insurance. Read the distinction in Deposit protection guide.