Licence types
Not every licence protects your money the same way. This is the distinction that matters most.
Credit institution
A credit institution — what most people call a bank — is authorised to take deposits from the public and to grant credit. It is the most demanding licence in the European framework: capital requirements, liquidity rules and ongoing supervision all apply.
76 institutions ›
Payment institution
A payment institution may execute transfers, process card payments and initiate payments on your behalf. It may not take deposits, and it may not lend your money on — the funds it holds are there to be moved, not to be invested.
1 institutions ›
E-money institution
An electronic money institution issues stored value — the balance behind a prepaid card or a wallet — against funds you hand over. It carries out payments like a payment institution, and additionally issues that electronic money, but it is still not a bank.
2 institutions ›