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The troubling trend of neobanks freezing accounts unjustly

Neobanks Under Fire | Users Demand Accountability Amid Account Freezing Incidents

By

Lucas Ribeiro

Apr 19, 2025, 12:37 AM

Edited By

Sophia Allen

Updated

Apr 19, 2025, 06:43 AM

Brief read

A frustrated person looking at a smartphone showing a frozen bank account, surrounded by bills and a laptop

A surge of complaints against neobanks like Revolut, Wise, and N26 highlights users' frustrations over accounts being frozen without warning. As dissatisfaction grows, especially among digital nomads, a call for industry change intensifies in 2025.

The Frustration Intensifies

Every week, people take to forums stating, "Revolut froze my money" or "N26 requested documents I already submitted." It's a concerning trend, leaving many feeling stranded.

"If a bank can shut you down without warning, youโ€™re not banking โ€” youโ€™re renting access to your own funds," one user pointed out.

Themes of Discontent

  1. Lack of Justification: Users are angry that neobanks can freeze accounts with little to no explanation. Many believe it's a form of financial gatekeeping rather than modern banking practices.

  2. Customer Service Failures: Frustrations about slow response times are rampant. A user lamented, "Just a chat window and canned responsesโ€”no local branch to turn to."

  3. Rising Distrust and Alternatives: Amidst this turmoil, users are shifting away from neobanks. One noted, "I moved away from these neobanks entirely, going for platforms where I have real control." This shows a desire for more secure options amid escalating issues.

Expanded Sentiments

Thin support and poor service contribute to a growing divide. Some people argue neobanks are acceptable solutions, while others are vocal about their ineffectiveness. One commentator criticized, "Why are we normalizing neobanks freezing accounts with no warning?"

Others pointed out, "These companies thrive because they offer zero fees, but that comes at the cost of limited support. You canโ€™t have zero fees and top-notch customer service."

Key Insights

  • โš ๏ธ Freezing Accounts: Reports of accounts being frozen are alarmingly common.

  • โณ Support Delays: Lengthy customer service response times further exacerbate user frustrations.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Seeking Alternatives: Many users are looking for banking options offering more control and responsive support.

As these issues unfold, how long will people tolerate such frustrations before demanding deeper accountability from neobanks?