Hey bunqers 🌈,
We believe you should have the freedom to decide what happens with your money. So, we’re very excited to introduce a world-first feature, the Freedom of Choice 🙌
Don’t want to invest in palm oil or gun manufacturing? bunq is the only bank in the world that gives you the control to decide how your money is invested.
Investment Options
By default, some of your money will automatically be stored with the European Central Bank (ECB) and in Government Bonds. You can decide how the rest is invested, between:
Personal Lending
As one of our investment options, you can choose European Personal Lending. These are loans that are given to European residents for various needs, all the way from a medical emergency to home renovations.
Personal Mortgages
These mortgages are loans that are taken out to buy property or land within Europe. Personal Mortgages are bonds that directly or indirectly finance residential mortgages in Europe. Keep in mind that most mortgage loans are granted by other financial institutions.
Green Companies
As one of our investment options, you can choose Green EU companies. Green companies are companies that actively adopt principles and practices that protect both people and the planet. We decide which EU companies are classified as being "Green" by only integrating those that are rated as 'best-in-class'.
All Companies
As one of our investment options, you can choose all EU companies. These are investments in all companies based in Europe. For now, this also includes investments in U.K. companies. Whenever there is more information about the specifics of the future relations between the U.K. and E.U, we will be sure to update you on any changes.
Other Bank Loans
Other banks invest in lots of things, which they then package up and sell on the market for other people to invest in. This means Other Bank Loans will include banks within Europe (excluding the big banks in the Netherlands), of which many have a ‘best-in-class’ rating. If you want to know more about these ratings you can check out the website of Vigeo-Eiris.
Using Freedom of Choice in the app
You can access the full list and select your preference within your app Profile. Here’s how:
Tap on Your Profile in the top left corner
Tap on the Trees you Planted banner
Tap on Freedom of Choice below your Forest
Check out the list and select your preferences!
How do we ensure ethical investing?
At bunq, we are dedicated to being open, sustainable, and making ethical choices to improve people's lives. Our Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) policy, which started in February 2019, ensures that our investments don't harm people or the environment. We follow rules that consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and align with global standards like the UN Principles for Responsible Investing. We aim to make financial decisions that benefit the future, supporting a sustainable and fair world. Learn more about our SRI and ESG policies, and explore our latest ESG report here:
Note: The 2025 ESG Report will be published after March, 2026.
Socially Responsible Investing Practices
You can check out our legal document on socially responsible investing here.