Vybe

Vybe (vybecard.com) was a French mobile payment application and payment card aimed at young people, marketed as a bank card for minors. Accounts could be opened fully online in about two minutes; users under 18 needed their own ID, a parent's ID, a family record book and the presence of a parent or legal guardian, while adults needed only an identity document. Sign-up was available from age 13 and cards were later opened to adults as well. Each account came with a French IBAN, allowing users to receive transfers and salaries, send money instantly to other Vybe users or externally by IBAN, pay online and in stores, and use Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cards were blocked free of charge in-app, and balances updated instantly.

Alongside payments, Vybe provided savings tools intended to help young users set aside small monthly amounts: automatic round-up on each purchase, savings with partner brands, and monthly savings planning. The company stated that customer funds were held in a segregated ("cantonnement") account at a credit institution and that its payment services provider was PrePay Solutions, and described compliance with French data protection law and GDPR.

The company also ran a French-language content operation on money management for children and teenagers, publishing articles and videos on topics such as earning money as a teenager, making bank transfers, choosing a card for minors, and parenting or lifestyle subjects, with bylines including Hugo Léneau. The website now states that the Vybe card has ended and points users to alternative minor-card offers from Kard, Pixpay, Boursobank, Nickel and WeStart, listed on Spendways.

Business model

Vybe offered its application, card and account maintenance free of charge to users, including classic IBAN transfers, instant transfers between Vybe accounts, mobile contactless payments and partner-brand benefits. Chargeable items were limited: after three free ATM withdrawals per year, each further withdrawal cost EUR 1.50. Cashback with partner brands and referral or prize mechanics (EUR 2 per referral, "Ticket d'Or" payouts of EUR 50 per 100 accounts opened, and Instagram giveaways of EUR 10-50) were used to attract and retain users.

Core services were advertised as free to users; the disclosed user-facing charge was EUR 1.50 per ATM withdrawal after three free withdrawals per year. Partner brand benefits and cashback indicate commercial relationships with retail brands.