Best online and app-based bank accounts in the UK
Financial basics · 30 June 2026Nuria Macias Castro
Online bank accounts have transformed how people manage their money. Instead of visiting a branch, customers can open an account in minutes, receive a virtual card instantly, track spending in real-time, and manage everything from their smartphone.
In this guide, we compare 3 of the UK's most popular online bank accounts — Revolut, Monzo, and Starling Bank — to help you decide which is best for your spending habits, savings goals, and lifestyle.
This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 02 June 2026.
You should visit their websites for confirmation of their most updated costs and charges.
What is an online bank account?
An online bank account, also called a digital bank account or app-only bank account, is a fully functioning current account that you open, manage, and use entirely through an app or website, without visiting a branch. The best online accounts offer everything a traditional bank does, including debit card, direct debits, standing orders, real-time notifications, FSCS protection, and features like spending analytics, multi-currency wallets, and commission-free investing.
Popular online bank accounts in the UK
Provider | Lower plan / account monthly fee | High-value plan / account monthly fee | Instant Access Savings AER (Up to) | International transfer fee |
Revolut | £0 (Standard) | £55 (Ultra)¹ | 4% AER (variable) on Ultra plan on balances up to £200,000² | £3.00 - £5.00. Up to 100% discount for Ultra customers.³ |
Monzo | £0 (Standard) | £17 (Max) | 3.25% AER (variable) on Perks & Max plans | Varies. The fixed amount will be between £0.50 and £2.68 and the variable amount will be between 0% and 1.30%. |
Starling | £0 | N/A | 2.50% AER (variable) on Easy Saver | £0.30–£5.50 |
¹Subscription fees and Paid Plan Terms apply.
²Interest rates are accurate as of 02 June 2026 and may not reflect future interest rates. Please refer to Revolut for the most up-to-date information. The Annual Equivalent Rate (AER) shows the interest you can earn over 1 year. AER is compounded, so you’ll earn interest on interest already earned. A lower rate might apply depending on balance. Interest is liable to applicable taxes. Paid plan fees and T&Cs apply.
³Exchange and global transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.
Revolut
Revolut isn't just an online bank account, but a financial all-in-one app. Today, millions of customers use Revolut as their primary account. What sets Revolut apart is the breadth of features available within a single account. While other online banks focus on one area of personal finance, Revolut combines everyday banking, savings, investments, budgeting tools, and international payments into one app.
- Account fees: £0 (Standard) up to £55 (Ultra).¹
- Savings AER: up to 4.00% AER (variable) on balances up to £200,000, and the interest is paid out every single day.²
- International transfer fees: plan-based discounts apply. Ultra customers enjoy unlimited transfers at the Revolut exchange rate, without transfer fees, including on weekends³
- FSCS protection: £120,000
A Revolut account also gives you:
- Multi-currency accounts: hold and exchange 36+ currencies at competitive exchange rates, fee-free on weekdays³
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading: available to all customers, including those using the free plan⁴
- Global eSIM data: stay connected abroad without roaming charges (fees apply)⁵
- Travel insurance: included on Premium, Metal, and Ultra plans⁶
- Airport lounge access: 1,000+ lounges on Metal and Ultra⁷
- RevPoints: earn points on eligible purchases, redeem for flights and hotels⁸
- Partner subscriptions on Paid Plans: Financial Times, NordVPN, Headspace, Perplexity, Uber One, and more¹
- Instant access savings: paying daily interest at up to 2.90% AER (variable) free (Standard plan)²
⁴Capital at risk. T&Cs apply. When you invest with Revolut, your capital is at risk. Investment services provided by Revolut Trading Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN: 933846).
⁵eSIM T&Cs and fees apply, subject to fair-usage policy. eSIM services are provided by 1Global. Revolut acts for 1Global, the service provider.
⁶Insurance policy T&Cs (incl. exclusions) apply.
⁷Airport Lounge T&Cs apply.
⁸RevPoints T&Cs apply.
Monzo
Monzo is one of the UK's most recognisable digital banks in the UK. The account is designed for everyday banking, with budgeting tools integrated throughout the app experience. Spending is automatically categorised, customers receive instant notifications when they spend, and savings Pots make it easy to separate money for different goals.
Monzo's clean design and focus on financial visibility make it particularly popular among customers looking to build better money habits.
- Monthly fee: £0 (standard). Extra: £3/mo, Perks: £7/mo, Max: £17/mo
- Savings rate: Standard Instant access savings: 2.75% AER (variable). Perks/Max: up to 3.25% AER (variable)
- FX abroad: Fee-free card spending with Mastercard exchange rate,at Mastercard’s exchange rate.
- International transfers: Varies. The fixed amount will be between £0.50 and £2.68 and the variable amount will be between 0% and 1.30%.
- FSCS protection: £120,000
Key features:
- Automatic spending categorisation
- Budget tracking and spending summaries
- Savings Pots
- Bill splitting
- Salary sorter and budgeting tools
- Virtual cards
Starling
Starling Bank combines the simplicity of a digital bank with many of the features customers expect from a traditional current account.
Its account is designed to be straightforward and practical, offering spending insights, savings tools and comprehensive card controls without unnecessary complexity. Starling is also well known for its travel-friendly features and customer service.
For customers who want a digital current account that feels simple, reliable and easy to use, Starling remains one of the strongest options available.
- Monthly fee: £0. They do not offer paid personal tiers.
- Savings rate: 2.50% AER (variable) on balances up to £1 million with Easy Saver
- FX abroad: zero fees for spending or withdrawing cash anywhere in the world at Mastercard’s real exchange rate.
- International transfers: international bank transfer fees apply between £0.30–£5.50
- FSCS protection: £120,000.
Key features:
- Spending insights and analytics
- Spaces to organise and visualise your money better
- Card freeze and security controls
- Bill and payment splitting
- Linked euro account option
How to choose the best online bank
The best online bank account isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your decision ultimately depends on your financial habits and which features you prioritise.
- For frequent travellers and expats: look for accounts that offer fee-free currency exchange, multi-currency wallets, and low-cost international transfers.
- For savers and budgeters: prioritise platforms that offer competitive, daily-paid interest rates on savings and robust, automated budgeting tools (like automated "Pockets" or Savings accounts) to help you track expenses effortlessly.
- For wealth builders: if you want your money to work harder in one place, look for digital banks that integrate low-cost or commission-free investing directly alongside your everyday checking account.
How to open your Revolut account
You can open your account in just a few steps, all from your phone.
- Download the app: get the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play, or enter your mobile number to receive a link to the app.
- Verify your mobile number: you’ll receive a 6-digit code by SMS to verify.
- Secure your account: set a secure 4-digit passcode.
- Fill in your details: enter your name, date of birth, address, email, and country of residence. You’ll also set up your @revtag to send and receive payments easily.
- Verify your identity: take a clear photo of your ID (passport or driving licence) and take a quick selfie in-app to confirm it’s you.
- Choose your plan: start on Standard (free) or pick from one of our paid plans for added benefits. Upgrade or downgrade anytime in-app.
- Add money (optional): you can top up right away by linking a debit card or bank account, or do it later.
FAQs
Can an online bank account be my main bank account?
Yes. Online bank accounts support salary payments, direct debits, standing orders, and everyday spending, making them suitable as a primary current account.
Are online bank accounts safe?
Yes. Online banks use encryption, biometric authentication, fraud monitoring, and card security controls to help protect customer accounts.
Do online bank accounts charge monthly fees?
All three providers offer free account options, while optional paid plans are available for customers who want additional features and benefits.
Sources
- Monzo - Plans
- Monzo - Fee information
- Monzo - Travel
- Monzo - Budgeting
- Monzo - Pots
- Monzo - Monzo Split
- Monzo - Salary Sorter
- Monzo - Send Money Abroad
- Starling - Home Page
- Starling - Easy Saver
- Starling - Send Money Abroad Fees
- Starling - Travel
- Starling - Euro Bank account
- Starling - Features
- Starling - Card Controls
This comparison is based on publicly available information published by other providers as of 02 June 2026 and is aimed at customers in the UK.
You should visit their websites for confirmation of their most updated costs and charges.
Please note that actual charges and services offered may change and vary depending on individual circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend visiting each provider’s official website.
This article and the information provided herein are not intended to constitute advice.