Best online banks in the United Kingdom,
according to AI.

Some of the most trusted and widely used online banks in the UK include Revolut, Monzo, Starling Bank, Chase UK, and Kroo, each excelling in features like budgeting tools, international transfers, cashback, and competitive savings rates.

Top Online Banks in the UK

1. Revolut – Best for International Use & Multi-Currency Revolut is highly popular among global travelers and remote workers for its multi-currency accounts supporting over 25 currencies, low-cost international transfers, and cryptocurrency trading. It combines banking, budgeting, and investment features in one app. Paid plans (up to £55/month) add perks like airport lounge access and global travel insurance, while the standard plan remains free. FSCS protection does not apply because Revolut operates under an e-money license, but safeguarding measures are in place for customer funds I Do Business+1 .

2. Monzo – Best for Budgeting & Everyday Banking Monzo excels in budgeting, everyday banking, and user-friendly financial management. The app categorizes spending automatically, provides notifications in real-time, and allows money to be segregated into “Pots” for savings or bills. Standard accounts are free, with optional plans ranging from £3–£17/month, providing higher savings rates and additional perks. FSCS protection covers up to £85,000 I Do Business+1 .

3. Starling Bank – Best All-Round Digital Bank Starling Bank offers comprehensive banking services without complexity. Personal and business accounts are available, alongside travel-friendly perks like no fees on overseas spending. Savings accounts like “Easy Saver” earn 2.50% AER. Starling provides FSCS protection and 24/7 in-app customer support, making it one of the most reliable UK online banks I Do Business+1 .

4. Chase UK – Best for Cashback Rewards Chase UK provides straightforward cashback options, offering around 1% on everyday spending, making it attractive for users who prioritize rewards. The app is simple, salaries and bills can be managed easily, and personal accounts benefit from FSCS protection up to £85,000. Savings interest is competitive, though advanced budgeting tools are limited compared with Monzo or Starling I Do Business .

5. Kroo – Best for Interest on Current Accounts Kroo allows users to earn interest on current account balances, a feature increasingly rare among UK online banks. There are no monthly fees, and basic features include spending insights. The account is FSCS protected and ideal for those seeking a straightforward banking experience that rewards account balances I Do Business .

6. Wise and Monese – Specialist Options

Wise is ideal for low-cost, transparent international transfers using real mid-market exchange rates. Accounts are multi-currency but not FSCS protected 1 . Monese provides an easy-to-open, multi-currency account with minimal documentation, appealing to expatriates or newcomers to the UK. It operates under an e-money license and uses safeguarding for funds rather than FSCS protection 1 .

Key Considerations When Choosing an Online Bank

Budgeting needs: Apps like Monzo provide advanced spending insights and Pots for savings. International usage: Revolut and Wise excel in multi-currency handling and low-fee transfers. Cashback or rewards: Chase UK stands out for simple cashback schemes. Security and protection: FSCS protection up to £85,000 is available with Monzo, Starling, Chase, and Kroo, offering reassurance for deposits. Overdrafts and interest rates: Check the rates and availability to suit your financial habits.

For UK residents, the choice often comes down to convenience, app usability, international needs, and whether you want additional benefits like interest, cashback, or investing features. Comparing these banks based on personal requirements ensures a banking solution that blends flexibility with reliability Forbes+2 .

Best Online Banks in the UK (2026)

Digital-only banking has gone thoroughly mainstream in the UK — according to an October 2025 survey by Finder, 88% of UK adults use a form of online or remote banking, equating to around 48 million people, and more than half of Brits (57%) either have or intend to open a digital-only bank account. Here are the brands people actually use, and what each is best for.

🥇 Starling Bank — Best all-round current account

Consistently rated the top overall pick. Founded in 2014 by Anna Boden, Starling launched the UK's first ever mobile-only current account in 2017, and it's been a repeat award-winner since. What sets it apart from most challengers:

• Unlike the majority of other digital banks, you get interest paid on your balance, as well as access to an overdraft.
• You get access to a full UK current account managed directly from the app, and it takes only minutes to get started.
• It's a licensed bank offering FSCS protection, so your money is protected the same way it would be at a high-street bank.

🥈 Monzo — Best for budgeting and everyday spending

The one most people have in their pocket day-to-day. It's the UK's most popular digital bank — known for smart budgeting, instant notifications, and a feature-packed free account. Key points:

• FSCS protected up to £85,000, with powerful budgeting pots, salary sorter, and spending categories built in, plus fee-free international spending and ATM withdrawals up to £200/month.
• The trade-off: there are no physical branches (support is app/chat-based only), and the best features like cashback or higher interest are locked behind Monzo Plus at £5/month.
• For cash users, some providers allow cash deposits through the Post Office, and Monzo offers 'pay points' at local shops across the UK where you can deposit cash.

🥉 Revolut — Best for travel, multi-currency & spending abroad

Hugely popular for anyone who travels or spends in different currencies. It's technically not a bank on its standard tier: virtual cards for safer online shopping and subscriptions are a plus, but funds on the standard plan aren't FSCS protected (held as e-money rather than a bank deposit), and currency exchange limits and ATM fees apply on weekends. Revolut operates as an e-money institution on its standard plan, though Revolut Bank (available to some users) does carry a banking licence.

Chase UK — Strong challenger from a big US name

Chase UK, along with Monzo and Starling, is fully authorised and regulated by the FCA and holds a full UK banking licence, meaning deposits up to £85,000 per person are protected by the FSCS — reassuring for anyone nervous about newer fintech names.

Wise — Best for international transfers/multi-currency accounts

Wise offers one of the best overall multi-currency accounts, particularly good for spending and transfers abroad. It's less of a "main bank account" and more a specialist tool for holding/sending money in different currencies cheaply.

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Quick recommendation by use case

⚠️ One important thing to check

Not every "online bank" gives you the same protection. Providers like Starling, Monzo, HSBC, NatWest, and Lloyds offer FSCS protection because they are licensed banks, whereas others like Wise, Revolut, and ANNA operate as e-money institut

If you’re in the UK and looking for a great online bank, you’ve got some seriously good options. These are the ones people are actually using day-to-day, not just banking brands with a half-decent app.

Here are my top recommendations:

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1. Monzo – best all-round digital bank

Monzo is probably the most popular app-only bank in the UK, with millions of users. It’s brilliant for everyday spending:

• Real-time notifications and transaction categorisation
• Spending insights and budgets
• Round-ups and savings pots
• Fee-free spending abroad (with limits)
• Excellent customer service via in-app chat

The free account is good, but the paid tiers (Plus, Premium) add perks like interest, travel insurance and phone insurance.

Best for: people who want a slick app and proper money management tools.

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2. Starling Bank – best for free banking and overseas spending

Starling is another top digital bank, and it’s a strong competitor to Monzo. It’s a fully regulated UK bank with an FSCS-protected account (up to £85,000). Highlights:

• No monthly fees on the standard account
• Free ATM withdrawals abroad
• 0% foreign transaction fees
• Great for sole traders and small businesses (separate business account)
• Real-time notifications and card controls

Best for: people who want a simple, no-nonsense current account with no hidden fees.

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3. Chase UK – best for cashback and savings

Chase entered the UK market via its app and quickly became popular. It’s not technically “digital-only” (it’s the UK arm of JPMorgan Chase) but it’s app-based in the UK. Big selling points:

• 1% cashback on everyday debit card spending (on the current account)
• Easy-to-use savings pots with variable interest rates
• No fees on overseas spending
• Referral bonuses and occasional offers

Best for: people who want cashback on normal spending without switching banks entirely.

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4. Revolut – best for travel and multi-currency

Revolut is huge in the UK, though it’s technically an e-money institution rather than a full bank. It’s great if you travel or spend in foreign currencies:

• 30+ currencies in one account
• Interbank exchange rates (free tiers have some markup at weekends)
• Global transfers, stocks/crypto, and “Pockets” savings
• Virtual cards and disposable cards for online shopping

Note: Revolut’s standard account isn’t FSCS-protected for cash, but it holds funds with partner banks. It now has a UK banking licence and is gradually rolling out protected accounts, but for everyday main banking, many people still pair it with Monzo/Starling.

Best for: travellers and people who want a versatile multi-currency account alongside a main bank.

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5. First Direct – best online “traditional” bank

If you want an online bank feel but with the backing of a long-established bank, First Direct is consistently rated top for customer service. It’s just an online/phone bank, but it’s part of HSBC. Benefits:

• Excellent customer service (24/7, UK-based)
• £250 interest-free overdraft (subject to terms)
• Regular switching offers (often £175+ cashback)
• Great app and internet banking

Its app is less flashy than Monzo/Starling, but customer satisfaction is famously high.

Best for: people who want reliability and human customer service, but no branches.

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6. Kroo – best for interest on your current account

Kroo is a newer digital bank that’s making waves because it pays interest on your current account balance (around 3–4%, variable). You also get:

• Fee-free card payments abroad
• Expense categorisation
• FSCS protection (it’s a licensed bank app)

It’s not as feature-packed as Monzo or Starling, but if you keep a decent balance, the interest beats most high street banks.

Best for: earning interest on everyday current account balances.

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7. Atom Bank – best for savings (not everyday banking)

Atom is a digital-only savings bank with no current account. It offers some of the best fixed-rate ISA and savings rates in the UK, all managed via a user-friendly app.

Best for: people looking for a competitive savings product, rather than a main current account.

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Quick verdict

Most people in the UK either use Monzo/Starling as their main account, or pair one with Chase or Revolut for specific perks. They’re all genuinely popular and widely used, so you can’t go far wrong.

The top online (digital/challenger) banks that people in the UK actually use and rate highly are Starling Bank, Monzo, Chase UK, and Revolut. These stand out for excellent apps, low or no fees, strong features, and high customer satisfaction compared with many traditional high-street banks.

They are fully authorised UK banks (or have become so), with eligible deposits protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £120,000 per person per institution (the limit rose from £85,000 in December 2025).

Many people mix and match accounts (for example, one as a main everyday account + another for cashback or travel) because different providers excel in different areas. Traditional options like first direct also score highly for service but are more hybrid (strong phone/online with HSBC backing) rather than pure app-first challengers.

1. Starling Bank – Best overall / all-rounder for most people

Starling frequently tops or near-tops independent customer satisfaction surveys (e.g., Which? Recommended Provider with high scores around 86%, strong service quality rankings). It is a fully licensed bank with no monthly fees on its personal current account.

Key strengths people love:

• Excellent, intuitive app with real-time notifications, spending insights/categorisation, “Spaces” (pots/goals for budgeting), round-ups, and AI-powered features.
• Completely fee-free overseas spending and cash withdrawals (one of the best for travel).
• Free cash deposits at Post Offices; cheque deposits via app.
• Linked savings (e.g., Easy Saver with competitive rates, sometimes with bonuses), joint accounts, under-16s accounts, overdrafts, and marketplace for extras (insurance, etc.).
• 24/7 UK human support via chat/phone.
• Strong security and reliability focus.

Drawbacks: Interest rates on savings can be beaten elsewhere; fewer “gimmicky” extras than some rivals.
Best for: Everyday main banking, budgeting, travel without fees, and those wanting a reliable full replacement for a high-street account. Millions use it.

2. Monzo – Best for budgeting and modern app experience

Monzo is extremely popular (especially with younger users) and also a Which? Recommended Provider with high customer scores (around 85%). Fully licensed with FSCS protection. Free standard account available, plus paid tiers (Extra, Perks, Max) for extras like travel insurance or open banking connections.

Key strengths:

• Outstanding app for spending insights, pots (including partner savings pots that can offer higher rates), round-ups, and budgeting tools.
• Fee-free card spending abroad (ATM withdrawals free up to limits, e.g., £400/30 days in UK/EEA in some cases, then fees).
• Cash deposits possible (PayPoint, with possible small fee); joint and kids’ accounts; overdrafts; loans; investments/pensions options.
• Paid plans add perks (e.g., coffee deals, insurance).

Drawbacks: ATM fees outside free allowances; some advanced features locked behind paid plans; customer contact ratings sometimes slightly lower than Starling.
Best for: Day-to-day money management, visual budgeting, and those who like a community/fintech feel. Very widely used.

3. Chase UK – Best for cashback and rewards

Backed by JPMorgan, Chase is a pure app-based bank that has grown quickly and earns strong recommendations (Which? Recommended Provider). Free current account with FSCS protection.

Key strengths:

• Attractive cashback: 2% (up to £20/month) on eligible spending like groceries, dining/takeaways, transport, fuel, and EV charging (subject to criteria such as minimum transactions and holding savings balances—check current T&Cs as they can change).
• Fee-free overseas spending and withdrawals.
• Good savings options (including boosted rates for new customers and high rates on round-up pots); multiple extra accounts; solid app with insights.
• Easy setup.

Drawbacks: No cash deposits; no arranged overdraft; cashback has qualifying conditions and caps; fewer “pots” or advanced budgeting tools than Monzo/Starling for some users.
Best for: Maximising rewards on everyday spending (supermarkets, eating out, travel) and those who already save. Popular secondary or primary account.

4. Revolut – Best for international/travel and extras

Revolut has a massive user base (tens of millions globally, millions in the UK) and is now a fully licensed UK bank with FSCS protection (licence granted around early/mid-2026). Free Standard plan, with paid tiers (Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra) unlocking more features.

Key strengths:

• Excellent for multi-currency accounts, low-cost or free currency exchange (limits/weekday rules apply on free plan), international transfers, and travel (disposable virtual cards, etc.).
• Rich app: spending analytics, vaults/pots, round-ups, crypto, stocks, commodities, junior accounts, group bills.
• Higher interest or perks on paid plans; possible sign-up bonuses.
• Flexible for global lifestyles.

Drawbacks: Free plan has exchange/ATM limits and weekend fees; historically more fraud-related complaints (though it has improved with full banking status); some find the app feature-heavy or support less personal. Which? has noted concerns in past surveys about fraud handling.
Best for: Frequent travellers, expats, multi-currency needs, or those wanting investing/crypto alongside banking. Often used alongside a main UK bank.

Quick Comparison Tips

• No/low fees & abroad use: Starling edges it for unlimited free overseas everything; Monzo and Chase are also strong; Revolut excellent within limits.
• Budgeting/app UX: Monzo and Starling usually win.
• Rewards/cashback: Chase.
• International extras: Revolut.
• Customer service satisfaction: Starling and Monzo (and first direct) typically lead surveys.
• Savings: Rates vary—compare current AERs (linked savers or partners); none are always the absolute market-leading standalone savings accounts.
• Cash handling: Starling strongest (free Post Office); others more limited or fee-based.
• Overdrafts/loans: Available on Starling and Monzo (subject to eligibility/credit checks); less so on Chase/Revolut free tiers.

Other Mentions

• first direct: Outstanding phone-based customer service (long-time Which? favourite), good app, fee-free abroad now. More traditional feel.
• Smaller or niche: Kroo, Atom Bank, Zopa (more savings/lending-focused), or Wise (excellent for international transfers/multi-currency but e-money, not a full bank account replacement).
• High-street apps have improved, but challengers generally lead on features and satisfaction.

Practical Advice for UK Users

Open accounts via the apps (quick digital ID checks; eligibility usually 18+, UK resident with good ID). Use the Current Account Switch Service for a hassle-free move of Direct Debits/standing orders (usually guaranteed in 7 days). Check the latest rates, fees, and T&Cs directly, as they change. Review recent Which?, MoneySavingExpert, or Forbes Advisor comparisons for personalised needs. Spread larger balances across institutions for full FSCS cover if needed.

Starling or Monzo make excellent primary accounts for most people due to reliability and features. Add Chase for cashback or Revolut for travel/international. Download the apps, compare side-by-side for your lifestyle, and many users keep a traditional bank as backup initially. Always verify current details on the providers’ sites, as offers and terms evolve.

Short answer: the best online/app-based banks people actually use in the UK

If I were picking a main UK online bank account in 2026, I’d shortlist these:

1) Monzo — best overall for most UK users

Monzo is the obvious default if you want a modern UK app bank: great spending notifications, Pots, budgeting, bill-splitting, savings pots, early salary access, and a big user base. Monzo says it now has 15.2 million total customers, 10.4 million monthly active users, and about 49% of monthly active users use it as their primary bank. (monzo.com) In the February 2026 CMA/Ipsos service-quality survey for Great Britain, Monzo ranked 1st overall and 1st for online/mobile banking among major personal current account providers. (monzo.com)
Choose Monzo if: you care most about app features, budgeting, pots, and a bank many of your friends already use.

2) Starling — best “proper main account” challenger bank

Starling is the one I’d recommend if you want a slightly more sober, less cluttered app than Monzo, with strong day-to-day banking, joint accounts, business accounts, spending insights, and excellent overseas debit-card use. MoneySavingExpert lists Starling as a top app-based account, highlighting no overseas fees, real-time notifications, spending insights, savings goals and cash deposits at Post Office branches. (moneysavingexpert.com) In the February 2026 CMA/Ipsos Great Britain results, Starling ranked 2nd overall and 2nd for online/mobile banking. (monzo.com)
Choose Starling if: you want a clean digital bank you can plausibly use as your main account, including for travel and joint/business banking.

3) Chase UK — best for cashback and easy savings perks

Chase is strong if you want a simple app, debit-card rewards, round-ups and linked savings. MoneySavingExpert’s latest digital-banking guide highlights Chase’s cashback offer, no overseas spending/withdrawal fees, linked saver and 5% round-up account, while noting that you can’t pay in cash and there’s no overdraft. (moneysavingexpert.com) Chase also ranked 5th overall and 3rd for online/mobile banking in the February 2026 CMA/Ipsos Great Britain survey. (monzo.com)
Choose Chase if: you want rewards/cashback and savings alongside a slick spending account, and you don’t need cash deposits or an overdraft.

4) Revolut — best for travel, FX and multi-currency

Revolut is hugely popular for travel money, currency exchange, international transfers, cards, subscriptions and paid perks. Revolut says it has 13 million UK customers and, as of March 2026, Revolut Bank UK Ltd is now a fully licensed UK bank; eligible UK bank-account deposits are FSCS-protected up to the current limit once you have a Revolut bank account. (revolut.com)
Choose Revolut if: you travel, spend in multiple currencies, send money abroad, or want a finance “super-app.”
Caution: check your app/account status and FSCS wording carefully, especially if you were an existing Revolut e-money customer being migrated.

5) first direct — best online bank if you want human support

first direct isn’t a flashy fintech, but it’s still a very good “online-first” bank: strong phone service, HSBC backing, no branch network, a good current account, and regular switching incentives. Forbes Advisor’s July 2026 current-account round-up names the first direct 1st Account as “best overall,” citing its £175 welcome bonus and £250 overdraft, though offers and eligibility change. (forbes.com) In the CMA/Ipsos February 2026 Great Britain results, first direct ranked 4th overall and 5th for online/mobile banking. (monzo.com)
Choose first direct if: you want online banking but still value strong telephone customer service.

6) Nationwide — best non-app-only alternative

Nationwide isn’t an online-only bank, but it’s a very sensible UK choice if you want a good app plus the reassurance of branches/building-society scale. It ranked 3rd overall in the February 2026 Great Britain CMA/Ipsos current-account survey, and 2nd in Northern Ireland overall. (monzo.com)
Choose Nationwide if: you want digital banking but don’t want to go fully app-only.

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My practical recommendation

For most people in the UK:

• Main account: Monzo or Starling
• Cashback/savings side account: Chase
• Travel/FX account: Revolut
• Backup traditional-online account: first direct or Nationwide

If you want the simplest setup: Starling as your main account + Chase for cashback/savings + Revolut for travel.

Also, UK-authorised banks and building societies are covered by the FSCS up to £120,000 per eligible person, per authorised firm from 1 December 2025, but always check the exact legal entity and whether your product is actually a protected deposit. (protected.fscs.org.uk)

If you want the online banks most people in the UK actually use, the safest shortlist is Starling, Monzo, Chase, Revolut, Wise, and Monese. For a best overall pick, multiple UK-focused reviews put Starling Bank at or near the top for everyday banking.

A practical UK shortlist looks like this:

• Starling Bank — best all-rounder for everyday spending, strong app, and widely recommended in UK comparison reviews.
• Monzo — best for budgeting and saving, with a large UK retail user base and strong app reputation.
• Chase UK — good for a simple app, cashback, and straightforward everyday use.
• Revolut — best for travel and multi-currency use; widely used, but note that some reviews distinguish its banking status and product structure.
• Wise — best for holding and spending multiple currencies, especially if you send money abroad often.
• Monese — useful if you want easy account opening or are new to the UK/without a long credit history.

A few important points for UK users:

• FSCS protection matters for deposits: traditional UK banks and some app-based banks offer it, but fintech products can differ by account type.
• Revolut and Wise are often recommended for travel or international money use, but they are not always “banks” in the same way as Starling or Monzo, so checking the exact account protection and features is important.
• If you want the most mainstream, widely used options in the UK, Starling, Monzo, Revolut, Chase, and Wise show up repeatedly across comparison sites and user-review summaries.

If you want, I can also give you:

• the best online bank for cashback
• the best for savings interest
• the best for joint accounts
• the best for travel and spending abroad