Can I keep my US bank account if I move abroad?
Can I keep my US bank account if I move abroad? Find out everything you need to know here in our handy guide.
Best banking apps in the UK: Top 6 options
Banking apps are the future. You can use your digital app to send money, lock your lost debit card or check your credit score – all from the palm of your hand.
But how can you find the best banking app for you? We’ll take a look at the top 6 in the UK, including a comparison of providers and everything you need to open an account.
We’ll also look at Wise – an electronic money services provider and a non-bank alternative for managing your money on the go globally. Read on to find out more.
Learn more about the Wise account 💰
What to look for in a banking app
You can use a banking app to manage and control your money, with handy in-app security features, budgeting tools and quick transfers on the go.
Some traditional banks have started using apps to help customers keep on top of their money, whereas other money transfer services offer a completely digital service.
There are a few features to look for in your app, including:
- user-friendly app experience
- advanced security and encryption
- low fees and charges
- budgeting tools and tracking features
- digital and physical debit cards
- good customer support
You may also need a banking app with international capabilities, such as easy low-fee transfers or multi-currency options. This is particularly important if you regularly send money to family overseas or if you like to travel abroad.
Best banking apps in the UK: Overview of the top 6
There are lots of great banking apps for UK customers, including Monzo, Chase Bank and Starling Bank. These apps let you spend and save your money in freedom, with multi-currency capabilities and advanced security.
Let’s take a look at the top 6 best banking apps in the UK, comparing key features, benefits and Trustpilot ratings for these digital providers.
| Banking app | Key features | Best for | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monzo | - Create a Pot to save money - Send fee-free international payments - Get weekly and monthly spending insights - Access 24/7 chat support¹ | Budgeting and real-time spending notifications | 4.5² |
| Revolut | - Spend with a physical or virtual Revolut card - Exchange up to 1000 GBP per month in over 29 currencies - Earn up to 4% AER/gross (variable) on your savings³ | International multi-currency transfers | 4.3⁴ |
| Chase Bank | - Get real-time insights about your money - Manage your Nutmeg investments via the Chase app - Open a Chase savings account - Get 1% cashback on your everyday debit card for your first 12 months⁵ | Best banking app for saving and investing your money | 4.1⁶ |
| Starling Bank | - Get instant spending notifications - View, manage and track your spending habits - Split bills with friends and family - Get a Mastercard debit card to spend at home or abroad⁷ | Everyday spending and budgeting your money | 4.2⁸ |
| Monese | - Open accounts in multiple currencies - Use Monese’s credit builder to improve your credit score - Set yourself weekly or monthly budgets⁹ - Open a money pot to put cash aside¹⁰ | Budgeting and organising your money | 4.2¹¹ |
| Metro Bank | - Check your balances and transactions - Open multiple accounts, such as current and savings - Set up and schedule regular payments - Order or add new cards to your online account¹² | More traditional banking services, such as in-person support, loans and mortgages | 1.8¹³ |
Monzo
Monzo Bank is a popular banking app in the UK. You can automate your bills, organise your spending and make payments abroad using your Monzo account.¹
Simply download the Monzo app and create an account. You’ll need to answer a few questions about yourself and go through an online ID check.
There are a few different types of Monzo accounts, so make sure to choose the right one for you.
To open an account, you’ll need:
- to be over 16 years old – over 18 for some accounts
- to be a UK resident
- a valid ID, such as your passport or driving license¹⁴
Although Monzo doesn’t charge a fee for foreign currency payments, the provider uses Mastercard’s exchange rate for currency conversion.
This may include a small markup on the standard mid-market exchange rate you might see online, so make sure to confirm how much your payment will cost before you spend abroad.
You’ll also pay for some ATM cash withdrawals overseas, depending on your account type and where you want to spend your money.¹⁵
Revolut
Revolut is a completely digital banking service in the UK. You can use the Revolut app to:
- budget your money
- set up direct debits and schedule payments
- transfer money in the UK or worldwide¹⁶
You can open a Standard Revolut account for free or upgrade to a Plus, Premium, Metal or Ultra account for a monthly subscription fee.¹⁷
To open your Revolut account, you must:
- be over 18 years old
- be a legal resident of a Revolut supported country
- have a valid mobile number, email address, government-issued ID and selfie for verification purposes¹⁸
Download the Revolut app to create your account. You’ll need to enter your phone number and choose a 6-digit passcode.
The provider will send you a text message with a one-time PIN. Enter the PIN and follow the on-screen prompts to add your details and get verified.¹⁶
Look out for Revolut’s foreign transfer fees. The provider charges a markup on the ‘fair’ mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions at the weekend. Revolut may also add an international transfer fee to some transactions.¹⁷
Chase Bank
The Chase Bank app is a useful way to track your spending. You can use the Chase mobile app to:
- get 1% cashback on some purchases
- grow your investments via Nutmeg
- access 24/7 customer support⁵
To open a Chase Bank account, you’ll need:
- to be over 18 years old
- to be a resident of the UK only
- a smartphone
- to be a tax resident of the UK
Simply download the Chase UK app and follow the on-screen instructions to open your account online. You won’t pay a fee to open your account – and Chase doesn’t charge ATM fees for cash withdrawals in the UK or overseas.¹⁹
However, you’ll pay the Mastercard exchange rate for any foreign currency conversions. This may include a small markup on the mid-market rate.²⁰
Starling Bank
Starling Bank is a popular digital banking app for UK customers. You can manage your spending, split your bills and access an Easy Saver savings account via the Starling Bank app.⁷
You can create your Starling Bank account online. Once you’ve signed up, follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity.
To qualify for a Starling Bank account you must:
- be 16 years old or over
- be a legal resident of the UK
- have valid ID documentation like a passport²¹
You won’t pay a fee to open or maintain your personal current account. However, if you want to send money outside the UK, the provider will use their own exchange rate to convert your British pounds into a foreign currency.
You may not know how much your transfer will cost until you come to send it. Starling Bank also uses Mastercard’s exchange rate for international card payments.²²
Monese
The Monese app is a handy way to manage your money, with budgeting tools and detailed transaction alerts to help you keep on top of your spending.⁹
Use the app to:
- spend with your Monese contactless card⁹
- send and receive international transfers
- access advanced security protection²³
Monese isn’t technically a bank – it’s a money transfer service. It provides current accounts and mobile services for customers in any of the 31 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA).²⁴
You can open your Monese account for free via the mobile app. You’ll just need your email address, phone number and a valid ID document.²⁵
You won’t pay a monthly fee for your Monese Simple account, but it costs 4.95 GBP to get your physical Monese card in the post.
You’ll also pay 1 GBP per outgoing domestic transfer. It costs from 2% for currency exchange for outgoing international transfers.²⁶
Metro Bank
Metro Bank is a more traditional banking service. You can use the Metro Bank mobile app to move money between accounts or easily check your balances online.¹²
To open your Metro Bank account, you’ll need:
- to be over 18 years old
- to be a legal resident of the UK
- a valid ID and proof of address
You can apply for your Metro Bank account online. Sign up for online banking and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your application.²⁷ You can also visit a Metro Bank branch for more information about your account.
Metro Bank doesn’t charge monthly subscription fees and you won’t need to maintain a minimum balance. However, you’ll pay 2.99% of the transaction for card purchases in foreign currencies.
You’ll also pay 2.99% plus a 1.50 GBP non-sterling purchase fee for cash withdrawals outside the UK. These costs can really add up, especially if you regularly travel overseas.²⁷
FAQs about banking apps
Let’s take a look at some popular questions about UK banking apps – everything you need to know.
Which digital bank is the best?
The best banking app for you will depend on what you need from your digital account day-to-day.
If you want to organise your spending, a money transfer service like Monese may be the best choice. You can also use the Chase Bank mobile app to track your spending insights.
However, if you want to access in-person support or a more traditional banking service, Metro Bank’s mobile app may be a better option.
What is the best banking app for budgeting in the UK?
You can use the Starling Bank app to improve your budgeting. Get instant spending notifications, organise your money and even pay your bills using Starling Bank’s Bills Manager system.⁷
Monese can also help you track your spending. Set yourself weekly or monthly budgets to keep on top of your money. However, you may pay a small fee for outgoing domestic or international transfers from the Monese app.
Can I use my banking app to send money overseas?
Yes, you may be able to use your banking app to send money abroad. You can use apps like Revolut to open accounts in multiple currencies – or send quick transfers overseas.
However, make sure to confirm how much your bank charges for foreign transfers. Some providers will charge a transaction fee or add an exchange rate markup for global transactions.
You may not know how much your international transfer will cost until you come to send it.
Manage your money internationally with Wise - a non-bank alternative
Banking apps are a useful way to spend, send and save your money. You can create budgets or set up easy transfers to your friends and family. Digital providers like Revolut offer cashback deals on travel purchases or you can open a Metro Bank online account to access a range of traditional loan services.
However, you may need to pay some fees to use your mobile banking app. Many banks charge transaction fees and exchange rate markups for transfers abroad.
Wise is a global, low-fee* non-bank alternative. Open a Wise account and you can manage your money in 40+ currencies, all in one place. You can send global transfers for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates, and there’s even dedicated specialist support to help you send large amounts. After all, large transfers deserve more than just a great rate!
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 18-Feb-2025
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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