The only provider with a genuinely free forever plan - no trial, no expiry.
2% FX fee applies on card transactions made in a foreign currency
Accounting integrations with Xero and QuickBooks.
Multi-currency accounts: GBP, EUR, USD, other EU currencies.
Issue virtual cards instantly - physical cards can be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Real-time transaction tracking across all cards from a single dashboard.
What we liked
Wallester delivers more on its free plan than most providers charge for on paid tiers - 300 virtual cards, unlimited users, and full spend controls at zero cost is an offer no other provider currently matches.
For UK startups and SMEs looking to replace shared cards or spreadsheet-based expense tracking, Wallester offers the lowest-friction, lowest-cost entry point available.
The free plan is not a stripped-back trial - core features including real-time tracking, receipt capture, and accounting integrations are all available from day one.
Unlike per-user platforms, Wallester's pricing model doesn't penalise growth - a team of 2 and a team of 200 pay exactly the same on the free plan.
The only provider with a genuinely free forever plan - no trial, no expiry.
2% FX fee applies on card transactions made in a foreign currency
Accounting integrations with Xero and QuickBooks.
Multi-currency accounts: GBP, EUR, USD, other EU currencies.
Issue virtual cards instantly - physical cards can be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Real-time transaction tracking across all cards from a single dashboard.
What we liked
Wallester delivers more on its free plan than most providers charge for on paid tiers - 300 virtual cards, unlimited users, and full spend controls at zero cost is an offer no other provider currently matches.
For UK startups and SMEs looking to replace shared cards or spreadsheet-based expense tracking, Wallester offers the lowest-friction, lowest-cost entry point available.
The free plan is not a stripped-back trial - core features including real-time tracking, receipt capture, and accounting integrations are all available from day one.
Unlike per-user platforms, Wallester's pricing model doesn't penalise growth - a team of 2 and a team of 200 pay exactly the same on the free plan.
Transparent FX rates, significantly cheaper than banks.
Trusted by 1.5 million businesses - over $500bn sent since 2004.
Zero FX fees on card spend in 15 currencies.
Free to receive international payments - no incoming fees
Online customer service – Real human support - accessible support channels for quick issue resolution.
What we liked
Unlike standard business accounts, WorldFirst is purpose-built for international supply chains, making it the premier choice for importers and e-commerce sellers.
Marketplace-first infrastructure - collect revenue directly from 130+ platforms, including Amazon, Shopify, and TikTok Shop in local currencies, without routing through a UK bank first.
Built for payment volume - batch payments to 200 suppliers, free transfers between WorldFirst users, and direct access to 150,000+ Chinese suppliers via 1688.com
Use advanced forward contracts to lock in exchange rates and shield your profit margins from unpredictable market volatility.
Transparent FX rates, significantly cheaper than banks.
Trusted by 1.5 million businesses - over $500bn sent since 2004.
Zero FX fees on card spend in 15 currencies.
Free to receive international payments - no incoming fees
Online customer service – Real human support - accessible support channels for quick issue resolution.
What we liked
Unlike standard business accounts, WorldFirst is purpose-built for international supply chains, making it the premier choice for importers and e-commerce sellers.
Marketplace-first infrastructure - collect revenue directly from 130+ platforms, including Amazon, Shopify, and TikTok Shop in local currencies, without routing through a UK bank first.
Built for payment volume - batch payments to 200 suppliers, free transfers between WorldFirst users, and direct access to 150,000+ Chinese suppliers via 1688.com
Use advanced forward contracts to lock in exchange rates and shield your profit margins from unpredictable market volatility.
Pay abroad with 0% foreign transaction feesEarn up to 2.65% AER interest on your current account balance, paid monthly
Kroo Card
Kroo Card | FCA
More highlights
No subscription or maintenance fees
Freeze or unfreeze your card instantly inside the app
Funds protected up to £120,000 under the official UK FSCS scheme
Apply for a personal loan up to £25,000
What we liked
Kroo stands out from most UK digital banks by paying competitive interest directly on your regular checking balance without requiring you to lock funds away in separate vaults.
Travelers benefit from transparent foreign exchange with zero hidden charges or ATM markups overseas, passing Visa's real-time rates straight to the user.
Earn tax-free interest with the Kroo Flexible Cash ISA without locking your money away
Freeze or unfreeze your card instantly inside the app
Funds protected up to £120,000 under the official UK FSCS scheme
Apply for a personal loan up to £25,000
What we liked
Kroo stands out from most UK digital banks by paying competitive interest directly on your regular checking balance without requiring you to lock funds away in separate vaults.
Travelers benefit from transparent foreign exchange with zero hidden charges or ATM markups overseas, passing Visa's real-time rates straight to the user.
Earn tax-free interest with the Kroo Flexible Cash ISA without locking your money away
Earn RevPoints on purchases to swap for airline miles.
Fee-free spending abroad with zero foreign transaction fees.
Free global ATM withdrawals from £200 to £2,000 monthly.
In-app investment tools for global stocks and commodities starting from £1.
What we liked
Revolut has matured far beyond its travel origins into a definitive financial super-app built to handle every facet of modern consumer life.
The platform eliminates the hassle of switching apps by centralizing your checking, high-yield savings, investments, and international spending in one place.
Maximize your growth with highly competitive interest rates on instant-access savings vaults, featuring daily payouts and zero withdrawal restrictions.
Secure your online shopping with dynamic, single-use virtual cards that automatically regenerate after every transaction to completely block skimming.
Earn RevPoints on purchases to swap for airline miles.
Fee-free spending abroad with zero foreign transaction fees.
Free global ATM withdrawals from £200 to £2,000 monthly.
In-app investment tools for global stocks and commodities starting from £1.
What we liked
Revolut has matured far beyond its travel origins into a definitive financial super-app built to handle every facet of modern consumer life.
The platform eliminates the hassle of switching apps by centralizing your checking, high-yield savings, investments, and international spending in one place.
Maximize your growth with highly competitive interest rates on instant-access savings vaults, featuring daily payouts and zero withdrawal restrictions.
Secure your online shopping with dynamic, single-use virtual cards that automatically regenerate after every transaction to completely block skimming.
Get 2% cashback up to £20/monthEarn 4.5% AER (4.41% gross) variable interest on your savings for 12 months
Chase Card
Chase Card | FCA
More highlights
Earn 4.5% AER (4.41% gross) variable interest on your savings for 12 months
There is no notice required to withdraw money. Daily external transfer limit is £25,000
Chase Current account is required in order to open a Saver account with Chase
Open a free UK current account in minutes via the app
What we liked
Open up to 10 Chase Saver accounts with a combined maximum balance of £3 million. Enjoy seamless UK transfers via Faster Payments (FPS), capped at a £25,000 daily external limit.
Earn up to 2% back on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and transport - adding up to £240 a year in effortless rewards
Grow your money with high-interest easy-access savings and automatic spare change round-ups
Earn 4.5% AER (4.41% gross) variable interest on your savings for 12 months
There is no notice required to withdraw money. Daily external transfer limit is £25,000
Chase Current account is required in order to open a Saver account with Chase
Open a free UK current account in minutes via the app
What we liked
Open up to 10 Chase Saver accounts with a combined maximum balance of £3 million. Enjoy seamless UK transfers via Faster Payments (FPS), capped at a £25,000 daily external limit.
Earn up to 2% back on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and transport - adding up to £240 a year in effortless rewards
Grow your money with high-interest easy-access savings and automatic spare change round-ups
Fully licensed UK bank protected by the FSCS up to £85,000
24/7 UK-based customer support directly in the app
Free ATM cash withdrawals across the UK and worldwide
Apply in minutes directly from your phone
What we liked
Starling offers the agility of a startup alongside the trust of a fully regulated UK bank-giving you zero maintenance fees without compromising on FSCS security
Unlike legacy banks that stack hidden fees overseas, Starling uses Mastercard's real exchange rate with no added markups for foreign spending or cash withdrawals
Skip the repetitive chatbot loops. Starling sets a high bar with genuine, 24/7 UK-based human support available in-app and over the phone
Fully licensed UK bank protected by the FSCS up to £85,000
24/7 UK-based customer support directly in the app
Free ATM cash withdrawals across the UK and worldwide
Apply in minutes directly from your phone
What we liked
Starling offers the agility of a startup alongside the trust of a fully regulated UK bank-giving you zero maintenance fees without compromising on FSCS security
Unlike legacy banks that stack hidden fees overseas, Starling uses Mastercard's real exchange rate with no added markups for foreign spending or cash withdrawals
Skip the repetitive chatbot loops. Starling sets a high bar with genuine, 24/7 UK-based human support available in-app and over the phone
Fee-free global ATM cash withdrawals up to £800 monthly
Hold, track, and spend in 30+ currencies
Earn RevPoints on purchases to swap for airline miles.
Fee-free spending abroad with zero foreign transaction fees.
What we liked
Earning 1 RevPoint for every £2 spent gives everyday purchases more value, with points that can be turned into travel rewards such as air miles and discounts on stays.
Metal brings together premium travel benefits, higher limits, included subscriptions and a personalised metal card in one plan, making it a strong upgrade for customers who will actively use the extras.
Incredible value from bundled premium app subscriptions like the Financial Times and Uber One which easily offsets the monthly fee before you even look at the vast banking features
Fee-free global ATM cash withdrawals up to £800 monthly
Hold, track, and spend in 30+ currencies
Earn RevPoints on purchases to swap for airline miles.
Fee-free spending abroad with zero foreign transaction fees.
What we liked
Earning 1 RevPoint for every £2 spent gives everyday purchases more value, with points that can be turned into travel rewards such as air miles and discounts on stays.
Metal brings together premium travel benefits, higher limits, included subscriptions and a personalised metal card in one plan, making it a strong upgrade for customers who will actively use the extras.
Incredible value from bundled premium app subscriptions like the Financial Times and Uber One which easily offsets the monthly fee before you even look at the vast banking features
Regulation
FCA
Banking without limits
Account Ready in Minutes
Skip the bank branch and the paperwork. Open a fully functional UK current account from your phone in the time it takes to drink a coffee. Instant digital card issuance means you can start spending immediately.
Borders are Optional
Enjoy real-time exchange rates and zero hidden fees when spending abroad. Whether you’re withdrawing cash in Tokyo or paying for dinner in Paris, your money goes further without the "tourist tax" of traditional banks.
Intelligence in Every Pocket
Take the guesswork out of budgeting. Get instant spending notifications, automated "round-up" savings, and smart analytics that categorize your expenses before you even leave the shop.
Make a smarter decision
Looking for the best online banks in the UK? Our comparison table features top-rated digital banking services that offer instant account setup, no credit checks, and full mobile banking capabilities. Whether you're looking for a prepaid card, digital current account, or multi-currency wallet, these services provide modern banking solutions designed for UK residents.
The only provider with a genuinely free forever plan - no trial, no expiry.
2% FX fee applies on card transactions made in a foreign currency
Accounting integrations with Xero and QuickBooks.
Multi-currency accounts: GBP, EUR, USD, other EU currencies.
Issue virtual cards instantly - physical cards can be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Real-time transaction tracking across all cards from a single dashboard.
Additional information
Wallester delivers more on its free plan than most providers charge for on paid tiers - 300 virtual cards, unlimited users, and full spend controls at zero cost is an offer no other provider currently matches.
For UK startups and SMEs looking to replace shared cards or spreadsheet-based expense tracking, Wallester offers the lowest-friction, lowest-cost entry point available.
The free plan is not a stripped-back trial - core features including real-time tracking, receipt capture, and accounting integrations are all available from day one.
Unlike per-user platforms, Wallester's pricing model doesn't penalise growth - a team of 2 and a team of 200 pay exactly the same on the free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an online bank?
An online bank operates primarily through digital platforms like mobile apps and websites, without traditional physical branches. These banks offer standard banking services including current accounts, savings accounts, and debit cards, typically with lower fees than traditional banks due to reduced overhead costs.
Are online banks safe and regulated?
Yes, online banks in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and must comply with the same strict regulations as traditional banks. Your deposits are typically protected up to £85,000 under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Can I deposit cash with an online bank?
Most online banks don't accept cash deposits since they lack physical branches. However, some partner with retail networks like PayPoint or Post Office to enable cash deposits. Alternatives include transferring funds electronically from another account or using mobile check deposit features.
Do online banks charge monthly fees?
Many online banks offer fee-free accounts with no monthly maintenance charges. They can afford this because they have lower operating costs than traditional banks. Always check the specific fee schedule as some services like international transfers or premium features may incur charges.
How quickly can I open an account?
Most online banks allow you to open an account in minutes using your smartphone. You'll need proof of identity (passport or driving license) and proof of address. The verification process is typically instant, allowing you to start using your account immediately or within 24 hours.
What if I need customer support?
Online banks provide customer support through in-app chat, phone lines, and email. Many offer 24/7 support with quick response times. While there are no physical branches to visit, most users find that digital support channels are faster and more convenient than visiting a branch.
Our Mission
All of the services presented in our website are regulated and licensed.
Top8neobanks' team of fintech experts took an in depth reviews and examinations of these services and their products in order to give you, the customer, as much added value as possible and allowing you to make smarter and safer decision before upgrading your financial life and opening your first digital bank account with one of the many services available in the market.
If you find anything incorrect with the data presented both on our site and/or the services, please feel free to contact us via email, and we will do our best to correct it and inform others.
Thank you for choosing our service and we hope you will be satisfied from choosing to be part of the revolution of banking re-defined.
Updated on Oct 2026 
