We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.
Acorn Account review
Take the stress out of your finances with hassle free banking.
Updated

As an Acorn Account holder, you will have access to a UK-based account manager to assist you with your everyday banking.
This review takes you through all you need to know about the account. Read on to find out more about Acorn and whether it might be the right option for you.
What's in this review?
What is the Acorn Account?
Acorn has been providing current accounts and payment services since 2007. Accounts are highly functional and easy to open, with no credit checks, signatures or branch visits required. Your regular outgoings are taken care of by Acorn’s Account Management Team.
Acorn believes customers shouldn’t be excluded or pre-judged when it comes to personal finance. You won’t be turned away due to any aspect of previous financial history.
How does the Acorn Account work?
Finances and account preferences can be managed online by logging in to Acorn’s website. Account holders can also check their balance and load funds via telephone or SMS.
Features of the account include the following:
- Account manager: A personal account manager can be spoken to directly. They will set up the necessary direct debits and regular payments from your account.
- Managing spending: Once the correct funds have been set aside for bills, the remaining balance can be moved to the prepaid Debit Mastercard. This process can be automated if you prefer.
- Pay in at Barclays or at the Post Office: Take your cash and cheques to your nearest Barclays branch and pay in using your pre-printed GIRO. Alternatively, you can use a personal barcode to pay cash into your account over the counter in the Post Office.
- Rewards: Acorn’s account holders qualify for a cashback reward. Customers can earn cash rewards of up to 3.5% at more than 35 major high-street retailers when you shop using your Acorn card.
Using Acorn abroad
There are fees for using your Acorn card abroad. ATM withdrawals outside the UK are charged at £3.00 plus 2.75% of the transaction value.
Acorn fees and limits
- Monthly fee. There is a monthly fee of £14.50, which is debited from your account on the first of every month.
- Bank transfer. Transfers are fee-free at the interbank rate in 23 currencies.
- Secondary cardholder/joint account. A secondary cardholder can be added for £5.00 per month.
- Withdrawal chargers and limits. There is a charge of £1.50 per withdrawal at ATMs while a maximum of £450 per day can be withdrawn from cash machines.
- Limits. Maximum initial load is £1,250 and the maximum card balance is £5,000.
Is Acorn safe?
Your card will be protected with a four-digit pin, which can be amended at any Mastercard ATM. Acorn’s online account service, where you can check transactions, make payments and download statements, is protected by a personalised password only you have access to.
Your money, however, isn’t protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Instead, your money is held with Acorn’s bankers. This means that if something happens to Acorn, your money is already separate. Any money on your card is held by Wirecard Card Solutions Ltd.
Pros and cons of Acorn
There are some pros and cons you should take into account when comparing with other pre-paid cards:
Pros
- Easy to manage regular bills and track your spending using an experienced account manager.
- No credit checks. Individuals won’t be judged on their financial history.
- Earn cash rewards of up to 3.5% with Rewards Scheme.
- A shared account may be useful for individuals sharing bills and budgeting together.
Cons
- £1.50 per cash withdrawal.
- Monthly fee of £14.50 or £19.50 for an account with two card holders.
- Maximum daily cash withdrawal limit of £450 from cash machines.
- Expensive to use abroad with a £3 withdrawal fee plus a 2.75% surcharge.
- No smartphone app
- While you can check your balance via SMS, there is a 15p charge per inquiry.
- £10.00 redemption fee to redeem any funds on the account.
FAQs
More guides on Finder
-
Stocks for after coronavirus
We’ve compiled some stocks that might bounce back in the coming months during Boris Johnsons’ roadmap out of lockdown.
-
How to buy Novo Integrated Sciences shares | $5.21
Learn more about Novo Integrated Sciences’ recent performance and where you can invest in Novo Integrated Sciences shares. We also run through some helpful rules of thumb for any investor
-
558% rise in crypto investors since 2018
The growth of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has caught the interest of UK investors, with 19% of Brits saying they have bought cryptocurrency at some point.
-
Disney shares near $200 for first time in history
Shares in Walt Disney Co. led the charge as the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.09% on what was a mixed day of trading to start the week.
-
How to buy Osprey shares | $11.67
Learn more about Osprey Technology Acquisition’s recent performance and where you can invest in Osprey shares. We also run through some helpful rules of thumb for any investor.
-
How to buy Churchill Capital IV shares | $30.8401
Learn more about Churchill Capital IV’s recent performance and where you can invest in Churchill Capital IV. We also run through some helpful rules of thumb for any investor.
-
How to buy Sunesis shares | $5.32
Learn more about Sunesis Pharmaceuticals’ recent performance and where you can invest in Sunesis shares. We also run through some helpful rules of thumb for any investor.
-
How to buy Yunhong CTI shares | $2.52
Learn more about Yunhong CTI’s recent performance and where you can invest in Yunhong shares. We also run through some helpful rules of thumb for any investor.
-
Invest in makeup stocks
Want to add highlight to the foundations of your investment portfolio with makeup stocks? Find out how to invest in makeup and the risks.
-
coursesonline.co.uk discount codes and promos February 2021
See if you can get your next coursesonline.co.uk order for less with our hand-tested voucher and promo codes.
Ask an Expert