A current account with Metro Bank can be opened either in-store or online with no need for an appointment. It offers a range of benefits, including free transactions in Europe and guaranteed switching in 7 days.
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Fees, features and customer service across 20+ of the most popular banks are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the account – simple.
Metro Bank is a challenger bank, but not a digital-only one. It was founded in 2010 and by the end of 2023, it had around 3 million customers, making it one of the most widely used challengers around.
Metro does have branches, but opening hours have been reduced since the bank first launched and it no longer opens on Sundays. Only some branches open on Saturdays. You don’t need an appointment to open a bank account.
Types of current accounts from Metro Bank
Metro Bank’s current accounts come in two forms: the current account and the cash account. Both offer a range of tantalising features.
Current account
The eye-catching feature of Metro Bank’s main current account is that it doesn’t charge for use in Europe. You can set up the account in-store or online, it’s up to you. Also, with the Current Account Switch Service, you’re guaranteed a 7-day switch, including direct debits and standing orders.
Cash account
Metro Bank also offers a simplified version of its current account for those wanting to keep things super straightforward. It’s similar to the current account in that it can be opened instantly and offers contactless payments. The big difference is that it doesn’t provide an overdraft or direct debit payments. The cash account also has some restrictions on overseas use and transactions. It can’t be used outside the United Kingdom, aside from places where the Link logo is displayed on a cash machine (eg. Channel Islands and Isle of Man).
Children’s account
Metro Bank doesn’t have any accounts meant exclusively for children. However, its cash account can be opened if you’re aged 11 or over, while the Young Savers easy access account is designed for anyone aged 21 and under (parents, guardians or grandparents must open the account for children aged 10 or under). Your child can get both of these accounts and enjoy the full “grown-up” banking experience, learning both how to deal with day-to-day spending and savings. Learn more about these children accounts offered by Metro Bank.
Business accounts
With Metro Bank, you have several different business accounts to choose from. The bank offers an account designed to support small businesses with a turnover of under £2 million a year, as well as an account for larger businesses with an annual turnover of above £2 million. In addition, Metro Bank offers an account for dealing in foreign currencies, an account for community groups and an account for insolvency professionals. Learn more about business accounts
How does Metro Bank current account work?
You can open a Metro Bank current account both online (with a selfie) and in person. You’re eligible if you’re a UK resident and 18 or over. You’re going to need a proof of identity and a proof of address.
If you aren’t a UK or EU national, you’re also going to need a valid visa, and you won’t be able to open the account online.
Once you’re registered, you get:
Bank account. It’s a full UK current account, including direct debits and overdraft options.
Mastercard contactless debit card. If you apply in person, Metro Bank will print your card instantly for you, otherwise the bank will send it over to your address.
App. You can use it to manage all of your Metro Bank accounts. It looks clean and tidy and it includes spending summaries and Insights, a feature that creates personalised spending reports on your money habits.
Alternatively, you can also open a Metro Bank cash account, which is a more basic account that doesn’t allow direct debits and overdrafts, and whose card can’t be used outside the UK. You still need to be resident in the UK, but minors as young as 11 can open one.
Metro Bank customer reviews
Metro Bank was ranked 18th out of 20 current account providers in our independent 2025 customer satisfaction survey, and 77% of customers said they’d recommend the current account service. Users highlighted the bank’s helpful customer service staff and convenient branch locations. Here’s what some of those Metro Bank customers had to say in our survey:
“Great customer service and excellent products.”
“Customer service is excellent.”
“The brand is reliable.”
Metro Bank has a Trustpilot rating of 1.8 out of 5 from more than 5,000 reviews. On the Apple App Store, its mobile banking app scores 4.8 out of 5, based on more than 211,000 user reviews. On the Google Play Store, it scores 4.6 out of 5, based on over 45,000 reviews. These were last updated in April 2025.
Pros and cons of banking with Metro Bank
Perks. No charges for use in Europe and zero monthly fees.
Multiple ways to bank. You can manage your account both in a high street branch and online.
Mobile banking. Metro Bank has an app that allows you to see all your accounts in one place, including the ones you have with other banks.
Global acceptance. If you bank with Metro Bank you’ll get a Mastercard, so you really don’t have to worry about card acceptance, no matter where you are in the world.
Round the clock assistance. If you lose your card, or if it’s stolen, you can call Metro Bank 24/7 to get assistance.
Waiting times in-branch can vary. Wait times in-branch can vary depending on the time of day.
Reduced operating hours. Branches now operate 9.30am to 5pm on weekdays, with only some branches open on Saturdays. This is a reduction from the previous 12 hour days, plus weekends.
Customer service information for Metro Bank
Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support
Opening an account with Metro Bank
To open an account with Metro Bank, simply go into a branch or apply online. If you’re aged 18 and are a UK, EEA or Swiss citizen not in full-time education, you’ll only need a small amount of information. You’ll need proof of your identity and up to two documents for proof of address.
You can open an account with Metro Bank online or in person at a high street branch.
Does Metro Bank offer any promotions, discounts or refer-a-friend offers?
Yes, Metro Bank does offer joint accounts for 2 people. To open, you need to both go into a branch.
Does Metro Bank offer premium/packaged or premier accounts?
No, Metro Bank doesn’t offer a packaged or premier bank account. We have a guide on other premier accounts, if you want to compare your options.
Our verdict: Is Metro Bank a good bank?
One of the big benefits of opening a Metro Bank current account is there are no charges for spending or cash withdrawals in Europe – something that many banks don’t offer, especially on their standard accounts. Another key way in which Metro Bank aims to differentiate itself is via the quality of its in-branch banking services. If these are things that might help you out, a Metro Bank current account could suit you. We also have a seperate guide on Metro Bank’s private current account.
Frequently asked questions
Metro Bank’s current accounts, like many others, don’t pay interest. If this is a higher priority than everyday transactions, it would be best to try a savings account rather than a current account.
You can take out up to £300 per day from cash machines and up to £1,000 a day in-store if you’re over 16. If you want to withdraw an amount greater than £1,000 you’ll have to give Metro Bank one weekday’s notice.
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Oli is a writer for Finder UK. He writes guides, features and news about a range of topics, including banking, credit cards, mortgages and personal loans. He studies English Literature at the University of Sussex, and in his spare time enjoys cycling and playing the guitar, though not necessarily at the same time.
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Nick Renaud-Komiya has been a writer and reporter for nine years, covering a range of consumer issues from energy suppliers to banking and mortgage issues. He enjoys helping people take control of their personal finances and better understand their consumer rights. Nick’s consumer writing and money journalism has been featured in a range of outlets including MoneySavingExpert.com, The Sunday Mirror, The Independent and Money.co.uk. Outside of work Nick enjoys cooking and collecting old David Bowie merch.
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