Best online-only banks in the UK

Latest reviews of online-only bank accounts accounts

What is an online-only bank?

Online-only banks don’t have a network of branches, meaning customers have to manage their transactions through a website or an app.

Provided you have an internet connection, you can apply for online-only accounts and move money wherever you are.

It’s usually the younger “challenger” banks that are online-only, such as Starling and Monzo. This sets them apart from traditional banks like NatWest and Lloyds, which have hundreds of branches dotted around the UK.

What to consider before opening an online-only bank account

Some online-only banks only let customers log in from either a website or an app rather than both, so make sure you understand what it offers before you sign up.

It’s always important to compare the features and limitations of a bank account. For example, if you would like to deposit cash into an account, some online-only banks won’t let you, while others have ways around this, such as visiting a Post Office branch. Banks like Starling and first direct allow you to pay cheques in online.

It tends to be relatively straightforward to set up and use an online-only bank account. However, if you want to speak to someone from the bank in person, it won’t be the right option for you.

Our 2026 customer satisfaction league table

We asked the customers of banking apps and current accounts providers featured in this table whether they'd recommend it to a friend and we've ordered the table by the percentage score. Our independent survey was carried out in Feburary 2026. Learn more about how we conducted our research. The table features primarily digital banking providers. Full details including scores for the high street banks can be found here.

Bank	Customers who'd recommend	Details
first direct	97%	Renowned for its 24/7 human customer support, first direct is a highly reliable provider. Users praise the helpful staff and efficient online banking experience.
Starling	97%	Starling is consistently praised for its brilliant app and 24/7 customer support. Customers especially value the lack of fees for using the account abroad.
Revolut	97%	Revolut is valued for its innovative app and ease of sending money worldwide. Users find it specifically useful for travel and daily transactions.
Chase	97%	The user-friendly app and popular cashback offers make Chase a top choice. Customers find the account smooth to operate and very easy to set up.
Monzo	93%	Monzo is a popular choice for its innovative app features and helpful money tools. Users value the brilliant customer service and ease of use abroad.
iFAST Global Bank	93%	Often described as an efficient and trustworthy brand, iFAST Global Bank is valued by customers, who find the service reliable and appreciate the rewarding offers.
Biscuit by Zopa	87%	Biscuit by Zopa offers a simple and versatile digital experience. Reviewers frequently highlight the excellent customer service and ease of managing accounts online.
Kroo	87%	Kroo earns praise for its easy-to-use interface and helpful customer support. Many users value the clear notifications and beneficial money management tools.
Monese	77%	An easy-to-navigate app experience makes Monese a reliable choice. Customers frequently mention it as a convenient option for daily banking and travel.

• Customer satisfaction scores methodology

  We asked people who'd used a current account provider within the previous 12 months to rate their satisfaction with the service they received and whether they'd recommend the provider to a friend. Our independent survey of 750 current account customers was carried out in February 2026.We have shown the percentage recommended score in the table above and used these ratings to decide the winners of our awards. Where there was a draw on the "would recommend percentage", we used the overall rating out of 5 as a tie-breaker.

How do I open an app-based bank account?

Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Compare the best current accounts to choose the right bank account for you.
2. Find the bank’s app and install it onto your device. Make sure you’re installing the legit app — go on the bank’s website, which should have a link.
3. Answer questions about yourself, such as your name, contact details and date of birth.
4. Choose an account. The bank might ask you some questions about how much you plan to pay into it and what you plan to use it for.
5. Provide a picture of your ID, such as a valid driving licence or passport. You may also have to record a video of yourself saying a few words.
6. Wait for the bank to approve your application. You should get a notification that your account is ready to use (many online-only banks approve accounts in a day).

Once it’s open, you should get immediate access to a virtual bank card. Your physical card will be sent in the post, which you usually have to activate through the app.

How safe are online-only banks?

Online-only banks tend to be just as safe as the traditional high street ones. UK banks are heavily regulated, and there are strict rules to abide by when managing customers’ money.

Any bank that offers online banking should have robust security systems to protect customers’ information and keep their money safe. Many ask you to provide a password to verify yourself whenever you log in and make payments. For some transactions, you might have to provide extra information to verify yourself, such as a one-time passcode texted to your phone.

Many online-only banks have features that can help keep your money safe, such as blocking certain types of transactions and sending real-time notifications to your phone.

Finally, you’ll have the same protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) as you would if you had opened an account with a high street bank.

What is a virtual card?

A big perk of using an online-only bank is that once the account is open, you will receive a virtual bank card, which you can view in the app.

You can use the virtual card immediately to make payments while you wait for your physical card to arrive in the post. It also means that you don’t need to carry around a physical card to pay for things.

The virtual card can be stored on Google Pay or Apple Pay. To do this, download either Google Pay (for Android devices) or Apple Pay (for Apple devices) and follow the instructions to add the card to your virtual wallet.

Once set up, you can pay for things in-store by tapping your device on a card machine, like you would when using a contactless card (you just have to unlock your phone at the checkout).

Will I get a physical card with an app-based bank?

Once your account is open, most banks automatically send you a physical card in the post.

Some physical bank cards don’t have card numbers printed on them, so if you want to use your card to pay for something online, you have to open the app and copy your card details.

If your physical card is lost or stolen, you can also temporarily lock it using your app to stop anyone from using it (and unlock it again if you find it).

Pros and cons of online-only banks

Bottom line

Online-only banks tend to be relatively new banks that have created accounts to suit our modern lifestyles. Their apps are often quick and intuitive, which makes it easy to bank on the go.

It’s probably not a coincidence that many online-only banks, like Monzo and Starling, top the league table for customer satisfaction.

If you’re not fussed about face-to-face customer service, an online-only bank can be well worth using, especially if you make full use of the features.

FAQs

• Is it okay to only have an online bank?

  Yes, if you prefer to manage your money entirely online, it’s perfectly fine to just use an online-only bank.

  Lots of people are choosing to switch their main accounts over to online-only banks, but you don’t have to choose one or the other — it could even be useful to have more than one account.

• What is the drawback of having an online-only bank?

  The main downside of an online-only bank is that you don’t get face-to-face customer service.

  This means that if you need help with your account, you’re relying on the bank’s online and call centre helplines to get the support you need.

  But sometimes, you might find that, compared to the traditional banks, the online-only companies have shorter call wait times and more convenient ways of communicating.

• Which online bank is best in the UK?

  We’ve rated and ranked our best banking accounts here. We also highlight banks that excel in certain categories, of which 4 out of 6 are online-only banks.

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. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Defaqto. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.