A slick and easy to use mobile app has become a must-have for challenger banks, but not all financial institutions are quite there yet. This guide focuses on apps for personal banking. We have created a guide to best business accounts for anyone looking for an app to run their business account from. We also have a guide on the best money saving apps if you are wishing to create a savings pot.
| Rank | Account name | Finder score | App rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starling Current Account | 9.8/10 | 10 |
| 2 | Monzo Current Account | 9.3/10 | 10 |
| 3 | Lloyds Bank Classic Account | 9.1/10 | 9.7 |
| 4 | NatWest Select Account | 9/10 | 9.7 |
| 5 | Royal Bank of Scotland Select Account | 8.4/10 | 9.7 |
| 6 | Halifax Current Account | 8/10 | 9.6 |
| 7 | Chase Current Account | 7.9/10 | 9.9 |
| 8 | Kroo Current Account | 6.3/10 | 9.6 |
| 9 | Monese Monese Simple | 6/10 | 9 |
Revolut Standard
8.9 GreatRevolut calls itself an “all-in-one finance app” and it lets you do most of the things you might want to do with your money, all in one place. That means you can save and earn interest as well as invest in stocks, commodities and even crypto. If you’re travelling, you can spend and send money abroad with ease, with low fees.
In the app you can set and customise spending categories, set spending budgets, freeze and unfreeze your card, send round-ups to a savings account, pay direct debits and have your salary paid in, among other things. It also has 24-hour in-app support.
Monzo Current Account
9.3 ExcellentMonzo has a reputation for being one of the coolest banking apps available. It’s slick and colourful, lets you access all the features of your bank account and its spending reports make budgeting almost fun. It’s easy to use and relatively simple, but full of features and account options.
It is constantly growing what it offers in the app but is already among the best banking apps available in the UK, with current accounts, joint accounts, teen accounts, business accounts, savings pots, cashback, loans, mortgages, pensions, ISAs and investment accounts all available. This is on top of an array of in-app features to make it easier to manage your money
Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39% EAR variable.
Chip Clearbank - Chip Easy Access Saver
| Rate | 3.81% AER variable (includes a 0.31% bonus ) |
|---|---|
| Withdrawals | Easy access |
| Account type | Variable |
Chip uses Open Banking and AI to calculate how much you can afford to save, then moves small amounts of money from your current account into a Chip account at regular intervals, which you control. You’re able to set savings goals and create savings plans that suit you and your lifestyle. It has in-app chat support on weekdays.
It offers a range of account options, including an easy access account, cash ISA, stocks and shares ISA, instant access account and prize savings account. On top of this, Chip offers a suite of investment options so you can make your money go further and build your wealth how you see fit.
| Rate | 3.81% AER variable (includes a 0.31% bonus ) |
|---|---|
| Withdrawals | Easy access |
| Account type | Variable |
GoHenry Account - with £20 pocket money and 2 months free
9.5 ExcellentGoHenry is a debit card and app for kids aged 6–18. The app has a version for kids and adults. Parents can set up regular pocket money payments, spending controls and notifications for card spending, as well as setting chores or tasks for their child to complete to earn money.
Kids benefit from learning resources and being able to set savings goals. They’re also incentivised to earn money by completing chores or tasks their parents set them.
The app allows you to freeze and unfreeze your card if it gets lost and then found again. Children are also able to receive gifts from people other than their parents, which is a win for everyone.
NatWest Rooster Money Account
9.7 ExcellentRooster Money’s app is streamlined and easy to use. It’s available for kids aged 3–17, though the accompanying card is only available from 6 years old. It has a different app view for kids and parents.
The app allows parents to set up regular pocket money payments and set spending controls. They can also view card spend notifications and set tasks for their child to earn money. It’s also possible to set savings goals and freeze/unfreeze the card if needed.
Kids get to explore a range of learning resources that are designed to give them a fun introduction to money.
Tide Business Bank Account (Free)
8.9 GreatTide’s app is designed for businesses to manage their finances. Its range of features includes in-app cheque scanning, being able to freeze/unfreeze cards, accountancy software integrations, sending money abroad, in-app applications and customer service. You’re also able to make and receive payments, create invoices and manage expenses through the app.
There are a number of different account options, depending on the size of your business, so you can find one that suits your needs. And it’s easy to earn interest on your cash by setting up a savings account in the app, so you can earn money while on your cash.
| 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. |
While it’s great to have a bank account with an intelligent mobile app, most consumers would agree that this shouldn’t be their only priority. You may prefer to choose your bank based on the interest rates, rewards and customer service offered instead.
So here are some factors you may want to consider when choosing the best bank (and app) for your needs:
An easy to use mobile app with a range of useful features can make your banking experience much easier.
The breed of newer challenger banks that operate primarily via smartphone apps and online banking have been able to build their customer base by offering a strong user experience. Tops apps from the likes of Starling and Monzo enable account holders to manage their finances effortlessly, budget at the touch of a button and keep their accounts secure.
The larger established banks are starting to up their game too, with high street names like Lloyds and Barclays offering great apps for their customers to manage their accounts easily. Elsewhere, NatWest customers are able to withdraw cash from the bank’s ATM network via a unique code generated by its smartphone app. A concept known as cardless cash.
Think about which features are most important for your day-to-day banking app needs before making your choice.
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