{"id":430117,"date":"2021-12-23T15:20:50","date_gmt":"2021-12-23T15:20:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?page_id=430117"},"modified":"2026-02-16T09:54:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T09:54:51","slug":"ekko-app-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/current-accounts\/ekko-app-review","title":{"rendered":"ekko review: An app to help tackle climate change"},"content":{"rendered":"

ekko is an app, prepaid debit card and ecosystem that says it aims to help users make a positive impact on the planet. Here\u2019s how it works.<\/p>

What is ekko?<\/h3>

ekko is an app and prepaid debit card designed to turn the tide on climate change \u201cone tap at a time\u201d. Users can spend on the card as usual to pay for shopping or bills. As they do so, ekko will plant trees and prevent plastic from entering the oceans.<\/p>

How does ekko work?<\/h3>

If you sign up to ekko, you\u2019ll have access to the app and you\u2019ll be sent a Mastercard debit card to use in the same way as any other debit card.<\/p>

The difference is that every 5 transactions on your card will pay for 1 ocean-bound plastic bottle to be collected. And every 50 transactions will pay for 1 tree to be planted. You can also choose to shop on ekko\u2019s marketplace of sustainable products and services.<\/p>

By using the app you\u2019ll be able to view your account balance as well as track your own tree and bottle counts. You can also see your carbon footprint from everything you\u2019ve bought using the card.<\/p>

Trees are planted in partnership with the Mastercard priceless planet coalition. ekko is also partnered with Prevented Ocean Plastic to remove plastic bottles.<\/p>

How to sign up<\/h3>

To access ekko, you\u2019ll need to join the waiting list on the website and download the app on App Store or Google Play. You\u2019ll then be emailed an exclusive code to join ekko. A limited number of customers will have access to the app for free, but there may be a small membership fee in the future.<\/p>

Is ekko safe?<\/h3>

ekko does not have a UK banking licence so your funds will not be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. However, your money is safeguarded under the EU Electronic Money Directive and UK Electronic Money Regulations 2011. This means your money will be held in a segregated account in accordance with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations and the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Should ekko become insolvent, your funds will be protected against claims made by creditors.<\/p>

Pros and cons of ekko<\/h3>
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Pros<\/h4>\n
    \n
  • Helps tackle climate change every time you spend on the card.<\/li>\n
  • Tracks your carbon footprint with the app.<\/li>\n
  • No monthly fees.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
    \n

    Cons<\/h4>\n
      \n
    • There are currently no rewards or bonuses other than the opportunity to plant trees and collect plastic bottles.<\/li>\n
    • A fee may be introduced in the future.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

      Customer service information for ekko<\/h3>\n\n\n
      Email support<\/th>\n<\/use><\/svg><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      \nTelephone support<\/th>\n<\/use><\/svg><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      \nIn-app or live chat<\/th>\n<\/use><\/svg><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      \nContact form<\/th>\n<\/use><\/svg><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      \nBranch support<\/th>\n<\/use><\/svg><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>

      Our verdict<\/h3>

      If you\u2019re keen to help tackle climate change in small, easy steps, ekko is a way to do so. It provides a free opportunity to help protect the environment without the need to dramatically change your spending habits.<\/p> \n