Enjoy 24/7 access
Manage your account anytime, anywhere, directly from your smartphone or tablet, with no need to visit a branch
Earn a £15 reward when you switch[1]
An online-only bank account is a fully digital account that lets you manage your money 24/7 from your smartphone or tablet, whether you're at home or on the move, with no need to visit a branch.
MoneySuperMarket makes it quick and easy to compare online-only current accounts, helping you find the one that suits you best.
1) Sign up and download the app – Choose your preferred app-based bank with MoneySuperMarket and download their mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. Sign up by entering your details and verifying your identity.
2) Set up your account – Follow the app’s guided setup process to link your personal details, add payment methods, and set up any security features like biometrics or PINs.
3) Manage your account – Once set up, you can easily manage your account, check balances, transfer funds, set up direct debits, track spending, and more - all from your smartphone or tablet, anytime, anywhere.
Manage your account anytime, anywhere, directly from your smartphone or tablet, with no need to visit a branch
App-based banks such as Monzo and Revolut allow you to receive BACS payments, such as your paycheck, one business day early
Most app-based accounts offer built-in tools to help you track spending, set budgets, and manage your finances easily.
App-based accounts often include advanced security features such as biometric logins (fingerprint/face ID), two-factor authentication, and real-time fraud alerts for peace of mind.
Yes you can switch to an app-based bank account using the Current Account Switch Service. Both Monzo and Starling Bank are signed up to the CASS scheme, which means you can switch to or from either of those banks.
While banks like Monzo and Starling may not currently offer a switching bonus, switching to an app-based bank gives you all the benefits of modern, fully digital banking. Plus, with the Current Account Switching Service, you can be sure the process will go smoothly, with all your payments and direct debits transferred seamlessly to your new account.
Manage your account anytime, anywhere, directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Everything is handled online or through the app, saving you time and eliminating the need for physical branches.
Enjoy features like budgeting tools, spending insights, instant payments, and secure login options like biometric authentication.
No branches means you won’t have in-person support or face-to-face assistance if you need help.
Some app-based banks may not offer all the services or specialised products available at traditional banks, like mortgages or in-branch services.
Accessing your account depends on having a smartphone and internet connection, which may be inconvenient at times.
There are a range of app-based current accounts available with different terms and conditions. Shop around and read the small print to get the best account to suit you.
Find the current account that has the best benefits for you, whether that's getting paid a day early, or receiving real-time spending notifications.
Look for accounts with low or no monthly fees, and check for charges on transactions, ATM withdrawals, or overdrafts.
Choose a bank with robust customer support, including in-app assistance, and strong security features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
We can make it easy to find an account that suits you by comparing a range of options all in one place.
Click through to search the market to find the best current account for your needs, including any cash incentives to switch
Use our handy filters to narrow down your options based on the type of current account you need, such as high interest or student accounts
When you find the deal you want, click straight through to the provider to complete your application. Sit back while your new bank takes care of the switch
To open a bank account, you’ll usually need the following information to hand:
Personal information: Usually your full name, nationality, contact details, date of birth and national insurance number
Proof of address: A recent utility bill, mortgage statement or tenancy agreement, bank statement or council tax bill
Proof of identity: Such as your passport or driving licence. If you’re opening a children’s account or student account, your bank may accept a birth certificate as proof of identity
Most providers will only need you to be over 18 to open a bank account, but some banks might have additional requirements for certain types of accounts. This could mean a minimum credit score, especially if the account comes with perks or benefits.
If you want to close your account, you’ll normally be able to do this by contacting your bank either by phone or post, or by meeting face to face and letting them know.
You don’t need to tell your bank when you switch. When you’ve completed the Current Account Switch Service Agreement form, the bank you are switching to will take care of the rest.
Any payments in and out of your old account are automatically switched thanks to the Current Account Switch Service, and your new bank will contact the person sending the payment or the person due to receive the payment to let them know your new account details. They’ll also contact you if there are any problems.
If you created any regular payments using your old account’s debit card then you might need to manually change them.
Many banks will let you add another name to your account – you’ll normally both have to go into a branch and show ID to do this, as well as fill out some forms.
However, some accounts might only be limited to one account holder, and others could say the additional person needs to be a certain age. They may even need to make a payment into the account to be added – read more with our guide to joint bank accounts.
If your bank goes out of business your money is safe up to a threshold of £85,000 due to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which gives you government protection when you bank. It includes digital and challenger banks, building societies and credit unions.
AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate, and it shows you the interest rate that you’re earning on the balance of your savings account or current account.
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, which refers to the interest rate you’ll pay on any loan or credit card repayments.
There are no rules on how many you can have. You can have multiple bank accounts – provided your bank or building society lets you. But some have eligibility criteria, such as a minimum amount you must pay into the account each month, for example.
It can be beneficial to have an additional current account with a partner or housemate if, for example, you need to share payment of rent, mortgage and other bills. You could also open a second current account to earn higher interest on some savings, and still want to keep another account for day-to-day spending.
Be aware that if you use an overdraft on more than one current account this could negatively impact your credit score and affect your ability to get loans and credit. Your credit score could also dip if you apply for a lot of new current accounts in a short space of time.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme will protect up to £85,000. As long as your current account is held within a UK-authorised bank, building society or credit union then your money will be covered by the FSCS. If you hold a joint bank account, then up to £170,000 will be protected.
You can get a bank account even if you’ve had debt problems in the past or if you have a low credit score.
Basic bank accounts offer most of the functionality of a standard account, but typically you won’t have access to an overdraft.
A current account is for daily use, such as paying bills and shopping, and doesn’t earn interest. A savings account helps you save money and earns interest, but often has limits on how often you can use it.
Online and mobile banking offers easy access to your money anytime, anywhere. You can pay bills, transfer funds, and check your balance quickly. Mobile banking apps provide convenience, letting you manage your account on the go, receive instant notifications, and ensure secure transactions.
It’s a good idea to check your account statements regularly, because this could stop you going into your overdraft without knowing. It can also be a good way to double check whether there are any transactions you don’t recognise.
Look for a provider with good customer service, because you never know when you’ll need to call them up or go into a branch to fix an issue.
Remember to be careful with your PIN and account details; you should keep this information safe and protected. Remember, your bank will never ask you to reveal details like your PIN, either on the phone, in person or through an email.
Your bank will almost certainly have an app that lets you manage your account online, and some may even be based on their app. This is excellent for quick and easy money management.
Each bank has different ways of transferring money. Some require you to use a card reader when transferring any sum of money, while others only use it for transactions over a set amount.
Other banks do not use card readers at all, so if money transfers are something you might be doing a lot of, it’s worth checking the policy details to see how easy it is to make payments on the go.
If your current account comes with benefits such as air miles, you might want to check whether you really need them. For example, if you’re not a frequent flyer, is an air miles bonus worth the extra cost of the monthly fee? The same goes for any other attached benefits such as travel insurance.