Last reviewed: June 2026
Best Revolut alternatives UK -- June 2026
- Best for everyday banking: Monzo -- full UK current account, FSCS-protected, overdraft available, strong budgeting tools.
- Best for business and freelancers: Starling Bank -- full business account, 15% EAR overdraft (excellent credit), no foreign spending fees.
- Best for cashback: Chase UK -- 1% cashback on everyday spending for first 12 months, no monthly fee.
- Best for international transfers: Wise -- mid-market exchange rate, transparent fees, 40+ currencies. Not a full bank account.
- Monzo, Starling and Chase UK are all FSCS-protected full banks. Revolut UK is also FSCS-protected since its UK banking licence in 2024.
Features and rates correct at June 2026. Verify directly with providers. Not financial advice.
Why Consider an Alternative to Revolut?
Revolut is one of the most widely used digital financial apps in the UK, with over 10 million UK customers. Some users seek alternatives due to: concerns about customer service (Revolut has historically received mixed reviews on complaint handling and account freezing); preference for a provider with a longer UK banking track record; desire for a full-featured UK current account with an overdraft facility; or simply wanting to compare options before committing to Revolut's premium tiers. The UK digital banking market is competitive, with several strong alternatives offering comparable or superior features in specific areas. Revolut obtained its UK banking licence in 2024 and is now FSCS-protected in the UK, which removes the previous protection gap concern for UK users.
Best Revolut Alternatives UK 2026
| Provider | Monthly Fee | FSCS Protected | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monzo | Free (Plus from £5/mo) | Yes | Everyday banking, budgeting, overdraft |
| Starling Bank | Free | Yes | Business and personal banking, low overdraft rate |
| Chase UK | Free | Yes | 1% cashback on spending (12 months) |
| Wise | Free (fees per transfer) | No (safeguarded) | International transfers, multi-currency |
| Kroo | Free | Yes | Interest paid on current account balance |
| Tide | Free (paid tiers available) | Safeguarded (e-money) | Small business, sole traders, freelancers |
Monzo vs Revolut
Monzo is the most comparable UK alternative to Revolut for everyday personal banking. Both offer a free current account, instant spending notifications, easy bill splitting and savings pots. Monzo has held a full UK banking licence and FSCS protection since 2017, providing deposit protection up to £85,000. Revolut UK is also now FSCS-protected following its UK banking licence in 2024. Monzo offers an authorised overdraft facility at 19% or 39% EAR depending on the account tier. Monzo's budgeting and spending categorisation tools are widely regarded as among the best of any UK bank. Revolut's advantages include wider currency support across more countries, cryptocurrency trading, and more extensive travel insurance on premium tiers.
Starling Bank vs Revolut
Starling Bank holds a full UK banking licence and is FSCS-protected. It offers a personal current account and a dedicated business account -- a significant advantage for sole traders and small businesses who want both in one app-based provider. Starling's overdraft rate is 15% EAR for customers with excellent credit, among the lowest in the digital banking market. Starling does not charge for spending abroad in any currency, making it a strong travel card alternative to Revolut's free tier (which limits fee-free exchange to £1,000 per month at weekends). Starling does not offer a paid premium tier -- all features are available on the free account, which is a differentiating factor for those who do not want to pay monthly fees for enhanced benefits.
Chase UK vs Revolut
Chase UK, the UK retail arm of JPMorgan Chase, launched in 2021 and offers a free current account with 1% cashback on everyday UK spending for the first 12 months, subject to terms and eligibility. No monthly fee applies to the cashback offer. Chase also offers a linked easy-access savings account at a competitive variable rate and a round-ups savings feature. Chase does not offer the breadth of currency and international features that Revolut provides at its free tier, but for UK-based everyday spending the cashback feature provides tangible value. Chase is FSCS-protected and backed by one of the world's largest financial institutions, giving a different risk profile to a newer challenger bank.
Wise as a Revolut Alternative
Wise is not a full bank account but a multi-currency account and international money transfer service. It uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversion with transparent, low fees displayed upfront. Wise supports over 40 currencies and is used by UK residents who make frequent international transfers or hold money in multiple currencies. Wise does not offer FSCS deposit protection -- funds are safeguarded separately under FCA e-money regulations, meaning they are held in ring-fenced accounts separate from the company's own assets. For international money transfers specifically, Wise is widely considered superior to Revolut's free tier in rate transparency and fee structure.
FSCS Protection: An Important Difference Between Digital Banks
FSCS protection covers deposits up to £85,000 per person per FCA-authorised bank or building society. Monzo, Starling and Chase UK are full banks with FSCS protection. Revolut UK obtained its UK banking licence in 2024 and is now FSCS-protected for UK accounts held in GBP. Wise and Tide operate under e-money licences with safeguarded funds, which provide a different form of protection -- funds are held separately from the company's own assets but are not covered by the FSCS scheme in the same way. For savers or users keeping significant balances, FSCS protection status is an important consideration.
Digital Bank Savings Rates in 2026
Several UK digital banks offer competitive savings rates alongside current account features. Kroo Bank pays interest directly on the current account balance, removing the need to move money to a separate savings pot. Monzo offers savings pots with fixed and easy-access rates through partner savings providers. Chase UK offers a linked easy-access savings account at a competitive variable rate. Starling offers a savings space within the app. For the highest easy-access rates in 2026 -- 4.5% AER and above -- dedicated providers such as Trading 212, Chip and Marcus by Goldman Sachs typically outperform the savings features of digital banks. For savers who want savings and current account banking in a single app without multiple accounts, the integrated savings features of Monzo, Starling and Chase are convenient alternatives.
Switching to a Digital Bank Using CASS
The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) guarantee makes switching a UK current account straightforward. CASS is offered by Monzo, Starling Bank and Chase UK. It automatically redirects all direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments from the old account within seven working days. Any misdirected payments are corrected at no cost for up to three years after the switch. Revolut does not participate in CASS -- switching to Revolut as a primary account requires manual transfer of direct debits and standing orders. Wise and Tide do not offer CASS switching as they are not full current accounts. For users with multiple direct debits, CASS via Monzo, Starling or Chase is the simplest route to switching digital banks.
Business Banking Alternatives to Revolut Business
Revolut Business is popular among small businesses and freelancers for its multi-currency features and expense management tools. UK-based alternatives include Starling Business, which offers a full UK business current account with FSCS protection, no monthly fee on the standard account and integration with Xero and FreeAgent. Tide targets sole traders and small limited companies, with invoicing and expense categorisation features. Countingup is a business current account for sole traders with built-in accounting software. Wise Business provides multi-currency accounts for businesses that trade internationally in multiple currencies. Each alternative suits different business types: Starling for full UK business banking, Wise Business for international operations, and Tide or Countingup for simpler sole trader requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to Revolut in the UK?
The best alternative depends on your needs. For everyday banking with FSCS protection, Monzo and Starling are the strongest UK alternatives. For cashback on spending, Chase UK offers 1% cashback for 12 months. For international money transfers, Wise offers better rate transparency. For business banking, Starling has the most complete offering.
Is Monzo safer than Revolut?
Both Monzo and Revolut UK are now FSCS-protected up to £85,000 following Revolut obtaining its UK banking licence in 2024. Both are FCA-authorised. The safety of funds is equivalent for amounts up to the FSCS limit.
Does Starling Bank charge for overseas spending?
No. Starling Bank does not charge fees for spending abroad in any currency. The Mastercard exchange rate applies, which is close to the mid-market rate. This makes Starling a strong travel card alternative to Revolut's free tier.
