Mobile & online banks for expats in the UK
Digital-first banks make it far easier for new arrivals to open a UK account quickly — often with just a passport and a UK address. No branch visits, no lengthy paperwork, and many accept applicants without an established UK credit history.
Browse providers ↓Mobile & online banks for new arrivals
Every provider below has been reviewed by our editorial team before listing.
4 providers listed
Not technically a bank, but indispensable for expats. Wise lets you hold balances in 40+ currencies, receive money with local account details in 9 currencies (including GBP, USD and EUR) and spend abroad at the real mid-market rate. Ideal for managing money across countries during and after relocation.
One of the UK's most popular digital banks, Monzo offers a full current account you can open with just a UK address — making it ideal for expats and new arrivals. Instant spending notifications, savings pots, budgeting tools and a 3.25% AER savings rate make it a strong everyday banking choice.
Voted best banking app in the UK by SmartMoneyPeople, Starling provides a fee-free current account with a strong feature set — overdrafts, joint accounts, a EUR account and competitive savings interest. A fully authorised UK bank with FSCS protection up to £85,000.
Revolut's multi-currency account lets you hold and exchange dozens of currencies at competitive rates — invaluable when you're receiving income from abroad or sending money home. The free plan covers everyday spending; premium plans add higher ATM limits, travel insurance and more.
More banks coming soon. Contact us to list your service.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up — at no extra cost to you. Our editorial recommendations are made independently.
Opening a UK bank account as an expat or new arrival
A UK bank account is one of the first things you need when you arrive — you cannot receive a salary, pay rent by direct debit or set up utility bills without one. Traditional high-street banks can be difficult for new arrivals due to requirements for proof of address, credit history and sometimes an in-person branch visit.
Digital banks have removed most of those barriers. Monzo and Starling can be opened with just your passport and a UK address — the application takes minutes and your card arrives within days. Neither requires a credit check to open a basic account, and both provide FSCS protection on deposits up to £85,000.
If you are managing money across multiple countries — receiving income from abroad, sending money home or maintaining accounts in different currencies — Revolut and Wise are essential tools. Both offer multi-currency accounts that hold dozens of currencies at competitive exchange rates, far below the fees charged by traditional banks on international transactions.
Many expats use a combination: Monzo or Starling as their primary UK current account for everyday spending and direct debits, and Wise or Revolut for international transfers and multi-currency needs.
Mobile banking FAQs for expats
Wise allows you to open a multi-currency account and receive UK bank details before you arrive, which is useful for salary arrangements. Most digital current accounts like Monzo and Starling require a UK address, so you will need to have accommodation arranged. Some applications can be completed online once you have a UK address to enter.
Monzo and Starling are fully authorised UK banks, meaning deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000 per person — the same as Barclays or HSBC. Revolut holds a UK banking licence. Wise is regulated as an e-money institution and safeguards customer funds in segregated accounts at major banks, but is not FSCS-covered. All four are FCA-regulated.
No. Monzo and Starling do not require a credit check to open a basic current account — they verify your identity using your passport or driving licence. This makes digital banks far more accessible for new arrivals than traditional high-street banks, which often require a credit history or an established UK bank account as a reference.
Wise is an e-money account rather than a bank account. It gives you local account details in multiple currencies, lets you hold balances in 40+ currencies and uses the mid-market exchange rate for conversions. It does not offer an overdraft, credit products or FSCS deposit protection. Most expats use Wise alongside a full UK current account — Wise for international money management, Monzo or Starling for everyday UK banking.
Yes. Monzo and Starling are full current accounts with sort codes and account numbers, and are accepted by all UK employers for salary payments. Wise also provides UK bank details (sort code and account number) that can receive salary payments. All four accounts support direct debits, which you will need for rent, bills and subscriptions.
List your banking service
Reach expats and new arrivals actively looking for UK banking solutions. Our directory is read by thousands of people relocating to the UK each month.
Get in touch →