Digital Banking
What Are App-Only Banks?
App-only banks — also known as digital banks or neobanks — operate primarily through your smartphone. They offer faster service, lower fees, and modern tools traditional banks can't match. With quick setup, real-time notifications, strong security and modern money tools, digital banks are becoming the go-to choice for millions of UK users.
Read our full digital banking guideApp first
Money tools
Security
Travel use
Digital bank reviews
Browse digital bank overview pages
Choose a bank card to open its overview page. From there, you can continue to the complete review for more detail on fees, features, protection and everyday use.
Digital bank comparisons
The full comparison hub
This page brings together bank vs bank comparisons, branch access guides, savings and interest guides, packaged account guides, protection explainers and the main high street bank comparison table. Visit the full comparison hub.
The full comparison hub goes beyond these quick links.
It brings together bank vs bank comparisons, savings and interest guides, travel spending guides, budgeting tools, protection explainers and the main digital bank comparison table.
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How We Compare Banks
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Are app-only banks safe?
Yes, many UK app-only banks are regulated, and fully licensed banks usually protect eligible deposits up to £120,000 per person, per authorised firm through the FSCS. Some providers are e-money institutions instead, so it is worth checking whether your money is FSCS protected or safeguarded.
Read our FSCS protection guide →Do digital banks offer interest?
Yes, many digital banks offer interest through savings pots, spaces or linked savings accounts. Rates, limits and eligibility can change, so compare the headline rate with access rules, balance caps and whether the provider itself is a bank.
Learn more about interest rates →Can I use digital banks abroad?
Yes, many digital banks are strong for overseas spending, with app controls, instant notifications and low-cost card use. Check ATM withdrawal limits, weekend exchange-rate markups, fair-use rules and whether paid plans are needed for the best travel features.
Compare travel-friendly banks →Are digital banks regulated?
Yes, UK digital banks and e-money providers are regulated, but the protection model differs. Fully licensed banks may be covered by the FSCS, while e-money providers usually have to safeguard customer funds rather than protect them through the deposit scheme.
Read about regulation →