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Kroo In Depth Review

Kroo is a digitally-led UK bank offering a free current account built around transparency, simplicity, and social spending. With its ethical business model, fee-free international card usage, and features that make splitting bills easy, Kroo aims to offer a genuine, modern banking alternative that feels less corporate and more human.

B Corp CertifiedFee-Free AbroadFSCS ProtectedNo Hidden Fees

Overview & Approach

Kroo is a digital UK bank on a mission to build a transparent, trustworthy, and socially responsible financial service. It was founded to challenge the opaque and often unfair fee structures of traditional banking, with a strong emphasis on ethical practices and genuine customer care.

The bank is structured as a public benefit corporation and is a certified B Corp, meaning its social and environmental performance is legally evaluated and must meet high standards of accountability. Profits are not distributed to external shareholders but are reinvested into the business or used to benefit customers and communities.

Its core current account is completely free, with no monthly fees and no charges for foreign transactions or ATM withdrawals. Kroo’s standout feature is its built-in social tools, making it exceptionally easy for groups to split bills and track shared expenses directly within the app.

Trust & Customer Ratings

Kroo is a fully licensed UK bank, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by both the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority. This means it offers the highest level of financial protection available: eligible deposits are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £120,000 per person. It is crucial for customers to understand that this is full FSCS protection, not just safeguarding of funds.

Beyond financial regulation, Kroo's foundational trust comes from its ethical and transparent business model. It is one of the few UK banks structured as a public benefit corporation and holds B Corp certification, demonstrating a verified commitment to balancing profit with purpose and operating to high social and environmental standards. Its 'Kroo Lending' division operates as a separate, regulated entity for credit services.

Customer sentiment, as reflected in public reviews, is generally very positive. Users frequently praise the intuitive app, ease of splitting bills, the clarity of having no hidden fees, and the responsive customer service. Being a younger challenger, some reviews note occasional technical glitches, but the overall feedback highlights a strong alignment between the bank's ethical promises and the actual user experience.

4.7 / 5

(Trustpilot)

Trust Score

FSCS Protection

Yes – £120,000

App Store

Apple App Store

4.9 / 5

Google Play

Google Play

4.7 / 5

Sign-up Time

~5 minutes

Digital & App Features

The Kroo app is designed to be clean, straightforward, and focused on seamless social spending. The interface is intuitive, helping users manage their personal finances and group expenses with equal ease.

Social finance is a core strength. Users can instantly create 'Pots' for shared goals (like a holiday or a gift), send payment requests to contacts, and automatically split bills with friends—all without leaving the app. The app also provides clear spending insights and real-time notifications.

While Kroo doesn't offer the vast range of features found in super-apps like Revolut, it focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well: providing a reliable, fee-free current account with best-in-class tools for managing money with others.

Instant bill splitting with friends

Create shared Pots for goals and expenses

Send & request money instantly

Real-time spending insights & notifications

Fee-free spending & cash withdrawals abroad

Virtual debit card for online security

Apple Pay & Google Pay support

Monthly spending summaries

Account Types & Fees

Kroo offers a single, straightforward free personal current account. There are no monthly fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no ATM withdrawal fees from Kroo anywhere in the world, making it a compelling option for everyday use and travel.

The bank focuses on transparency, with all costs clearly outlined. There is a cash deposit fee of 0.7% (minimum £1) for adding money at the Post Office. The bank also offers personal loans through its separate 'Kroo Lending' division. Unlike some rivals, Kroo does not currently offer savings accounts, business banking, joint accounts, or international money transfer services from its main current account.

An arranged overdraft is available by invitation and is subject to eligibility checks. It comes with a representative APR of 39.9% EAR.

Account Types

  • Kroo Current Account (Free)
  • Personal Loans (via Kroo Lending)
  • Arranged Overdraft

Detailed Fees

Fee TypeApplies ToCost & Conditions
Monthly Account FeePersonal Current Account£0
UK ATM WithdrawalsDebit Card£0
Spending AbroadDebit Card£0 (Mastercard rate, no Kroo fee)
ATM Withdrawal AbroadDebit Card£0 (Kroo fee). ATM operator charges may apply.
Cash DepositsAt Post Office0.7% fee (minimum £1)
International TransfersSending/ReceivingService not available
Arranged OverdraftIf invited & eligibleRepresentative APR 39.9% EAR (variable)

App Experience

Kroo’s app is praised for its clean design, smooth performance, and user-friendly approach. It feels less cluttered than some competitors, putting core functions—like viewing your balance, recent transactions, and group Pots—front and centre.

Performance is reliable, with fast transaction notifications and smooth navigation. The unique social features, such as creating a Pot and inviting friends to contribute, are well-integrated and genuinely useful, living up to the bank's social finance promises.

The main limitation is the app's scope, which is intentionally narrow. It excels at being a superb social spending hub and current account, but users looking for integrated savings, investments, or complex money management tools will need to look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Kroo carves out a unique niche in the challenger bank market. Here is a balanced view of its distinct advantages and its more limited scope.

Pros

  • Genuinely fee-free for everyday use and travel (no FX or ATM fees from Kroo)
  • Best-in-class social finance tools for splitting bills and shared expenses
  • Full FSCS protection as a licensed UK bank
  • Strong ethical foundation as a B Corp and public benefit corporation
  • Completely transparent with no monthly fees or hidden charges
  • Excellent, user-friendly app that delivers on its core promises

Cons

  • Very limited product range (no savings accounts, joint accounts, or business banking)
  • No international money transfer service
  • Being a younger bank, it has a shorter operational history than incumbents
  • Some users may find the feature set too narrow compared to broader fintech apps

Kroo Features Overview

About Kroo

  • A UK digital bank founded on principles of transparency, fairness, and social good.
  • Structured as a public benefit corporation and holds B Corp certification.
  • Built to be a true alternative to profit-driven traditional banking.

Savings & Pots

  • Does not currently offer traditional savings accounts or interest on balances.
  • Users can create 'Pots' within the app to separate money for goals.
  • The bank's focus remains on its core current account and lending services.

Loans & Overdrafts

  • Offers personal loans through its regulated 'Kroo Lending' division.
  • Loans are not integrated into the main current account and require a separate application.
  • Loan terms and rates are determined by individual creditworthiness.

Who Is Kroo Best For?

  • Anyone who wants a simple, transparent, and completely free current account.
  • Groups of friends, housemates, or couples who frequently split bills.
  • Frequent travellers wanting a card with zero foreign transaction or ATM fees.
  • Ethically-minded consumers who value supporting a B Corp business.
  • Users who prefer a focused app over a feature-packed 'super-app'.

Card & Spending

  • Mastercard debit card (made from recycled plastic).
  • Virtual card available instantly in the app for online spending.
  • Full controls to freeze/unfreeze the card and manage spending limits.

Budgeting & Money Tools

  • Real-time spending categorisation and insights.
  • Shared 'Pots' make budgeting for group goals straightforward.
  • Monthly spending summaries help track financial habits.

International & Travel

  • Zero fees from Kroo for spending or ATM withdrawals anywhere in the world.
  • Uses the Mastercard exchange rate with no markup.
  • Real-time transaction notifications in GBP and local currency.

App & Usability

  • Consistently praised for its clean, simple, and fast app design.
  • Account opening is a quick, fully digital process.
  • Customer support is accessible and helpful, according to user reviews.

Final Verdict

Kroo is a refreshing and highly principled entry in the UK's digital banking scene. It stands out not through an overwhelming list of features, but through its unwavering commitment to transparency, ethical operation, and solving real-world problems—particularly the hassle of shared finances.

For anyone seeking a straightforward, genuinely fee-free current account for both UK and international use, or for groups who want the easiest possible way to manage shared expenses, Kroo is arguably unmatched. Its B Corp status and public benefit model add a layer of trust and purpose that many customers find compelling.

The bank's limitation is its narrow focus; it is not trying to be an all-in-one financial hub. For those who need savings accounts, joint accounts, or international transfers, Kroo will likely be a companion to another bank. However, for its intended purpose, it executes brilliantly and with integrity, making it a top-tier choice for a specific, valuable banking need.

Financial Information Disclaimer

The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and may not always reflect the latest fees, rates, or terms offered by each bank. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up-to-date, you should always check the bank’s official website or app before applying for an account. Nothing on this site constitutes financial advice.

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