Banks and Building Societies in the UK

Banks offer services such as current accounts, savings and borrowing. Building societies are owned by their members and commonly offer savings accounts and mortgages. Some also offer current accounts. Products, eligibility and ways to manage an account vary. A familiar brand name does not necessarily mean it has a separate banking licence.

Check monthly fees, overdraft costs, cash withdrawal charges and any limits on withdrawals. Think about whether you need a local branch, telephone banking, paper statements, cash deposits or an easy-to-use app. Check how you can contact someone when something goes wrong. Savings accounts are not always suitable for everyday payments. Avoid choosing an account only for a joining reward.

Providers normally check your identity and address. Ask which documents they accept before applying. If you do not have a passport, driving licence or a fixed address, ask about alternative evidence. Requirements vary, so do not assume you cannot apply. Ask about a fee-free basic bank account if a standard current account is unsuitable or you have been refused. These can help with receiving income and paying bills, and do not provide an arranged overdraft. Eligibility and identity checks still apply.

Tell the provider what would make banking easier. Ask about large print, accessible statements, hearing or communication support, extra time at appointments and help understanding letters. Ask about telephone or branch options if you cannot use an app. Check accessibility before travelling. If someone helps manage your money, ask the provider about an authorised arrangement. Do not share your PIN, password or security codes.

Selected providers, listed alphabetically. Use each official website to find its current accounts, accessibility support, contact details and branch information. Services and eligibility vary.

Danske Bank UK is a trading name of Northern Bank Limited. Check each provider's current account terms and availability for where you live; a UK website does not mean every account is available to everyone across the UK.

Online banks are banks, while not every money app is a bank. This alphabetical selection includes banks with different services, not every UK bank. It does not include e-money providers as banks simply because they offer an app or payment account.

Check whether you need a compatible smartphone, how to get help if you lose access to it, and whether cash or cheque deposits are supported. Fees, account eligibility and services vary. Some digital banks specialise in savings and do not offer everyday current accounts.

• Atom bank

  App-based savings, mortgages and business lending; not an everyday current account.

  Atom bank — official website

• Chase UK

  App-based banking, including a current account and savings.

  Chase UK — official website

• first direct

  Online and telephone banking. A division of HSBC UK Bank plc: eligible deposits share the same FSCS limit as HSBC UK, not a separate allowance.

  first direct — official website

• Monzo

  App-based current accounts and savings. Check the provider named in the terms for each savings product.

  Monzo — official website

• Revolut

  Launched its UK bank in March 2026. Check the legal entity serving your account, its current terms and any account-transfer notice to establish which protection applies.

  Revolut — official website

• Starling Bank

  App-based personal current accounts and savings.

  Starling Bank — official website

• Tandem Bank

  Digital savings and lending rather than an everyday current account.

  Tandem Bank — official website

• Zopa

  App-based current accounts and savings, as well as lending.

  Zopa — official website

Revolut's UK bank launch does not mean you should assume every existing Revolut account has the same legal entity or protection. Read your own account terms and current notices: UK bank deposits and e-money safeguarding are different arrangements. Use the FSCS checker and the provider's official information rather than relying on an app's brand name.

Selected providers, listed alphabetically. Not every building society offers an everyday current account.

For more providers, see the Building Societies Association members directory.

Use your provider's branch finder and check opening hours before travelling. LINK's Cash Locator can help you find cash access points. Banking hubs offer shared banking services, with availability depending on the location and provider. Ask what can be done there before you visit. Some everyday banking is available at participating Post Office branches, but services and limits depend on your account and provider.

Use the Financial Services Compensation Scheme website to check whether your deposits and provider are covered. Eligible deposits are currently protected up to £120,000 per person, per UK-authorised firm. Accounts under different brands may share one protection limit. Check the banking licence rather than relying on the brand name. Special rules can apply to certain temporary high balances. A financial app is not automatically a bank, and e-money safeguarding is different from FSCS deposit protection.

Contact your provider early if charges, overdrafts or repayments are becoming difficult. Explain what you can afford and ask what support is available. Get free, impartial guidance before taking on more borrowing.

Complain to the provider first. Explain what happened, how it affected you and what you want put right. Keep copies and a note of dates. If you remain unhappy after its final response, or it has not replied within the applicable time limit, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to help free of charge. Most complaints allow the provider up to eight weeks, but some banking and payment complaints have shorter deadlines. You usually need to refer a complaint within six months of the final response. Check the Ombudsman's current rules for your case.

We can help you put your concerns into clear words. Never send us your PIN, banking password, security codes or full card details.

If you think your account has been compromised, contact your bank immediately using the number on your card or its official app or website. Do not use contact details sent in an unexpected message. Never move money because a caller tells you it must go into a 'safe account'.

Information checked: 20 October 2026. Official source links are provided beside the relevant guidance, and the provider directory links directly to each organisation's own website. Check current terms, eligibility and complaint rules before acting.

This page provides general information, not personal financial advice. Listing an organisation does not mean it is a partner or recommended provider.