BankingGeek Guides

  • ISA Allowance 2026/27 Explained: Limits, Rules and the 2027 Change
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 24. July 2026 The ISA allowance for the 2026/27 tax year is £20,000, and you can split it across a Cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA, Innovative Finance ISA and Lifetime ISA however you like. Below, we cover how the allowance actually works this year, the separate Lifetime and Junior ISA limits, a … Read more
  • Santander Edge Up Current Account: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 17. July 2026 What the Santander Edge Up Current Account is — and how it sits above Edge and Everyday Santander runs three current accounts side by side in the UK. There is the fee-free Everyday account, the £3-a-month Edge account, and the Edge Up account reviewed here at £5 a month. Edge … Read more
  • What is a current account?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. July 2026 A current account is the bank account most people in the UK use for everyday money. It’s the account your salary lands in, the account your rent and bills come out of, and the account tied to the debit card in your wallet. Unlike a savings account, it isn’t built … Read more
  • Best children’s savings account 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 11. July 2026 Compare the best UK children’s savings accounts of 2026, including Junior ISAs and regular savers, with current AER rates and age eligibility.
  • Best joint savings account 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 10. July 2026 We compared the best UK joint savings accounts so two named holders can save together, with FSCS protection doubled to £240,000.
  • Chase Saver Account: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 8. July 2026 What is the Chase Saver Account? Chase is the UK digital banking arm of JPMorgan Chase, and the Saver Account is its easy access savings product. Unlike most standalone savings accounts, the Chase Saver is not something you can sign up for on its own. You first need a Chase … Read more
  • NatWest Savings Account Review 2026: Rate, Terms and Verdict
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 6. July 2026 What the NatWest Fixed Term Savings Account is, and who it suits The Fixed Term Savings Account is NatWest’s lock-in savings product. You deposit a lump sum, choose a term of one or two years, and get a guaranteed rate that will not move for the life of the term, … Read more
  • Monzo Savings Account Review 2026: Pots, ISA & Rates
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 5. July 2026 Does Monzo actually have a savings account? Not in the traditional sense. Monzo does not offer a separate, standalone savings account the way a building society or a challenger bank like Chase might. Instead, savings live inside the free Monzo personal current account as “Pots” — ring-fenced sections of your … Read more
  • Best business savings account 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 3. July 2026 We compared the best business savings accounts in the UK so your company’s surplus cash earns interest safely.
  • Starling Business Account Review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 29. June 2026 Starling Bank is one of the most popular business bank accounts in the UK, with more than 500,000 businesses banking with them. Founded in 2014 as the UK’s first fully licensed digital bank, Starling offers a free GBP business current account with unlimited UK payments, FSCS protection and a strong … Read more
  • How to Open a Business Bank Account in the UK (2026)
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 28. June 2026 Opening a business bank account in the UK is one of the first practical steps you will take when setting up a company or going self-employed. The process is straightforward, but the right choice of account and provider depends on your business structure, how you handle money, and whether you … Read more
  • Best Business Account for Limited Company UK 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 27. June 2026 Running your business finances through a personal current account is not just bad practice when you operate as a limited company; it is actively dangerous. A limited company is a separate legal entity under UK law. Mix the company’s money with your own and you create VAT record-keeping problems, muddle … Read more
  • Best business account for sole traders in the UK (2026)
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 26. June 2026 Opening a dedicated business bank account is one of the most practical steps a sole trader can take. It separates your personal and business finances, makes bookkeeping faster, and removes the annual headache of sifting through personal transactions to calculate your tax liability. In the UK, sole traders are not … Read more
  • Best Free Business Bank Account in the UK (2026)
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 25. June 2026 Paying a monthly fee for a business bank account is optional. A growing number of UK banks and fintechs now offer business current accounts with no monthly charge, no minimum balance, and free UK transfers on the standard tier. But “free” covers a wide range of products. Starling and Monzo … Read more
  • Revolut Review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 23. June 2026 Revolut has spent years operating in a regulatory grey area, giving millions of British customers a glimpse of what modern banking could look like without ever being a proper bank. That changed in March 2026, when Revolut received a full UK banking licence through Revolut Bank UK Ltd, bringing with … Read more
  • Starling Bank Review 2026: Is It the UK’s Best Free Bank Account?
    Starling Bank review 2026: zero-fee travel card, free business banking with Xero/QuickBooks, 15% EAR overdraft. Full fee breakdown, savings rates, and verdict for UK readers.
  • Monzo Review 2026: Is It the UK’s Best Bank Account?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 20. June 2026 Monzo earns our top 5/5 rating for 2026, making it one of the best free current accounts available in the UK. Whether you are looking for a smarter way to manage your day-to-day spending, a fee-free card for travel, or a flexible savings tool, Monzo delivers across the board. In … Read more
  • How to switch bank account
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 19. June 2026 Switching your current account in the UK has never been simpler. Thanks to the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), your new bank handles virtually everything: it moves your direct debits, standing orders, balance, and incoming payments (including your salary) across within seven working days, then closes your old account. The … Read more
  • Best Student Bank Accounts in the UK 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 18. June 2026 We compared the top student bank accounts available in the UK, including digital banks like Monzo, Starling, Chase, and Revolut alongside traditional names like Nationwide and first direct. The table above shows our full ratings. Below you will find our detailed picks and guidance on what to look for as … Read more
  • Best bank account UK 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 16. June 2026 The best bank account in the UK right now is either Monzo, Starling or Chase – three app-based current accounts that charge no monthly fee, offer full FSCS protection up to £85,000, and come with genuinely useful everyday features. Monzo and Starling are the standout choices for most people, thanks … Read more
  • Current account switch offers 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 15. June 2026 The best current account switching bonus available right now is £220 from HSBC, making it the most lucrative offer on the market in June 2026. Across the major high street banks, eight separate deals are live, offering between £175 and £220 in cash simply for moving your current account using … Read more
  • The Best PayPal Alternatives 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 PayPal is useful for online checkouts and splitting a bill by link, but it is not a current account. You get no sort code that works for salary payments, no physical card built for everyday spending, and the fee structure can catch you out on currency conversion. Many people start … Read more
  • The Best Marcus Alternatives 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Marcus by Goldman Sachs built its reputation on a straightforward easy-access savings account with a competitive rate and no fees. For many UK savers it was the obvious first step away from the high-street banks. Rates shift, though, and what made Marcus compelling in one year can look less impressive … Read more
  • Wise Business vs Revolut Business: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Wise Business and Revolut Business are the two dominant multi-currency accounts for UK companies that trade or pay internationally. Wise is built around transparent, mid-market-rate currency conversion across 40-plus currencies, with local account details in several markets and a clear fee structure. Revolut Business is a broader financial platform with … Read more
  • Tide vs Starling: Which Is Better for Business in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Tide and Starling are two of the UK’s most popular digital business accounts, but they serve quite different needs. Tide is an e-money platform built for speed and flexibility, with a free entry tier, per-transaction pricing, and a growing suite of tools for invoicing and expenses. Starling is a fully … Read more
  • Mettle vs Tide: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Mettle and Tide are two of the most popular app-only business bank accounts for UK sole traders and small businesses. Mettle, backed by NatWest, offers a completely free account with built-in invoicing and FreeAgent integration. Tide started as a simple business account and has grown into a platform with multiple … Read more
  • Wise vs Monzo: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Wise and Monzo are two of the most popular app-based financial accounts in the UK, but they serve quite different purposes. Wise is a multi-currency account built for people who regularly send, receive or spend money across borders, holding over 40 currencies at the mid-market rate. Monzo is a fully … Read more
  • Chase vs Revolut: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Chase and Revolut are two of the most talked-about digital current accounts in the UK, but they are built around very different ideas of what a bank account should do. Chase, backed by JPMorgan Chase, launched in the UK with a sharp focus on cashback rewards and a competitive linked … Read more
  • Chase vs Monzo: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Chase UK and Monzo are two of the most popular app-only current accounts in Britain, and on paper they look almost identical: both are free, both are fully licensed banks with FSCS protection up to £85,000, and both work entirely through a smartphone. The difference is in what each does … Read more
  • Revolut vs Wise: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 14. June 2026 Revolut and Wise are two of the biggest names in UK fintech, but they serve subtly different needs. Revolut is a full-service current account with a UK banking licence, offering budgeting tools, savings pots, investments and multi-currency spending in 150+ currencies. Wise is a specialist money account built around holding … Read more
  • Starling vs Chase: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Starling Bank and Chase UK are two of the most talked-about app-only current accounts in Britain right now. Starling is a fully licensed UK bank that launched in 2017, known for fee-free spending abroad, solid in-credit interest, and consistently strong customer satisfaction scores. Chase UK is the retail banking arm … Read more
  • Monzo vs Chase: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Monzo and Chase are two of the most popular app-only current accounts in the UK, but they are built around very different ideas. Monzo has spent years perfecting budgeting tools, savings pots and a paid-tier ecosystem, earning a loyal following among people who want to understand and control their money. … Read more
  • Revolut vs Starling: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Revolut and Starling are two of the biggest names in UK digital banking, but they are built for quite different people. Revolut started as a travel money card and has grown into a feature-heavy fintech platform covering budgeting, crypto, stock trading and multi-currency accounts. Starling, on the other hand, launched … Read more
  • Revolut vs Monzo: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Revolut and Monzo are two of the UK’s most popular app-based current accounts, but they appeal to quite different people. Revolut built its name on multi-currency spending and international transfers, offering accounts in over 150 currencies with competitive exchange rates. Monzo started as a budgeting-first bank, and today it holds … Read more
  • Monzo vs Starling: Which Is Better in 2026?
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 22. June 2026 Monzo and Starling are the two most talked-about digital banks in the UK, and for good reason. Both are fully licensed banks, both offer fee-free current accounts, and both are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000. Monzo has built a reputation on powerful budgeting tools, savings pots, and a … Read more
  • Best Chase Current Account Alternatives 2026: 6 Top Options
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Chase UK has made a strong case for itself as a free digital current account. There is no monthly fee, no foreign transaction charges on spending abroad, Apple Pay and Google Pay are both supported, and the linked easy-access saver offered a genuinely competitive boosted rate when we tested it. … Read more
  • Best Chip Easy Access Saver Alternatives 2026: 6 Top Options
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Chip has built a loyal following by offering some of the most competitive easy-access rates on the UK market, paired with a slick app, automatic saving nudges, and round-up features that make saving feel almost effortless. FSCS protection is in place via its partner bank, so your money is covered … Read more
  • Best Tide Business Account Alternatives 2026: 6 Top Options
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Tide has built a solid reputation as a quick-to-open business account, particularly for freelancers, sole traders and small limited companies that need invoicing tools and expense cards without fuss. Onboarding takes minutes, the app is clean, and the multiple plan tiers mean you can layer on features as your business … Read more
  • Best Starling Current Account Alternatives 2026: 6 Top Options
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Starling Bank has built a strong reputation as one of the UK’s leading digital current accounts. The account costs nothing to maintain, charges no fees on spending or cash withdrawals abroad, and comes backed by full FSCS protection up to £85,000. Its customer support consistently tops independent satisfaction surveys, and … Read more
  • Best Zopa Bank Alternatives 2026: 6 Top Options
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Zopa Bank’s Biscuit Current Account punches well above its weight for a no-fee account. The 2% AER in-credit interest on every penny of your balance, up to 4% cashback on Direct Debits, and a linked Regular Saver paying 7.10% AER make it genuinely hard to beat on paper. For a … Read more
  • Best Revolut Current Account Alternatives 2026: 6 Top Options
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Revolut has come a long way. Multi-currency spending across 150-plus currencies, real-time analytics, built-in savings vaults and competitive international transfers make it a genuinely useful account for frequent travellers and people who move money across borders regularly. We have used it ourselves and the app experience is slick. That said, … Read more
  • Best Wise Account Alternatives 2026: 6 Top Options
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Wise has built a strong reputation for holding and converting 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate, making it genuinely useful for expats, frequent travellers, and anyone sending money internationally. The transparent fee structure and local bank details in multiple currencies are real advantages that few rivals can fully match. That … Read more
  • Best Monzo Current Account Alternatives 2026: 6 Top Options
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Monzo has built one of the UK’s most polished current accounts: the app is genuinely excellent, budgeting pots are useful day-to-day, and the instant spending notifications have set the bar for every competitor. For the majority of people who want a free, feature-rich account managed entirely from their phone, Monzo … Read more
  • Halifax Everyday Saver: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 What the Halifax Everyday Saver is, and who should consider it The Halifax Everyday Saver is an easy-access variable-rate savings account offered by Halifax, one of the UK’s oldest and most recognisable high-street banks. It sits firmly in the mainstream retail savings market: no lock-in periods, no minimum monthly deposits, … Read more
  • Coventry Building Society Easy Access Saver: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 What is the Coventry Building Society Easy Access Saver, and who is it really for? Coventry Building Society has been around since 1884, making it one of the older mutual institutions in Britain. It operates without shareholders, which means profits are returned to members rather than distributed to investors. That … Read more
  • Santander Easy Access Saver: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Overview: who this savings account is for, and who should skip it The Santander Easy Access Saver is a straightforward variable-rate savings account aimed at UK residents who want their money accessible at any point without penalties. In our test, setup took under ten minutes through the Santander mobile app, … Read more
  • NatWest Fixed Term Savings Account: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Overview: what the NatWest Fixed Term Savings Account is, and who it suits NatWest’s Fixed Term Savings Account is a straightforward fixed-rate deposit: you lock away a lump sum for either one or two years and receive 4.00% AER for the full duration, regardless of what happens to the Bank … Read more
  • NS&I Direct Saver: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Overview: what the NS&I Direct Saver is, and who should skip it The NS&I Direct Saver is a variable-rate easy-access savings account backed entirely by HM Treasury. It sits outside the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) framework that covers most UK bank deposits, because NS&I itself is a government agency. … Read more
  • Tandem Bank Tandem Savings Account: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Overview: what the Tandem Savings Account offers and who it suits Tandem Bank positions itself as one of the UK’s few dedicated green challenger banks, and its Instant Access Saver sits at the heart of what it does. The account pays 3.40% AER variable, a rate that includes a 12-month … Read more
  • Tembo Money Tembo HomeSaver: review 2026
    Zuletzt aktualisiert: 13. June 2026 Overview: what the Tembo HomeSaver is and who it suits The Tembo HomeSaver is a purpose-built easy-access savings account from Tembo Money, a UK fintech whose core product is mortgage advice for first-time buyers. The savings account is not a standalone product sitting in isolation: it sits at the centre … Read more