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Top 5 Revolut Alternatives in 2026 (and What They Do Better)

2026-02-13

7 minute read

Revolut vs Alternative cards featuring a card for Revolut on the left and a blank card with a question mark on the right, symbolizing the search for Revolut alternatives. 

Revolut is a flexible and feature-rich digital account, but it's not the right fit for everyone.

Many users appreciate Revolut's sleek UI, built-in cards, and multi-currency support. However, you may notice Revolut's limits, like its lack of coverage under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), phone support for UK customers, or high transaction fees and charges, such as 2% ATM withdrawal charges for free users.

Whether it’s better customer support, lower fees, FSCS protection, more rewarding credit cards, or other unique features, this article will share alternatives that better fit your needs.

Here are our top picks for Revolut alternatives:

Our Top Picks

1st Choice

logo of wise bank

Multi-currency business account with local account details in 24 currencies.

2nd

logo of Monzo Bank

Personal & business accounts with no foreign transaction fees.

3rd

UK bank offering cash deposits and round-the-clock support.

Why trust us?

We review each provider using the same practical criteria, such as FX costs, currency coverage, account features, support quality, and eligibility. Our recommendations are based on official information gathered from provider websites.

Last reviewed: 13 February 2026.

What Makes a Good Alternative to Revolut?

Revolut works well for many users, but depending on your needs, you might prioritise different features, such as:

  • Transparent FX rates – no hidden markups on conversions
  • Multi-currency accounts – hold and receive in GBP, USD, EUR, etc.
  • Team access & controls – issue cards, set roles, manage spending
  • Core online banking functionality – Direct Debits, standing orders, and payment processing
  • Business tools – invoicing, bulk payments, accounting sync
  • Reliable support – live chat, real agents, or dedicated managers
  • Fast onboarding – simple setup, clear pricing, no hidden catches

The right choice depends on whether you're using it for personal banking, business operations, or both.

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Disclaimer: Information in this article is accurate as of 13 February 2026, but it may be subject to change. We recommend checking each provider’s official website for the latest details.

Open a Hong Kong Business Account

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Screenshot of the Statrys payment platform's business account dashboard.

1

Wise

Trustpilot Score: 4.3 (279,000+ reviews)

Founded in 2011, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a UK-based fintech platform regulated by the FCA as an electronic money institution. It offers multi-currency accounts and cross-border payment services tailored to freelancers, startups, and SMEs. With local account details in 24 currencies and payment support for over 40 currencies, Wise enables users to send, receive, and convert funds using the real mid-market exchange rate.

The platform is fully online, and UK-based businesses can usually complete verification within two working days, making it a practical option for managing international payments without the overhead of a traditional bank. Wise serves both personal and business users with the same core features and transparent pricing.

Wise's Key Highlights

  • One-time £50 setup fee, no monthly fees
    Pay a £50 setup fee when you open your UK business account with no monthly fees beyond that.
  • Rates are based on the mid-market rate.
    Wise claims to use the mid-market foreign exchange rate, avoiding Revolut's variable markups that can add hidden costs to your transfers.
  • Get local account details in 24 currencies
    Receive money domestically or internationally via SWIFT transfer from almost any country in a supported currency, such as USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, SGD and more
  • Cards for business spending
    Get debit or prepaid employee expense cards for your team. Spend worldwide, earn 0.5% cashback, and pay no foreign transaction fees.
  • Batch payments and accounting integrations
    Process multiple payments at once and sync transactions automatically with Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent for streamlined bookkeeping.
  • No FSCS protection or lending facilities
    Wise is not a registered bank, meaning your funds aren't covered by FSCS protection and you can't access overdrafts or business loans.
When Wise is a better fit
  • You make frequent international transfers:
    Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, making it more cost-effective than Revolut's tiered FX markups, especially for larger transfers or frequent currency conversions.
  • You get paid by overseas clients:
    Local receiving accounts let clients pay you as if you had domestic accounts in the UK, EU, US, Australia, and more.
  • Your income is irregular or seasonal, and you don’t want to be locked into monthly fees when volumes dip:
    Wise charges no monthly or inactivity fees. You only pay when sending money or converting currencies.
⚠️ When Wise is not suited to your needs
  • You want your balance to be FSCS-protected like a traditional UK bank account:
    Wise is an electronic money institution, not a bank. While your funds are safeguarded in separate accounts, they are not covered by the UK's FSCS deposit protection scheme.
  • You rely on overdrafts, credit cards, or business loans to manage cash flow
  • You need in-person support or cash deposits:
    Wise operates entirely online with support limited to in-app chat and email. There are no physical branches, phone support, or options to deposit cash or cheques.
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Want to learn more? See how Wise differs from Revolut with our detailed comparison.

2

Starling Bank

Trustpilot Score: 4.1 (45,000+ reviews)

Starling Bank established in 2014, is a fully licensed UK bank that offers digital business accounts with no monthly fees. Designed for sole traders and SMEs, it combines traditional banking protections with modern convenience.

Accounts come with FSCS protection up to £120,000, support free UK transfers, and allow cash or cheque deposits via the Post Office. Users can integrate Starling with popular accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent. While foreign currency accounts for EUR and USD are no longer offered to new users, international payments in other currencies can still be made from a GBP account. All account setup and management is handled online. Starling serves both personal and business users through its mobile-first platform.

Starling Bank's Key Highlights

  • No monthly fees for a GBP business account
    Get a free business account, though optional features like Business Toolkit (£7/month) and Bulk Payments (£7/month) cost extra.
  • International SWIFT transfers at 0.4% + £5.50
    Send money abroad via SWIFT with a 0.4% FX fee plus £5.50 delivery charge, or use low-cost local payment networks (£0.30-£0.90) for EUR and USD destinations.
  • FSCS protection up to £120,000
    Your business and personal account deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, providing the same safeguards as traditional banks.
  • New EUR and USD accounts are indefinitely paused
    Multi-currency accounts are currently unavailable for new applicants.
  • Physical Mastercard® with GBP spending
    Make fee-free purchases in GBP with your physical debit card. Available for both personal and business accounts.
  • 24/7 support
    Access customer service anytime via chat, phone, or email
  • Post Office cash deposits
    Deposit cash at 11,500 Post Office branches
When Starling Bank is a better fit
  • You primarily trade in the UK:
    Most of your customers and suppliers are UK-based.
  • You want UK banking services with FSCS protection:
    Unlike Revolut, Starling is a fully licensed UK bank with deposits protected up to £120,000 under the FSCS scheme.
  • You want to deposit cash and cheques conveniently:
    Personal and business account holders can use mobile cheque deposit or the Post Office network to deposit cash. Revolut UK is no longer providing cash deposit options for personal accounts from 13 February 2026.
⚠️ When Starling Bank is not suited to your needs
  • You need to hold multiple currencies:
    Starling accounts only hold GBP. EUR and USD accounts are currently paused for new applicants, meaning you'll pay 0.4% FX fees plus £5.50 SWIFT delivery fees for every international bank transfer.
  • You're not UK-based:
    Only UK-registered businesses with UK-resident directors are eligible and the personal accounts are open to UK residents only. If you're operating from outside the UK or have international ownership structures, Starling won't accept your application.
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Tip: Interested in their service? Learn more from our Starling Bank business account review.

3

Payoneer

Trustpilot Score: 3.6 (62,000+ reviews)

Payoneer is a global payments provider widely used by freelancers, ecommerce sellers, and digital businesses for collecting international payments. It offers multi-currency receiving accounts with local bank details in USD, EUR, GBP, and other major currencies, helping users get paid as if they had accounts in multiple countries.

Launched in 2005, Payoneer supports cross-border payouts, currency conversions, and mass payments to over 190 countries. Whilst not a bank, it serves as a practical solution for managing global income. However, it does not support domestic banking tools like Direct Debits or UK bill payments.

Payoneer's Key Highlights

  • $29.95 annual fee (waived if you receive $6,000+ yearly), no monthly fees
    Local receiving accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CAD, AUD, and more
  • Get paid like a local in major markets with bank details that work just like domestic accounts, avoiding international transfer fees for your clients.
  • Integration with 2,000+ marketplaces, platforms, and networks
    Receive payments seamlessly from Amazon, Upwork, Fiverr, and eBay, then pay up to 1,000 suppliers or contractors at once in 70+ currencies
  • Currency conversion fees range from 0.5% to 3.5%
    Costs vary significantly by transaction type: 0.5% for converting between Payoneer balances, 1-4% for bank withdrawals with conversion, and up to 3.5% for card transactions.
  • $1.50 flat fee for same-currency withdrawals under $50,000/month
    Withdraw USD to USD, EUR to EUR, or GBP to GBP accounts for a fixed $1.50 fee, rising to 0.5% once you exceed $50,000 in monthly volume.
  • Payoneer Mastercard® and accounting integrations
    Spend your balance with a Commercial Mastercard® ($29.95 annual card fee) and sync transactions with QuickBooks or Xero for automated bookkeeping.
When Payoneer is a better fit than Revolut:
  • You receive payments from marketplaces like Amazon, Upwork, or Fiverr:
    Payoneer integrates directly with over 2,000 marketplaces and platforms, making payment collection seamless.
  • You need to expand your freelance services or business globally:
    Payoneer offers much more flexibility to make or accept payments globally, facilitating easier transactions overall.
  • You regularly pay contractors or suppliers in bulk:
    Payoneer's batch payment feature lets you process up to 1,000 payments at once in 70+ currencies. If you manage global teams or work with multiple suppliers, this significantly streamlines payroll and vendor payments.
⚠️ When Payoneer isn't suited:
  • You need simple, transparent pricing for everyday banking:
    Payoneer's fee structure is complex. If you want predictable costs without navigating multiple fee scenarios, Payoneer becomes difficult to manage.
  • You need responsive, reliable customer support:
    User reviews on Trustpilot (3.7/5) consistently highlight inconsistent support quality and account freezes that delay access to funds. If customer service responsiveness is critical to your operations, Payoneer's support may not meet your expectations.
  • You don't use marketplaces:
    If you aren’t using marketplaces for freelancing, trade or ecommerce, then your business doesn't benefit from all the marketplace integrations that Payoneer has to offer.
  • Your annual earnings are below $6000:
    The $29.95 annual fee won’t apply if you earn more than $6000 per year in your Payoneer account. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you will be better off using free plans from other providers.
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Tip: See our full Payoneer review for deeper insights into features and fees.

4

Monzo

Trustpilot Score: 4.6 (64,000+ reviews)

Monzo is a London-based digital bank launched in 2015, receiving full banking authorisation in 2017. With over 700,000 business customers, Monzo offers GBP-only accounts for sole traders and limited companies. International payments are handled through a partnership with Wise, and any foreign currency received is automatically converted to GBP. 

Monzo serves both personal and business users with the same app-based platform and transparent pricing. Deposits are protected by FSCS up to £120,000 for both personal and business accounts as of December 2025, providing traditional banking security.

Monzo's Key Highlights

  • Three pricing tiers: Lite (Free), Pro (£9/month), Team (£25/month)
    Monzo's free Lite plan includes core features like unlimited UK transfers, instant notifications, and FSCS protection.
  • International transfers through Wise from 0.33%; 1% conversion fee on foreign receipts
    Receive international payments and send money abroad through Wise integration, starting from 0.33% with mid-market rates.
  • FSCS protection up to £120,000 for business and personal accounts
    Your business deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, providing the same safeguards as traditional high-street banks
  • Physical card plus up to 5 virtual cards
    Get one physical card and create up to 5 virtual cards for transaction fee-free ATM withdrawals in the UK. Use it for online spending, team expenses, and subscription management, all of which are compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
  • Overdrafts up to £3,000 and business loans up to £25,000
    Access short-term credit for cash flow management through arranged overdrafts, or secure business loans for eligible sole traders to fund growth and cover unexpected expenses.
  • 24/7 in-app support with real agents
    Access customer service anytime through Monzo's app with real people (not chatbots), plus real-time spending alerts, instant payment confirmations.
  • Accounting Integration
    Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, and Sage integration for automated bookkeeping.
When Monzo is a better fit
  • You need FSCS protection for your business funds:
    Monzo is a fully licensed UK bank with deposits protected up to £120,000 under the FSCS scheme. Unlike Revolut's e-money safeguarding, Monzo provides traditional banking security.
  • You operate primarily in GBP, with occasional international needs:
    Monzo's free ‘Lite’ plan includes unlimited UK transfers with no monthly fees. If your business primarily handles domestic transactions with only occasional international payments, Monzo's simple pricing works well, unlike Revolut's tiered subscription costs.
  • You want mobile-first banking with genuine 24/7 support:
    Monzo's in-app chat connects you to real agents (not chatbots) around the clock. If responsive customer service matters to your business, Monzo's human support provides consistency that automated systems cannot match.
⚠️ When Monzo is not suited to your needs
  • You run a cross-border business, where receiving different currencies is part of normal operations:
    Monzo only supports GBP accounts and automatically converts them, with a 1% conversion fee on every foreign payment. This becomes expensive quickly compared to multi-currency alternatives.
  • You frequently send international payments:
    Monzo routes international transfers through Wise as a third-party integration, which adds friction compared to native international transfer features.
  • You're not UK-based:
    Monzo requires a UK address to be eligible for an account
  • You handle significant cash:
    Monzo limits cash deposits to £5- £750 per transaction, with a £750 cap per month. If your business model relies on regular cash handling, Monzo's restrictions won't work for you.
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Want to learn more? See how Monzo matches up against Revolut with our detailed comparison.

5

Tide

Trustpilot Score: 4.4 (31,000+ reviews)

Launched in 2015, Tide is a UK-based fintech platform that provides business current accounts for sole traders and limited companies.  It operates as an electronic money institution but offers FSCS protection through its partnership with ClearBank.

Tide accounts are managed entirely online, with features like invoicing, expense categorisation, and accounting software integrations. It offers four pricing tiers, starting with a free plan and scaling up with added tools and reduced fees. Whilst Tide supports SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) payments, it doesn't offer multi-currency accounts, making it best suited for UK-based businesses focused on domestic operations.

Tide's Key Highlights

  • Free plan with 20p per transaction, paid plans from £12.49+VAT/month
    Tide's free plan is a cost-effective option for low-transaction-volume businesses willing to pay per use.
  • EUR SEPA payments with 1.5% FX markup (0.5% on paid plans)
    Send and receive EUR payments with same-day processing if sent by 1:50 pm GMT, though all foreign currency converts to GBP automatically as Tide doesn't support holding multiple currencies.
  • Built-in invoicing, expense tracking, and accounting integrations
    Create and send invoices directly from the app, track expenses automatically, and integrate with Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and FreeAgent without separate subscriptions.
  • Expense cards with spend controls
    Issue physical expense cards for team members (£5/month on Free plan, 1-5 free cards on paid plans) with customisable spending limits and category restrictions.
  • Savings account with up to 4% AER promotional rate
    Earn up to 4% AER (variable) for the first 4-6 months on new accounts, then rates adjust to your plan tier (up to 3.74% AER), with tiered rates based on deposit amounts and £1 minimum balance.
  • Business perks and partner offers
    Access discounts and cashback through Tide's partner network, plus optional company registration services bundled with account opening for £14.99.
When Tide is a better fit
  • You're a UK business with low transaction volumes:
    If you process fewer than 30-50 payments monthly, it’s one of the cheapest platforms. Its paid plans offer unlimited free transfers, which can work out cheaper than Revolut's tiered subscriptions for businesses that don't need multi-currency features.
  • You want built-in business tools without separate subscriptions:
    Simplify your business admin and reduce monthly software costs with Tide’s all-inclusive approach to invoicing, expense tracking, and optional accounting software in one platform.
  • You need simple European payment support without multi-currency complexity:
    If your business operates primarily in GBP with occasional European payments and you don't need to hold foreign currency balances, Tide's handles cross-border EUR transactions for European suppliers or clients.
⚠️ When Tide is not suited to your needs
  • You frequently get paid internationally:
    Tide only supports GBP accounts
  • You frequently process international transactions outside EEA (European Economic Area):
    If you work with suppliers or clients in the US, Asia, or other non-European markets requiring USD, CAD, or other currencies, Tide's limited international capabilities won't meet your operational needs.
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Considering Tide? Read our full Tide Business Account review to help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Looking for an Alternative in Asia?

Most of the alternatives above are designed for UK-registered businesses or residents. But if your company focuses more on Asia, eligibility requirements may limit your options. In that case, choosing a provider specifically built for cross-border business in Asia may be more suitable.

If your business is registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the British Virgin Islands, Statrys offers a multi-currency business account designed for cross-border transfers.

Statrys provides multi-currency business accounts holding 11 major currencies, FX tools, and integrations with accounting platforms like Xero. It's a practical choice if you need strong regional expertise combined with competitive international payment options.

Below is a summary of key services 

✅Multi-currency business accounts that support holding and managing 11 major currencies

✅Local and international payment, with international payment tracking

✅Foreign exchange (FX) services with competitive rates and fees

✅Dedicated account manager for personalised support via phone, email, live chat, WhatsApp and WeChat

✅100% online application process

Open a Hong Kong Business Account

Access 11 major currencies, real support, and fees that won't surprise you. Trusted by 5,000+ SMEs globally.

Screenshot of the Statrys payment platform's business account dashboard.

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FAQs

What is Revolut?

Revolut is a UK-based fintech offering digital-first business accounts with multi-currency support, international transfers, corporate cards, and budgeting tools — all accessible via its mobile and web platforms.

Is Revolut a bank?

What is the downside of Revolut?

What is the best alternative to Revolut?

Does Revolut have FSCS protection?

Disclaimer

More info

Our insights are derived from industry experience and information provided on each provider’s website. While we'd love for you to choose us, what's most important is that you make the decision that's right for you.

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