Managing your money has come a long way from long queues and paper forms at brick-and-mortar branches. Today, you can open an account, send money, or check your balance all from your phone. These digital-first platforms are called “neobanks”.
If you're thinking about switching to a neobank, the number of options can feel overwhelming, and of course, not all of them offer the same experience. This article offers a look at the ones doing it best across the US and Europe.
Our Top Picks
1st Choice
2nd

Chime: Credit building
Fee-free local banking with credit building accounts and cards
3rd

Varo: Savings
Up to 5% APY, automatic savings tools, no monthy fee
Why trust us?
This review is independent, and we are not affiliated with any of the providers mentioned in this article. We receive no commissions, nor do we include any affiliate links. Our recommendations are based on our own research and the information available on each provider’s website.
Options considered
Neobanks Reviewed
Neobanks Chosen
Disclaimer: All information is accurate as of October 2025 and may have changed since. For the most up-to-date details, please visit the financial service provider’s official website directly.
What Is a Neobank?
A neobank is a digital-only financial platform that offers banking services through mobile apps or websites, with no physical branches. Unlike traditional banks, neobanks are built around technology-first solutions, enabling users to manage their finances easily and efficiently on-the-go.
Some neobanks hold full banking licenses and are regulated the same way as traditional banks. Others operate under a different model, partnering with licensed banks to provide financial services, without holding a banking license themselves. In this case, they are technically fintech companies, not banks.
1
Monzo

Great for:
Simple everyday banking with a mobile-first user experience
Monzo is a British digital bank known for their user-friendly everyday banking. You can spend from your current account, separate money into a sub-account for savings, split bills, automate payments, track expenses, earn cashback and more.
Monzo operates in both the UK and the US. The UK version supports both personal and business accounts, while the US version currently focuses on personal services only.
UK businesses can send and receive payments through cash deposits, cheques, online payments, payment links, and QR codes directly within the Monzo app.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Current accounts ✔ Savings accounts with automatic savings, up to 3.50% AER or 3.75% APY for higher-tiered plans ✔ Cards ✔ Kid and teen accounts (UK only) ✔ Investment and pension (UK only) ✔ Sole traders and small business accounts (UK only) ✔ Loans (UK only) ✔ ATM withdrawals  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
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| Other Information | 
                Monzo is a bank in the UK, but in the US, it operates as a financial services provider. 
                It offers products in partnership with Sutton Bank in Ohio. You can open an account with Monzo as long as you live in the UK and have a UK address, even if you’re not a UK tax resident.  | 
        

Tip: Discover Monzo’s business account fees and features and how to open an account in our detailed review.
2
Chime

Great for:
Everyday banking and building credit with no credit history
Chime is a US-based financial technology company that provides accessible financial solutions designed for everyday needs.
Chime has become one of the more visible names as a neobank, largely because of their fee-free offerings for everyday electronic money transfers and their credit-building products, many of which do not require a credit check, so you don’t need existing credit to start improving it.
Recently, Chime introduced an early direct deposit that lets users access their paycheck earlier than the scheduled date, helping people manage cash flow before payday.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Second-chance (credit-building) account ✔ Debit cards for credit builders ✔ Savings accounts: 1% standard rate, 3.50% with a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more ✔ Early direct deposit ✔ Access to a network of fee-free ATMs  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
  | 
        
| Other Information | 
                Personal user only, for legal residents of the US. Chime is not a bank, but a financial technology company with Money Transmitter Licenses. However, Chime offers FDIC-insured accounts through its partner banks, The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank.  | 
        
3
Varo

Great for:
High-yield savings account and transfer to Venmo
Varo is an American all-digital bank headquartered in San Francisco. They began as a fintech company before becoming a licensed bank, and now serve over 3 million customers through their mobile app.
Varo offers a free bank account and  competitive interest rates on savings accounts. With Varo’s  automatic savings tools, leftover change from purchases or a percentage of direct deposits can be deposited into savings, helping customers save more effortlessly. The bank also offers a credit builder card, early paycheck access, and  free money transfers to anyone, whether they are using Venmo, Chime, or any US bank.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Checking and savings accounts ✔ Up to 5% APY on up to $5,000 and 2.50% on the rest with $1,000+ in monthly direct deposits ✔ Auto-saving features ✔ Credit building cards ✔ Early paycheck access ✔ Lines of credit & cash advance ✔ ATM withdrawals  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
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| Other Information | 
                Only for US citizens or permanent residents residing at a physical address in the US. As a licensed bank, deposits with Varo Bank are FDIC-insured.  | 
        
4
Acorns

Great for:
Comprehensive investing and small-scale investing
Acorns is an American financial technology company that specialises in micro-investing and automated savings. They offer “Invest” for general investing, “Later” for retirement, “Early” for investing for kids, “Sustainable” for ESG-focused portfolios, and Bits of Bitcoin,” which allocates 5% of your investments to a Bitcoin-linked ETF.
You can get the Acorns’ “Mighty Oak” debit card, which earns interest and helps you invest by rounding up spare change from purchases. Acorns can also automatically take a portion of your paycheck and invest it for you through a feature called Money Manager.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Investment accounts ✔ Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) ✔ Custodial accounts to save for kids ✔ Bitcoin investment ✔ Debit card ✔ Money Manager ✔ 2.42% to 3.82% APY, depending on the account type ✔ 55,000+ fee-free ATMs  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
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| Other Information | 
                You must be a US citizen or resident with a valid SSN or ITIN to apply. Acorns is not a bank, and the debit cards, banking services, and FDIC protection are provided by Lincoln Savings Bank or NBKC Bank.  | 
        
5
Current

Great for:
People who want to save and invest, including in cryptocurrency
Current is a New York City-based financial technology company that offers various digital financial services designed to help grow your money,including credit-building payment cards and high-yield “Savings Pods” with features like Round-Ups, which automatically save spare change from your purchases. Another feature Current highlights is the “Power Up” paycheck. When you move your direct deposit to Current, you can get a part of your paycheck instantly for a fee, or access your paycheck 3 days early for free.
Moreover, Current offers  fee-free cryptocurrency trading, allowing users to buy and sell popular coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Savings tools with a 0.25% interest rate and up to 4% APY when you have a direct deposit of $200 or more ✔ A credit-building card with cashback ✔ Teen debit card ✔ Crypto trading with no fees ✔ Get your paycheck faster ✔ Cash deposits in-store at locations like Walgreens and McDonald's ✔ 40,000+ fee-free ATMs  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
  | 
        
| Other Information | Current is not a bank but FDIC-insured through its partner, Choice Financial Group; conditions apply. | 
6
SoFi

Great for:
Young professionals with good credit looking for loans and credits products
SoFi is an online bank that offers a wide range of financial products. Their main strengths are in lending, especially student loans, personal loans and mortgages.
Primarily intended for personal use, they are also expanding into small business financing and have also recently launched a premium account with benefits and perks like referral bonuses, member rate discounts, and financial planning consultations. SoFi has over 8 million members and provides services through a mobile app.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Checking and savings accounts ✔ Private student loans, including for undergraduate and graduate students ✔ Auto, life, homeowners, renters, and cyber insurance ✔ Investing options ✔ Credit cards with rewards ✔ Small business financing ✔ ATM networks ✔ Standard APY 1.00% and 3.80% with a balance of $5,000+ and SoFi Plus membership  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
  | 
        
| Other Information | 
                US citizens, permanent residents, and non-permanent residents can open an account. SoFi is a bank offering FDIC-insured accounts and SIPC-insured investment accounts.  | 
        
7
GreenFi (Formerly Aspiration)

Great for:
Managing money while supporting environmental causes
Previously known as Aspiration, GreenFi is a financial technology company offering climate-friendly finance solutions to US individuals. GreenFi is committed to not investing in or funding projects involving fossil fuels. When you opt in, the company plants trees with every card purchase and offers carbon credit offsets to cover your car’s emissions.
What sets GreenFi apart is that they do not charge a monthly fee on standard checking and savings accounts. Instead, customers can make an optional contribution called “Pay What Is Fair” (PWIF), and 10% of contributions go to environmental charities.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Checking and savings accounts, with 1.00% - 3.50% APY ✔ Sustainable investment services ✔ Mastercard® debit card with an option to fund a tree planting with every purchase ✔ Cashback ✔ Get paid early ✔ Fee-free ATM network  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
  | 
        
| Other Information | 
                You need a permanent US address to apply for investment accounts. Personal use only. GreenFi is not a bank, but a financial technology company. Deposits are FDIC insured up to $1,250,000 per depositor through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.  | 
        
8
N26

Great for:
International and frequent travelers.
N26 is a fully licensed German digital bank that provides a wide range of online banking products and services, including current accounts, savings, and investment options.
Designed with everyday lifestyle and travel in mind, N26 offers account plans that include features such as travel insurance and airport lounge access. A key highlight of their savings accounts is the interest rate linked to the European Central Bank (ECB) rate. In terms of business, the N26 Business account is primarily tailored for freelancers. They currently have over 8 million users across Europe.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Personal accounts ✔ Joint account ✔ Business accounts for freelancers ✔ Virtual cards ✔ Transfer within the EU instantly using SEPA Instant Credit transfers ✔ Travel benefit, like fee-free card payments worldwide and insurance ✔ Investment options in stocks, ETFs, and crypto for free ✔ Interest up to 2% ✔ ATM withdrawal  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
  | 
        
| Other information | Customers can only hold either a personal or a business account, not both at the same time. | 
9
Revolut

Great for:
Freelancers, digital nomads, and those seeking a comprehensive, travel-friendly neobank.
Revolut started in London but has grown into other markets beyond the United Kingdom, including the United States and several European countries. They started as a fintech company and, over time, have transitioned into a bank in some regions, now serving over 65 million customers.
The platform is known for the multi-currency accounts that allow users to send  international transactions. Users can also  trade stocks and cryptocurrencies directly within the app. Additional features include customisable cards, savings accounts, travel insurance, and a loyalty program. Free and paid account plans are available for individuals and businesses.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Current accounts ✔ Teen accounts ✔ Savings accounts, with 3.51% - 4.51% interest rates ✔ Multi-currency business accounts for companies and freelancers ✔ Payment cards suitable for travelling ✔ Stock and crypto trading ✔ Accept payments ✔ Travel insurance ✔ ATM withdrawal  | 
        
| Fees* | 
                
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| Other information | 
                Available in the UK, the US, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Switzerland. Revolut holds a banking license in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK. In other areas, Revolut operates as an electronic money institution (EMI).  | 
        
*Revolut’s fees vary across regions, currencies, account types, and specific services. We recommend checking their pricing page from your location for accuracy.

Tip: Learn more about the Revolut Business Account in our review.
10
Starling

Great for:
UK residents looking for a fully digital banking experience with a licensed bank
Starling Bank is one of the UK’s fast-growing challenger banks, offering personal, business, and joint accounts with no monthly fees. Starling Bank’s users can access their accounts, as well as benefit from budgeting tools and 24/7 customer support all through the mobile app.
You can also use their service to send money internationally and use a Starling card to spend while travelling abroad.
Starling’s business and sole trader bank accounts allow for easy management of incoming and outgoing funds for modern business owners and freelancers. They also offer business loans.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Personal current accounts, with savings features ✔ Joint account ✔ Teen account ✔ Business and sole trader accounts ✔ Separate pots (sub account) for money organisation ✔ Bill payments and splitting ✔ Bulk payment ✔ Virtual cards ✔ Business loans ✔ Deposit or withdraw cash at the Post Office  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
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| Other information | 
                You must be a resident in the UK and hold the right to reside in the UK to open an account. Starling Bank also offers US dollar and euro accounts but currently does not accept new applications. Starling is a fully regulated bank, your money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.  | 
        

Interested in Starling Bank? Explore its account features in our Starling Bank business account review.
11
Majority

Great for:
Immigrants, expats, and international workers in the US
Majority is a subscription-based mobile financial service in the US built by migrants for migrants. They offer an all-in-one membership that combines essential financial and communication tools to help internationals live, work, and stay connected in the United States.
Members receive an account for banking, Visa® debit card, access to money transfers, mobile top-ups, cashbacks, and low-cost international calling packages.
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Send and receive money ✔ Connect with Cash App® and Venmo® ✔ Send international money transfers ✔ Earn cashback rewards ✔ Withdraw cash fee-free at over 55,000 ATMs ✔ Debit card  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
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| Other Information | 
                You can open an account with any valid ID from your home country, including an international passport. Majority is not a bank. Banking services are provided through Axiom Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.  | 
        
12
Bunq

Great for:
Expats and eco-conscious users looking for flexible, multi-currency financial account in Europe
Bunq is a Dutch neobank licensed and regulated in the Netherlands, serving customers across most of Europe. Bunq emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, and full control over your finances through an intuitive mobile app.
The company offers tailored accounts for students, expats, couples, parents, freelancers, and SMEs, making them a versatile option. Sustainability is one of Bunq’s missions, as they support projects with positive social and environmental impact, plant trees for every €1,000 card spending and do not invest in fossil fuels.
For expats, Bunq offers an easy setup where you can a European account without a tax ID
| Key Services | 
                ✔ Budgeting and money-management tools ✔ Credit cards ✔ Joint accounts ✔ Savings accounts with up to 2.01% - 3.01% interest rate ✔ Foreign currencies and multi-IBAN accounts ✔ Investments in stocks and crypto ✔ ATM withdrawals  | 
        
| Fees | 
                
  | 
        
| Other Information | Bunq is a digital bank with a European banking license. | 

Tip: Check out our Bunq review to learn more about their business account
Top Neobanks by Use Case
Neobanks today serve a wide variety of purposes, from everyday spending and saving to investing, traveling, or supporting social causes. Below, we’ve categorised the top neobanks by their best-fit use cases to help you quickly find the one that matches your lifestyle or financial goals.
Everyday Banking
- Monzo (UK, US): For simple, intuitive banking with sub-accounts for budgeting, spending insights, and saving automation.
 - Chime (US): Great for everyday banking and credit building with fee-free checking, early direct deposit, and debit cards that help build credit.
 - Starling (UK): A fully licensed digital bank offering personal, joint, and teen accounts with budgeting tools
 
Savings
- Varo (US): Up to 5% APY on balances up to $5,000, no monthly fee
 - Current (US): Up to 4% APY, if you maintain a direct deposit of $200+ monthly, no monthly fee, plus auto-saving features.
 - Starling (UK): Up to 3.80% AER (fixed savings), no monthly fee
 
Revolut also offers high rates, ranging from 3.51%–4.51% AER, but requires a subscription plan that can cost up to £55 per month. Whether it’s the most affordable option depends on the balance you plan to maintain.
Investing
- Acorns (US): For beginners and micro-investors. Automatically invests spare change and offers IRA and custodial accounts.
 - Current (US): Allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly with no trading fees.
 - Revolut (UK, Global): A comprehensive platform for investing in stocks, crypto, and commodities alongside banking and travel services.
 
Loans
- SoFi (US): One of the few neobanks offering a full range of lending products, including personal, student, small business, auto loans, and mortgages.
 - Monzo (UK): For personal loans in the UK.
 
Travel and Global Banking
- Revolut (UK, Global): For international travelers and freelancers. Supports multi-currency spending, trading, and insurance.
 - N26 (EU): Designed for travelers and freelancers, with fee-free card payments abroad and travel insurance included in premium tiers.
 
Expats and Migrants
- Majority (US): Built for immigrants and expats living in the United States.
 - Bunq (EU): Great for expats in Europe. Allows account setup without a tax ID and provides multi-currency accounts.
 
Environmentally Friendly Banking
- GreenFi (US): Planting trees with every purchase, avoiding fossil fuel investments, and donating 10% of your customisable monthly fees to environmental causes.
 - Bunq (EU): Supports eco-conscious initiatives by planting trees for every €1,000 spent and ensuring funds are not invested in fossil fuels.
 
Business and Freelancers
- Revolut (UK, Global): Multi-currency accounts for freelancers and companies
 - Starling (UK): Offers business and sole trader accounts that simplify managing incoming and outgoing funds.
 - Bunq (EU): Multi-IBAN business accounts for freelancers and SMEs
 
Based in Asia? Statrys provides an alternative payment solution supporting multi-currency management and payments across borders for companies operating in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
Top Neobanks by Interest Rates and Fees
Below is a ranking of neobanks by interest rates.
High-yield savings often come with conditions, such as minimum balances or required subscriptions. Some accounts have monthly fees, while others do not. The table below outlines all the details.
| Neobank | APY / Interest | Monthly Fee | Region | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Varo | Up to 5% APY on up to $5,000 2.50% on remaining balance Requires $1,000+ in monthly direct deposits  | 
                $0 | 🇺🇸 | 
| Revolut | 3.51%–4.51% AER (variable; depends on plan) | £0–£55 | 🇬🇧, 🇺🇸, 🇪🇺 | 
| Current | 0.25% base Up to 4.00% with direct deposit of $200+  | 
                $0 | 🇺🇸 | 
| Acorns | 2.42%–3.82% APY depending on account type | $3+ | 🇺🇸 | 
| Starling | Up to 3.80% AER (Fixed savings) | £0 | 🇬🇧 | 
| SoFi | 1% standard 3.80% APY (requires $5,000+ deposit every 30 days and SoFi Plus $10/mo)  | 
                $0–$10 | 🇺🇸 | 
| Monzo | US: up to 3.75% APY UK: 3.50% AER for higher-tier plan (monthly fee applies)  | 
                £0–£17 or $10 | 🇬🇧, 🇺🇸 | 
| Chime | 1% standard 3.50% with qualifying direct deposit of $200+  | 
                $0 | 🇺🇸 | 
| GreenFi | 1% standard 3.50% APY (GreenFi Plus, $25,000+ balance, and qualifying direct deposit or $500+ debit transactions)  | 
                Pay what you want | 🇺🇸 | 
| Bunq | 2.01%–3.01% interest | €0–€18.99 | 🇪🇺 | 
| N26 | Up to 2% | €0–€16.90 | 🇪🇺 | 
| Majority | N/A | $5.99 | 🇺🇸 | 
How Do I Choose the Right Neobank?
Now that we’ve explored the top neobanks worldwide, you might be wondering: which one is right for me?
There’s no one-size-fits-all neobank. The right one depends on how you use your money, where you live, and what you value most. Here’s how to find your best match:
 1️⃣ Check if it works where you are
Although most neobanks operate worldwide, some only serve certain countries or currencies. Some require you to reside in specific jurisdictions. Make sure you can open an account and use it with your local payments or ID.
2️⃣ Choose based on purpose
Neobanks are built with different users in mind. Some focus on saving and budgeting, others on travel or business. Look at the type that matches and the features that make sense for you. Skip the extra that comes with a higher plan or monthly fee if you don’t need them.
3️⃣ Compare what actually costs you
Neobanks and fintech institutions are known to offer lower fee structures compared to traditional banks. In the same region, several options may offer similar advantages. For example, in the US, the major neobank players often provide fee-free banking and free overdraft. To see which one is truly more competitive, check the full breakdown of fees for services you use most often.
 4️⃣ Test their support
Poor customer support is one of the biggest pain points for online-only banks. Without a branch to visit, you rely entirely on online help. Quick, reliable support can make or break your experience. Try their live chat if available, send an email, or even reach out on social media. See how fast they respond and how helpful they are. 
 5️⃣ Don’t skip security
Stick to licensed providers and look for built-in protection like two-factor login, biometric login, and data encryption. Since your account lives on your phone, the security of the app is the security of your money.
 6️⃣ Learn from real users
Check reviews from people in your country or with similar needs. They’ll tell you what the app gets right, and what’s frustrating day to day. Examples of good places to start include app stores, Reddit threads, and Trustpilot, where you can filter by rating.
 7️⃣ Try the app
If the app feels clunky or confusing, it probably won’t get better later. A smooth, intuitive design is a good sign you’ll actually enjoy using it.
Statrys: An Alternative for Business Operating Cross-Border
Most neobanks in the US, UK, and Europe are designed for personal and local use. Some cater to businesses, and a few support international money transfers. Eligibility is often limited to residents or locally incorporated companies in the Europe or the US.
For businesses based in Asia, you may need a more region-focused solution. Statrys addresses this gap.
Statrys is not a bank, but a licensed Money Service Operator in Hong Kong, offering cross-border payment solutions and multi-currency accounts for businesses registered in Hong Kong, Singapore and the BVI.
With Statrys, you can send money to and from over 140 countries, track payments in real time, hold 11 currencies, and get real human support via phone, WhatsApp, email, and WeChat.
See the benefits below:

Statrys can also help you register your company in Hong Kong and Singapore.
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FAQs
What are the best neobanks in the US?
Our picks for the best neobanks in the US are Chime, Varo, Current, GreenFi, Acorns and SoFi.








