Monzo is better for UK-based users seeking traditional banking services. Revolut excels for frequent international travelers.
Monzo and Revolut are two popular digital banks, each offering unique features tailored to different needs. Monzo provides a user-friendly interface and robust banking tools ideal for UK residents. Its features include budgeting tools, savings pots, and full UK bank account services.
Revolut, on the other hand, shines with its multi-currency accounts, low-fee international transfers, and cryptocurrency trading options. It is particularly attractive to those who travel frequently or need to manage multiple currencies. Both banks offer competitive services, but the choice depends on personal banking requirements and lifestyle.
Account Types
Choosing between Monzo and Revolut depends largely on the types of accounts they offer. Both provide diverse options tailored to different needs. Let’s explore their personal and business accounts.
Personal Accounts
Monzo and Revolut offer various personal account options. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Free with basic features | Free with basic features |
| Premium Account | Monzo Plus: £5/month | Revolut Premium: £6.99/month |
| Advanced Account | Monzo Premium: £15/month | Revolut Metal: £12.99/month |
Monzo offers three tiers: Standard, Monzo Plus, and Monzo Premium. The basic account is free. Monzo Plus adds budgeting tools and other perks for £5/month. Monzo Premium includes travel insurance and higher limits for £15/month.
Revolut also provides three tiers: Standard, Premium, and Metal. The standard account is free. Revolut Premium offers travel insurance and other features for £6.99/month. Revolut Metal includes cashback and concierge services for £12.99/month.
Business Accounts
Monzo and Revolut cater to business users with specialized accounts. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Monzo Business | Revolut Business |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Account | Free with basic features | Free with basic features |
| Pro Account | £5/month | £25/month |
| Advanced Account | Not available | £100/month |
Monzo Business provides two tiers: Standard and Pro. The Standard account is free and ideal for startups. The Pro account offers advanced features like multi-user access for £5/month.
Revolut Business has three tiers: Free, Grow, and Scale. The Free account is suitable for small businesses. The Grow plan costs £25/month and adds more features. The Scale plan, at £100/month, offers the most extensive services.
Fees And Charges
Choosing between Monzo and Revolut can be tough. One key factor to consider is fees. This section will help you understand the costs associated with each, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Monthly Fees
Monzo offers both free and paid accounts. The free Monzo account has no monthly fees. Monzo Plus costs £5 per month, while Monzo Premium is £15 per month.
Revolut also provides free and paid options. The free Revolut account has no monthly fees. Revolut Plus is £2.99 per month, Premium is £6.99, and Metal is £12.99 per month.
| Account Type | Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Free | £0 | £0 |
| Plus | £5 | £2.99 |
| Premium | £15 | £6.99 |
| Metal | N/A | £12.99 |
Transaction Charges
Monzo charges no fees for most UK transactions. There are some fees for international use. Monzo charges 3% for overseas ATM withdrawals over £200 per month.
Revolut offers similar benefits. Revolut charges no fees for transactions within your allowance. For overseas transactions, Revolut charges 2% for amounts over £200 per month.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Monzo: 3% for overseas ATM withdrawals over £200 per month.
- Revolut: 2% for overseas ATM withdrawals over £200 per month.
Both Monzo and Revolut provide competitive options for managing your money. Understanding their fees is crucial.
User Experience
The user experience of a digital bank can make or break its success. Monzo and Revolut are popular choices. Each offers unique features and support options. Which one offers the best user experience? Let’s explore.
Mobile App Features
Both Monzo and Revolut excel in their mobile app offerings. Here are some key features:
| Feature | Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Spending Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| Budgeting Tools | Yes | Yes |
| Bill Splitting | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency | No | Yes |
| International Transfers | Yes | Yes |
Monzo has a clean, user-friendly interface. Revolut offers more advanced features like cryptocurrency trading. Both apps are fast and reliable.
Customer Support
Customer support is essential for digital banks. Users need prompt help with issues. Monzo and Revolut both offer several support options. Here’s a comparison:
| Support Option | Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | No | Yes |
Monzo provides excellent live chat support. Revolut offers phone support, which some users prefer. Both banks have responsive email support.
International Usage
Choosing between Monzo and Revolut can be tricky, especially for international usage. Each offers unique features that cater to travelers and expats. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which is better.
Currency Exchange
Monzo and Revolut both offer competitive currency exchange rates. Monzo uses the Mastercard exchange rate with no added fees. Revolut, on the other hand, uses the interbank exchange rate, which is often better.
Revolut allows you to hold and exchange money in 30+ currencies. You can switch between these currencies instantly in the app. Monzo, while limited to fewer currencies, still offers solid rates.
For frequent travelers, Revolut’s multi-currency feature is a big plus. Monzo’s simplicity is also appealing, especially for beginners.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Foreign transaction fees can make a big difference in your overall experience. Monzo charges no fees for spending abroad. This makes it great for international purchases.
Revolut offers fee-free spending up to a certain limit, depending on your plan. The free plan has a lower limit, while the premium plans offer higher limits or no fees at all.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | Mastercard Rate | Interbank Rate |
| Currency Holding | Limited | 30+ Currencies |
| Spending Fees | No Fees | Depends on Plan |
Both Monzo and Revolut have their strengths. Your choice depends on your specific needs and travel habits.
Security Features
When it comes to choosing between Monzo and Revolut, understanding their security features is crucial. Both banks prioritize user safety, but they use different methods to protect your money and data. Let’s explore the key security aspects of each.
Fraud Protection
Both Monzo and Revolut offer robust fraud protection measures. They monitor transactions for suspicious activity. If they detect something unusual, they will alert you immediately.
Monzo uses advanced algorithms to spot unusual spending patterns. They block suspicious transactions and notify you instantly. You can freeze your card through the app if needed.
Revolut also excels in fraud detection. They use machine learning to identify potential fraud. If they find something odd, they will pause the transaction and ask for your confirmation.
| Feature | Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud Detection | Advanced Algorithms | Machine Learning |
| Instant Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Card Freezing | Yes | Yes |
Data Encryption
Data encryption is vital for securing your personal information. Both banks use strong encryption methods to protect your data.
Monzo encrypts all sensitive data using industry-standard techniques. They ensure that your personal and financial information stays safe from hackers.
Revolut also employs top-tier encryption. They follow strict security protocols to keep your data secure. Your information is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
| Feature | Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Data Encryption | Industry-Standard | Top-Tier |
| Encryption in Transit | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption at Rest | Yes | Yes |
Additional Features
Monzo and Revolut offer a range of additional features that enhance their core banking services. These features can make a significant difference in how you manage your finances. Below, we will explore some of the key additional features offered by both Monzo and Revolut.
Savings And Investments
Both Monzo and Revolut provide features to help you save and invest your money.
| Feature | Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|---|
| Savings Accounts | Offers interest-bearing savings pots. | Provides vaults for saving money. |
| Investment Options | Currently limited investment options. | Offers cryptocurrency trading and stocks. |
Insurance Options
Insurance options are another area where Monzo and Revolut differ.
- Monzo: Provides travel insurance with its premium account.
- Revolut: Offers a range of insurance options, including travel and device insurance.
Overall, these additional features can greatly enhance your financial management experience. Whether you prioritize savings, investments, or insurance, both Monzo and Revolut have something to offer.
User Reviews
Trying to decide between Monzo and Revolut can be tough. User reviews often provide a wealth of insights. Let’s explore what real users are saying about these two popular digital banks.
Customer Satisfaction
Both Monzo and Revolut have their loyal fan bases. Here’s what users love about each:
- Monzo: Users appreciate its easy-to-use app.
- Revolut: Users love its global reach and currency options.
Monzo users often highlight the transparency of fees. They also praise the customer support. Revolut users frequently mention the convenience of international transactions. They also like the real-time exchange rates.
Common Complaints
No service is perfect. Here are some common complaints:
| Monzo | Revolut |
|---|---|
| Occasional app glitches | Customer service delays |
| Limited international features | Account freezing issues |
Monzo users sometimes report minor app glitches. They also wish for better international features. Revolut users often face customer service delays. Some users have experienced account freezing.
Despite these complaints, many users are happy with both services. They find the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Reading user reviews can help you make an informed choice.
Frequently Asked Questions Which is better Monzo or Revolut?
Which Bank Has Lower Fees, Monzo Or Revolut?
Monzo generally has lower fees for everyday banking. However, Revolut offers competitive rates for international transactions. Both have unique fee structures, so compare based on your needs.
Is Monzo Better For Budgeting Tools?
Yes, Monzo is well-known for its budgeting tools. It offers features like spending categories and real-time notifications to help manage your finances effectively.
Does Revolut Offer Cryptocurrency Trading?
Yes, Revolut offers cryptocurrency trading. You can buy, sell, and hold various cryptocurrencies directly from the app, making it convenient for users interested in crypto.
Which Bank Has Better Customer Service?
Monzo typically receives higher praise for customer service. Users often highlight its quick response times and helpful support team, making it a reliable choice for customer care.
Conclusion
Choosing between Monzo and Revolut depends on your personal needs. Monzo excels in budgeting and customer service. Revolut offers extensive international features and cryptocurrency options. Evaluate their features to decide which fits your lifestyle best. Both offer unique benefits to enhance your banking experience.
