Monese offers mobile money accounts for spending, sending, and saving through an app. Accounts support payments, transfers, direct debits, standing orders, savings tracking, account details, and physical or virtual cards. The app provides spending overviews, weekly and monthly budgets, instant spending notifications, and up to 10 savings pots with roundups. Customers can add cards to Apple Pay and Google Pay, and link multiple UK bank accounts to view balances and make instant top-ups. Security features include biometric login, multi-factor authentication, 3D Secure, single-device access, card locking, and real-time notifications. Monese says it serves people in 31 European countries; applicants must be at least 18 and live in one of 31 EEA countries, and provide an email address, phone number, government ID, and in-app video selfie. Pay as you go is a basic account for occasional use at 0.00 GBP per free. Everyday costs 2.95 GBP per month and includes two free bank transfers out monthly, with a £1 fee beyond that allowance. Monese says UK e-money funds are safeguarded, but its services are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Who it is for
Monese suits people who want app-based accounts for everyday spending, transfers, and savings tracking. The company describes it as useful for people underserved by traditional banks and for people travelling, living, or working abroad.
What is good
- Includes physical and virtual cards
- Offers budgets and instant spending notifications
- Supports up to 10 savings pots
- Cards can be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Customer support is available through in-app chat or email
What to know first
- Applicants must be at least 18 and live in one of 31 EEA countries
- Requires government ID and an in-app video selfie
- No physical branches
- Does not handle cash or cheques
Verdict
Monese offers account, card, budgeting, and savings features through an app, with free and paid plans. Check the eligibility rules and account limitations; UK e-money funds are described as safeguarded but are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Monese plans and pricing
All plansCompared on digital wallet apps
- Free plan
- Yes
- Asset scope
- cards_and_fiat
- Virtual cards
- Yes
- Peer transfers
- Yes
- International transfers
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- iOS, Android and AppGallery
- Transaction limit
- 4,000 per transaction
