Compare a digital current account against how you actually bank—not just how its app looks. Check its fees and conditions, overdraft terms, cash and cheque access, support channels, eligibility, useful digital features and the protection attached to the specific account. Then confirm the new account is open and that both banks can use the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) before agreeing a switch date.
Start with your own banking needs
There is no single best digital bank for everyone. A person who pays in cash, relies on an overdraft or needs phone support may value different things from someone who mainly uses card payments and app-based tools. Write down what you use now, what you want to improve and what you cannot do without; compare providers against that list.
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MoneyHelper’s current-account switching guidance recommends checking the conditions attached to account benefits, such as minimum monthly pay-ins or required Direct Debits. Its comparison tool covers fees, features, access and charges, but does not include every account available. Treat it as a way to build a shortlist, then verify details with the provider.
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| What to compare | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Fees and conditions | What would you pay in a typical month? Are any benefits or interest conditional on a monthly pay-in, a set number of card payments or Direct Debits? |
| Overdraft | Are you eligible, what limit might be approved, and what rate, fees or fee-free buffer apply? Calculate the cost for the balance you normally carry. |
| Access to money | Can you withdraw or deposit cash, pay in cheques, and use the account when you cannot access the app? Check the provider’s actual methods and limits. |
| App and digital functions | Do payment controls, notifications, spending tools, integrations or accessibility features meet a real need? Check whether useful functions are conditional or paid. |
| Customer service | Which contact routes are available, and do their hours and response arrangements work for you? Compare published service measures only when their dates, geography and customer groups match. |
| Eligibility and opening | What identity checks and eligibility rules apply, and when will the account be ready to receive payments? Opening the account is separate from switching it. |
| Provider and deposit protection | Which legal entity provides this account, and what protection applies to eligible deposits held with it? |
| Switching arrangements | Does the new provider participate in CASS? What will transfer, what needs your attention, and can all holders approve a joint-account switch? |
Overdrafts are borrowing, not a built-in benefit: MoneyHelper warns that they can be expensive. If you depend on one, compare the cost and seek approval for a replacement facility before setting a switch date.
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Check service evidence on a like-for-like basis
The FCA’s directory of current-account service information links to provider information and APIs. Use it to check relevant published data, but compare the same measure, observation period, geography and customer group. A single satisfaction score does not establish which bank is best for every customer.
The FCA’s July 2026 review reported that one third of mystery-shop experiences involving access to basic bank accounts were rated poor or very poor. That finding concerns basic-account access experiences; it is not a rating of digital-bank customer service overall and should not be used to rank digital current accounts.
Confirm who provides the account and what protection applies
“Digital bank” can describe different things. In its Financial Lives 2024 survey, the FCA uses a digital-bank category that includes Atom, Cashplus, Monzo, Starling and Tandem. It also distinguishes current accounts from payment-services or e-money providers. This is a survey classification, not a complete live list of brands or products. An app’s brand alone does not tell you which legal entity holds your balance or what protection applies.
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Provider pages describe their own products, not an independent comparison. For example, Monzo says eligible money is FSCS-protected up to £120,000 per person and describes in-app support, cash deposits through PayPoint or the Post Office, cheque deposits through its app and CASS switching. Starling states that eligible deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000. These are the providers’ statements; check current account terms and the provider for your own circumstances.
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Revolut’s announcement says UK current accounts are offered through Revolut Bank UK Ltd and that eligible deposits receive FSCS protection up to £120,000. Because that announcement describes a transition, check whether your individual account has transitioned, which entity provides it now and what terms apply. In each case, confirm the specific account’s provider and eligibility rather than assuming that a limit applies to every balance or customer.
Understand what CASS does—and what it does not
The Current Account Switch Service is free. Once your new account is open and you agree a switch date with the new bank, the stated CASS process takes seven working days. That period does not include the time needed for application checks or account opening.
Under CASS, the new bank manages the switch. The service transfers the balance and eligible payment arrangements, including Direct Debits, standing orders and incoming payments; redirects eligible payments sent to the old account; and closes the old account. The service operator’s guidance explains the process and its guarantee. If a problem with the switch causes charges or interest, these are refunded; any compensation beyond that refund is for the new bank to decide.
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Account opening and switching are separate stages. First check that the provider offers CASS for the account you want, apply and wait until the account is open and ready to receive payments. Only then agree the switch date and allow for the seven-working-day process.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Plan separately for an overdraft
CASS does not make the new bank lend you money or match your existing overdraft. Ask the new provider to assess you for a replacement facility before switching. Approval and the amount offered depend on its lending criteria. If the new bank will not cover the outstanding balance, arrange how to repay the shortfall separately; do not assume it will move as borrowing.
Know what needs your attention around the switch
Most existing eligible payments are handled by CASS, but some linked arrangements need action from you. The service’s FAQ identifies two important cases:
- If you create a new payment arrangement at the old bank within the seven working days before the agreed switch date, set it up on the new account instead. Do not assume that last-minute arrangements will transfer automatically.
- Access permissions for third parties—such as budgeting apps, account-information services, comparison sites or payment services—do not transfer with the account. Cancel and authorise access again as appropriate, and check that the third-party service supports your new bank.
For a joint account, check the provider’s process and make sure the required account holders can approve the switch.
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A practical pre-switch checklist
- List your must-haves. Note regular charges, overdraft use, cash or cheque needs, support preferences, accessibility requirements and any app integrations you rely on.
- Shortlist and compare. Use MoneyHelper’s comparison tool as a starting point, then check each provider’s current account terms, eligibility, charges, access methods and support information.
- Check the legal provider and protection. Verify the entity providing the specific account and whether your deposits qualify for protection under its terms.
- Apply and wait for the account to open. Do not confuse application or identity-check time with CASS’s stated switching period.
- Resolve borrowing first. If you use an overdraft, get a decision on a replacement limit and make a separate repayment plan for any amount not covered.
- Agree the switch with the new bank. Confirm CASS participation, the switch date and any steps needed for a joint account.
- Review recent and linked payments. Set up payment arrangements created at the old bank during the seven working days before the switch on the new account, and re-authorise third-party access where needed.
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