Compare Online Bank Accounts

Online bank accounts explained

Online banking means accessing your bank accounts online, be it via a desktop computer, tablet, phone or any other internet-connected device. Many banks now have dedicated smartphone apps for even better accessibility, allowing you to truly bank on the go.

Typically, customers will be able to undertake a variety of day-to-day banking activities through internet banking services or apps , without needing to go to a branch or speak to someone in person. This can include transferring money between accounts, paying bills, checking bank statements or setting up automatic payments (such as direct debits or standing orders), and even applying for new products.

Banks and building societies are fully regulated by the FCA and Prudential Regulation Authority and have worked hard to make their online banking facilities as secure as possible. Websites are encrypted and you’ll likely need to go through several authentication steps before you can log on, with passwords and secure keys being commonplace, while some smartphone apps use fingerprint or even facial recognition software for added security.

That said, there are still a few things you need to watch out for to ensure your internet banking experience is as secure as possible:

• When using public computers, never check the box to ‘remember your details’.
• Be vigilant against phishing scams. Never respond to emails that ask for online banking passwords or personal details, even if they claim to be from your bank; this extends to text messages and phone calls, too. Your bank will only ever ask you for two or three digits of your password if they need to confirm your identity – never give anyone the whole thing.
• If you’re banking on your phone, only ever use secure Wi-Fi connections or the 3G or 4G connection through your mobile provider. Never use public Wi-Fi for any banking activity as these often aren’t secure.
• Most online banking facilities will automatically log out after a period of inactivity, but always log out manually, especially if you’re using a public computer.
• Make sure your anti-spyware and anti-virus software are up to date.

When you open an online bank account in the UK, whether you’re after single or joint accounts, you want to make sure you’re getting the best one for your needs. This will likely depend on a range of important factors, such as overdraft facilities and whether or not the account offers in-credit interest, but another consideration will invariably be its online banking facilities.

These days, the vast majority (if not all) bank accounts offer some form of online banking, but not all are created equal. This is particularly true when it comes to banking apps, and is why research is key. Start the process by comparing online bank accounts using the above chart, and once you’ve found one with the features you need, do a bit of extra research into your potential account’s banking facilities (such as searching for reviews of banking apps). Then, click on the relevant “Go to Site” button that will take you directly to the account in question, letting you quickly and easily apply for a bank account online.

Most likely, yes! Most current accounts offer some form of online banking; if you haven’t signed up with your provider yet, make sure to contact them to find out what to do next.

Generally speaking, yes – as long as you’ve got an internet connection, you’ll be able to access your bank account online. Though you’ll arguably need to keep security and potential costs in mind, even more so than when you’re in the UK: don’t use your hotel’s public wifi and instead use your phone’s internet connection, but beware of extra roaming charges depending on your phone network.

Yes – provided you’ve got an internet connection, you can bank online. Most providers these days offer a banking app, too, so head to your phone’s app store to find it, or go to your provider’s website and follow the official links.

A digital-only bank offers all its banking services online and through apps on mobiles.  Account support is provided through in-app and online chat with some digital banks also offering call centre support. Digital-only banks do not have physical branches.

As long as your digital-only bank has a UK banking licence and displays the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) logo any deposits, including savings accounts and funds held in current accounts, should be covered up to £85,000 in the event the bank goes bust.

In the early 2010s, the explosion of digital tech combined with the launch of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) New Bank Start-Up Unit in 2013 made good ground for the launch of new digital only banks. In 2018, further regulation called PSD2 was introduced with the aim of increasing competition through more finance and banking apps. Then there’s the fact that demand for digital-only banks is increasing, as more millennials seek mobile-friendly financial products.

Digital banking apps (or mobile banking apps as they can also be called) allow you to conduct your everyday needs for banking, borrowing and saving via the app. They are accessed on a mobile device and allow you to see your account balances, make payments, transfer funds and apply for new financial products all in one place. Some digital banking apps also include features such as spending analysis, budgeting tools and automated updates on your transactions as they occur in real-time, and others even let you pay in cheques. If you want an app to specifically focus on your savings, read our guide on the best savings apps to see where might be best to start.

Regulated banks and their digital apps will all do everything possible to make their apps secure. This includes familiar features such as security passwords and pins, but also newer technologies such as facial, speech and fingerprint recognition. This is captured during the set-up of your digital app using your mobile’s camera – simply put you are taking a selfie. If your mobile has Touch ID or Fingerprint scan, then this can also be used to securely verify you against the banking data held on your mobile.  You will also be asked to take picture of your photo ID.

A lot of digital banking apps will notify you almost immediately after you have made a payment. This means you can quickly spot a fraudulent transaction.

If you forget your pin and passcode, then it is likely you can reset these by taking a new video of yourself. This is analysed immediately to your original set-up video to confirm your identity.

And, exactly like a traditional bank, using your common sense is essential, so don’t share your passcodes or leave these written down and be careful people do not see your login information. You can read more in our guide Seven rules to keep online banking safe.

The digital-only banks offer either a 24/7 call centre or in-app chat to help you in case you have difficulties with your account, so you won’t be left alone. The only difference is that you won’t be able to seek help face-to-face, which a lot of people are turning away from anyway, particularly in the current climate.

If you have bad credit there are digital providers that can offer bank services. Find out more about bank accounts for bad credit.

You may have heard a lot about Open Banking recently. Open Banking and online banking are slightly different, though similar in many ways: Open Banking still allows you to bank online or on your phone, but rather than having different apps for different accounts, all of your financial information can be included in one place, if you choose to share that information between providers. You can find more about it here.