Folgen
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We pit the four biggest UK digital banks head-to-head to crown a winner. Spoiler alert: there's no single answer—it depends what matters to you.
From cashback and travel rewards to customer service and credit cards, we break down exactly what each bank gets right and where they fall short. Plus, which one has the worst app but the best banking fundamentals, and why Revolut's new banking license doesn't save its standard account.
What we cover:
Cashback rates: Chase UK offers 2% on groceries, fuel, transport & diningTravel support: Which bank wins for international spendingCredit cards & personal loans: Only Monzo offers bothCash deposits: Starling vs Monzo's £1 fee (and the hidden limit)Customer service tiers: Why Chase & Starling stand outThe verdict: Best overall, best for travel, best for cashback—and the bank we'd skip entirelyJoin the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode, we make the case for Trade Republic being the best bank account in Europe — then try our hardest to poke holes in it.
What we cover:
Why it's not Revolut or Wise — and why we keep recommending Trade Republic insteadThe full ECB deposit rate passed straight to you (recently bumped to 2.25%)The 3% promotional rate for new customers — and who's locked out of itHow "Saveback" actually works, and the savings-plan catch attached to itFee-free spending and ATM withdrawals worldwide (plus the one €100 gotcha)How it stacks up against Revolut and Trading 212 on fees, limits and supportThe customer service meltdown they fixed with 1,000+ agents and a 24/7 phone lineThe reliability wobbles during volatile markets — and who they actually matter forThe big question: can a fee structure this generous really last?Using Trade Republic? Tell us what you actually think. Join our new Discord to chat directly with Jan and Jonny — link below.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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Fehlende Folgen?
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In this episode, Jonny and Jan put Revolut and Wise head-to-head to settle which is actually the better card for spending abroad this summer — then ask the bigger question: are either of them the best option out there? Using live data pulled from both providers on 9 June, they break down the real cost of spending £2,000 across six countries, the ATM fee traps nobody mentions, and the cheaper alternatives most travellers overlook.
The two completely different ways Wise and Revolut charge you — and why one is far less transparent than the otherReal fees for spending £2,000 abroad in the USA, Spain, Thailand, Morocco, Indonesia and AustraliaThe £1,000 monthly threshold that quietly makes Revolut Standard more expensiveATM withdrawal fees compared, and why even Revolut Ultra (£55/month) still won't give you unlimited free cashWise's Smart Conversion vs Revolut's "all-or-nothing" rule — and the decline trap that can leave you stuck at checkoutWhy holding 40+ currencies matters for freelancers and digital nomadsThe cheaper alternatives: First Direct, Chase, Monzo, Trade Republic and Trading 212The honest debate: if you only travel once a year, is switching even worth it?Data spreadsheet linked here. Rates were accurate at the time of recording and may have changed.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode, Jonny and Jan go through every Revolut plan — Standard, Plus, Premium, Metal, and Ultra — breaking down what you actually get, what each one costs, and the catches Revolut doesn't shout about. Whether you're brand new to Revolut or wondering whether to upgrade, this episode will tell you exactly which plan makes sense for your lifestyle.
What we cover:
The Standard account — decent app, underwhelming product, and how it compares to free alternatives like MonzoWhy the Plus plan is mostly a pricing decoy — and who it's genuinely useful forPremium's subscription arbitrage trick: how one included app can make the whole plan freeMetal's insurance value for skiers, car renters, and daily FT readersUltra — worth £660 a year? The honest answerRevolut's cancellation policy and the costly trap hiding in the small printJoin the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode we cover the best UK savings rates for June 2026 — every major category, the accounts worth your attention, and a few that look better than they really are.
We also break down two key dates for savers this month: the CPI inflation release on the 17th of June and the Bank of England base rate decision on the 18th, and what both could mean for rates in the second half of the year.
In this episode:
Easy access accounts topping 4.5%, including Tembo, Chase, and Hanley Economic BSCash ISAs up to 4.76% — flexible and non-flexible options coveredFixed rate bonds up to 4.85%, including a time-limited cashback offer from Raisin (ends 8 June)Notice accounts — and an honest take on whether they're worth itRegular savers — why the 7.1% headline rate isn't what it seems, and the three accounts actually worth openingCurrent account switch offers worth up to £200All accounts are listed and updated daily at DepositScout.com. Affiliate links for selected accounts are in the show notes.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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Monzo just launched in Europe, and the way they've done it is smarter than most people have noticed. One Irish banking licence. All 27 EU member states. Spain next. This is a bigger deal than it looks.
In this episode:
Monzo just launched in Europe — and their Irish banking licence quietly unlocks all 27 EU member statesSpain is next, and it's no coincidence — 1 in 3 new bank accounts opened there in the last 3 years were with RevolutWe compare what you actually get as a European customer with each account right nowThe legal quirk in Monzo's Spain launch that could have serious implicationsWhy Monzo customers hold more than twice as much money per head as Revolut customers — despite lower savings ratesBoth annual reports dissected: £4.5bn vs £1.7bn in revenue, and the numbers that actually matterCan Monzo — late to the party and lighter on features — genuinely compete with Revolut's 68 million European customers?Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders, Jonny and Jan break down HSBC Premier — the free bank account that requires £100,000 to get through the door.
We cover the strict eligibility criteria, an honest audit of the bundled Aviva travel insurance and Square Health perks, how the credit card mileage engines work, and why this account is simultaneously the most impressive banking infrastructure in the UK and one of the worst places to park your savings.
If you hold HSBC Premier — or you're thinking about opening one — this is everything the marketing won't tell you.
In this episode:
The three ways to qualify in 2026 — and the £500 switch bonus on the table right nowWhat the £1,600 healthcare bundle actually covers (and where the shared allowances catch people out)The free credit card vs the £290 World Elite — which mileage engine is worth itThe Global Money Account, Nova Credit, and why expats have almost no reason to bank anywhere elseWhy leaving your cash in the default savings account costs the average Premier customer nearly £3,000 a yearJoin the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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Revolut has increased subscription prices across several European markets — including Germany, France and the Netherlands — while adding a wave of new perks to Premium, Metal and Ultra.
But are these benefits actually useful… or are they just designed to justify higher monthly fees?
In this episode, Jonny and Jan break down:
The exact Revolut price increases across Europe Whether Metal and Ultra still offer good value New perks like Super Duolingo, eSIM data, airport fast track and AI website builder Lovable Why some of these “benefits” may really be funnels to spend more money Huge differences between countries and subscription value Why the UK could be next for price hikes Whether Revolut is becoming too complicated for its own goodThey also discuss subscription fatigue, hidden value most users never activate, and whether Revolut’s strategy is becoming more about recurring revenue than genuinely improving the product.
If you use Revolut Premium, Metal or Ultra — or you’re considering upgrading — this episode will help you decide whether the new pricing actually makes sense.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders, Jan breaks down how to actually fly business class without spending business class money.
Why flexibility is the single biggest lever you have — and what that really means beyond just changing your travel dayHow airlines price seats based on local purchasing power, and how to use that to your advantageWhy booking business class directly is often the wrong move — and what to do insteadThe upgrade bidding strategy, and why you should never bid the minimumHow to build Avios points without changing your spending habitsWhy you should pick your airline before your credit card, not the other way aroundThe one tool Jan actually trusts for finding cheap flights (and why he thinks AI tools are useless for this)Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we cover the May 2026 savings rate update — breaking down where UK savers can earn the highest interest right now, what the Bank of England's latest decision means for rates, and which accounts look better than they actually are.
Bank of England holds base rate at 3.75% — eight to one vote, with one member pushing for a hike to 4%Why the Middle East conflict has changed the rate outlook for 2026 and what that means for saversCurrent account switch bonuses worth up to £500 from HSBC, First Direct, Barclays and Santander — with deadlines coming up fastEasy access savings topping 5% from LemFi — including a walkthrough of the account opening process, the ClearBank FSCS nuance, and the six-month rate cliffBest easy access rates from Tembo, Chase, Cynergy Bank, Hanley Economic BS and Charter Savings BankCash ISAs — flexible vs non-flexible explained, bonus cliff warnings on Trading 212, Plum and Tembo, and why the £20k allowance matters more than ever before it drops in 2027Fixed rate bonds from Chetwood Bank, Kent Reliance and GB Bank — and why the tiny gap between one-year and five-year rates tells you something important about market expectationsNotice accounts — when they make sense and when easy access is simply betterRegular savers — why 7.1% headline rates are more misleading than they look, and the actual best picks from First Direct, Club Lloyds and Monmouthshire BSAll accounts mentioned are available to compare at DepositScout.com
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we ask whether the Amex Platinum is still worth £650 a year — and we've read the small print so you don't have to.
The welcome bonus: 75,000–90,000 points, but Amex appears to be A/B testing the offerThe £400 dining credit has six ways to accidentally lose it — including one Jan experienced personallyWhy Amex Platinum is a terrible card to actually use abroadThe insurance is the most underrated benefit — but there are catches most people don't know aboutIs enshittification real? Harvey Nichols gone, Centurion guest cuts, Lufthansa lounges ending in OctoberHSBC and Barclaycard offer similar perks at half the price — so why does Platinum still win?Our verdict: it's not a travel card, not a subscription bundle — it's a lifestyle accessory that only works if you work for itJoin the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we sit down with Tim Chong, co-founder and CEO of Yonder.
In this episode:
Yonder Premium vs Revolut Metal — Tim makes the case for why they're not actually competing for the same thingWhy most Yonder customers also use Revolut — and why Tim thinks that's fineThe partner network explained — how brands get selected, why over half approach Yonder inbound, and the Netflix analogy Tim uses to describe curation at scaleThe fair usage policy — and whether it creates a frustrating experience for members who can't find anything to redeemIs Revolut a threat? Tim responds to the prospect of a Revolut credit card launching in the UKThe debt trap question — is Yonder glamorising credit to a generation already under financial pressure?Netherlands expansion and what comes next for Yonder in the UK and EuropeJoin the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode, we put Monzo Max and Revolut Metal head to head to help you figure out which one — if either — is actually worth paying for every month.
The travel insurance small print that could leave you entirely uninsured on holiday — and which account has a hidden 75% payment rule most people don't know aboutHow the phone insurance, RAC breakdown cover, rewards programmes and subscription bundles actually compare when you read the policy documentsThe FX fees, savings rates, ATM limits and money transfer costs that matter for everyday bankingWhich account wins for families, frequent travellers, and people who just want simplicityOur honest personal verdict on whether a premium bank account is worth it at all — or whether the free tier does the job just as wellJoin the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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It's a new financial year, which means a fresh £20,000 ISA allowance — and a market that looks more competitive than ever. But several of the headline rates are not quite what they seem.
In this episode:
• Why eToro's 4.78% works differently to a standard Cash ISA
• What XTB's 6% actually means over 12 months
• The bonus rate traps — and which accounts drop by up to 2% after year one
• Flexible vs non-flexible ISAs explained clearly
• How ISA transfers work — and the one mistake that kills your tax-free wrapperRates sourced from DepositScout.com — check the link for the latest figures before you act.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we rank the four biggest names in UK private banking — Lloyds, HSBC Global Private Banking, Coutts, and Barclays — and ask whether the exclusivity actually holds up.
We cover what private banking really costs to access, what you get for your money, and where the gap between the prestige and the reality is uncomfortably wide. Spoiler: the savings rates are embarrassing.
We cover:
What separates private banking from premier banking — and why it mattersLloyds as the most accessible entry point, and whether that's a good thingHSBC Global Private Banking's multi-currency edge and travel card suiteWhy Coutts is still the most prestigious name in the room, despite disappointing cash ratesBarclays Private Bank's £3m entry bar and its investment banking accessThe savings rates across all four — and why they're not the pointWhich banks we left off the list and whyThe three-question checklist for working out if you actually need a private bankWho private banking is genuinely built for — and who should stay well clearIf you've ever been curious about what sits above premier banking, or whether the mystique of Coutts and HSBC Privé is justified, this episode breaks it down properly.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we run through the best UK savings accounts for April 2026.
Cash ISAs are the main focus this month, with the tax-year deadline creating a lot of competition across the market. We talk through the top rates, why some ISA deals are more straightforward than others, and where bonus-led offers can get a bit confusing.
We also cover:
the best Cash ISA rates right now regular savers paying up to 7.5% fixed-rate savings accounts easy-access accounts worth watching why some headline rates need a closer lookWe also mention some of the tools on DepositScout, including filters, email alerts, and rate graphs that let you track how specific products have changed over time.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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This week on Banking Without Borders, Jan and Jonny are asking when bank cards stopped being financial tools and started becoming status symbols.
From metal cards and paid-for “premium” designs to the new Revolut Audi F1 card, this episode looks at why banks and fintechs are increasingly selling image, identity, and exclusivity — not just useful features.
Why are people paying for debit cards that offer no meaningful financial benefit?When did banking become part utility, part luxury branding exercise?Are premium cards actually worth it, or are they just clever status products?And what does this say about the direction fintech is heading in?A fun one, but also a genuinely interesting conversation about branding, consumer psychology, and the strange ways money and status now overlap.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we ask the big question now that Revolut is a proper UK bank: should it be your main bank account?
We break down what actually matters in a main bank account, from trust and FSCS protection to support, savings, rewards, travel spending and everyday usability. We also look at where Revolut genuinely stands out, where it falls short, and whether the app-first experience is enough to replace Barclays, HSBC, Monzo, Lloyds, Starling, Nationwide, Chase or Zopa.
We cover:
What Revolut’s UK banking status changes Whether FSCS protection makes Revolut more trustworthy The strengths and weaknesses of Revolut support Everyday banking features like pockets, salary sorting and virtual cards Whether Revolut is still a top choice for travel spending Why its savings rates may disappoint Whether RevPoints are worth anything on the free plan Who Revolut works best for, and who should probably stick with a different bankIf you’ve been wondering whether Revolut is finally ready to be your salary account, this episode is for you.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders we compare Trading 212 and Revolut through the lens of card spending, rewards and travel.
What may surprise a lot of people is that Trading 212, still best known as an investing platform, has quietly built a card that in some ways is simpler, more rewarding and potentially better for spending abroad than Revolut’s free plan.
In this episode we cover:
• Trading 212 vs Revolut for card spending
• ATM withdrawal limits and fees
• Foreign currency fees and exchange rates
• Trading 212 cashback vs Revolut RevPoints
• Why redeeming RevPoints is more complicated than cashback
• Which free account looks stronger overallGet £25 when you sign up for Trading212 and make 3 transactions of £5 or more. Promo code BWB
https://www.trading212.com/join/BWBSponsored content. Terms apply. Card distributed by T212, issued and provided by Paynetics. Available with an Invest account. Get up to £15 cashback every month. Other fees may apply.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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In this episode of Banking Without Borders we break down Revolut finally securing its full UK banking licence after a process that began back in 2021.
This is a major milestone for Revolut in the UK, because it means the company can now operate as a fully licensed bank rather than relying primarily on its e-money permissions for most customers.
But what actually changes?
We explain why the process took so long, what the mobilisation phase meant in practice, and what this now means for customers in terms of protection, deposits and Revolut’s long-term position in UK banking.
In this episode we cover:
• Revolut’s UK banking licence timeline
• Why approval took so long
• What the mobilisation phase actually was
• What changes now for UK customers
• FSCS protection and deposits
• Why this matters for Revolut’s future in the UKWe explain what this licence really means, what it does not mean, and why this is one of the most important moments yet in Revolut’s UK story.
Join the new Banking Without Borders Discord community
https://link.bankingwithoutborders.co.uk/discord
Check out our website DepositScout.com for the latest savings rates.
Connect with us (via LinkedIn)
Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/
Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease
Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at [email protected]
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