Which banks open fully online? A survey of online-only accounts: UK Monzo & Starling, Europe's N26 & Revolut, plus Hong Kong virtual banks.
Monzo Monzo and Starling Starling Bank are the flagship UK online-only banks — fully app-based, no monthly fee, ideal for UK residents and workers.
Germany's N26 N26 and Revolut Revolut lead in multi-currency and cross-border; Paysera Paysera is non-resident friendly; Wise Wise focuses on multi-currency receiving and transfers.
US-based Chime Chime serves US residents with no monthly fee and no minimum — one of the earliest online-only banks.
Hong Kong's 8 virtual banks (ZA ZA Bank, Mox Mox Bank, etc.) and Singapore's GXS GXS Bank, Trust Trust Bank and MariBank MariBank are all fully online.
UK's Monzo and Starling, Europe's N26, Revolut and Paysera, US Chime, and Hong Kong's 8 virtual banks all open fully online.
No. Identity verification is done entirely in the app (video or document upload) — no branch visit.
Applicants usually need to reside in the bank's operating region (some allow non-residents). Remote accounts may have lower limits than branch accounts.
Some can. Paysera and Revolut are relatively non-resident friendly, but usually require a European address or residence permit — check the official site.