Overview
Choosing between Monese Pay as you go and Revolut Standard? Today, we will be comparing these bank accounts, providing you with a complete overview of features available, pricing and fees. Below you will find a brief introduction for both of the banks, after which you can explore our comparison table listing all the key information on fees and products available for both of the options. At the end of the article, we provide bullet points of key pros and cons of both options and our verdict.
Comparing Revolut "Standard" with Monese's "Simple" bank account is not easy. These plans are fairly similar: they come at monthly cost and both financial institutions behind these accounts come from the UK. Both banks created an excellent entry-level experience that will - by design - leave you wanting more. However, this should not discourage you - there is plenty both of these offer. As a bonus, Revolut & Monese bank cards are both powerful, accepted worldwide, grant you access to multi-currency and... they look great as well! Although, we must mention that Revolut also offers great metal bank cards - obviously, not on a free plan.
So what makes these two different and what should your choice drivers be here? Let's dive into the differences.
There are quite a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing, so make sure to identify what deal-breakers there are for you personally.
Monese Pay as you go
Simple is Monese's no-hassle, feature-rich entry plan. You can open an account easily from your mobile device and get a digital account for your everyday banking needs. A free debit Mastercard is included, along with Apple or Google Pay, budget insights as well as multi-currency accounts in GBP, EUR and RON. You can easily transfer money abroad in 15 currencies including USD, AUD, PLN and more.
Revolut Standard
The entry-level plan from international mobile bank Revolut provides with all the essentials for those who can benefit from accessing multi-currencies. Includes solid budgeting and payment capabilities as well as access to more advanced financial features such as stock and crypto trading.
Revolut & Monese: Pros & cons
The detailed breakdown of dozens of terms and complex fee structures can get overwhelming - to avoid that, here are some of the key benefits and disadvantages of both Monese and Revolut's propositions.
Monese Pay as you go
- Pro: A reasonable pack of mobile banking features at no monthly cost, including multi-currency accounts in GBP, EUR and RON.
- Pro: Gives you access to interest-bearing savings account enabled by its integration with Raisin.
- Pro: A wide selection of budgeting features that help you manage your money, including spending insights, and Pots allowing you to categorise your funds.
- Con: Fees on cash deposits, withdrawal and foreign currency payments are relatively high.
- Con: Not properly localised for EEA countries just yet. For example, you cannot make iDeal payments which is essential for residents in Netherlands.
- Con: Monese is not technically a bank. While security measures are in place, it comes with some limitations in terms of financial products they can offer in the future.
Revolut Standard
- Pro: Strong suit of mobile banking features including budgeting insights, saving & group vaults and round-up for saving or charity.
- Pro: Disposable virtual cards make it easy to be secure while online shopping.
- Pro: Gives access to 10% cashback on hotel bookings made through the in-app Stay feature.
- Con: Card delivery is not free and only 1 free physical card is included in the plan.
- Con: Fees for crypto or commodities trading are higher than the more advanced plans.
- Con: Does not include some travel features such as travel insurance, airport launch access.
Our verdict: Monese Pay as you go or Revolut Standard?
Ultimately, when deliberating between Revolut and Monese, you shouldn't be looking for the "right" answer. What is definite, though, is that you can open both accounts in less than 10 minutes from the comfort of your home. Even better is the fact that there is absolutely zero investment required for you to open these two bank accounts, or even try the higher-tier ones. How? Well, you get a free "no-strings-attached" trial of a higher-tier plan of both banks if you register using any of the links on this page! After all, there is no better way of knowing for sure than trying them out yourself.
If you found any of these plans to be a good fit for your specific banking needs, you will find links to their official websites or apps in the "Pick … if" section above. By signing up via links on our website, you support us in our mission of making finance easy and accessible to everyone.
Please note that the information on pricing, contract terms and availability of products in certain markets is subject to change and can differ from what is stated above. We aim to keep this comparison as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we advise you to treat the information provided above as indicative and always check banks' official websites for actual terms before signing up.
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