I want to walk you through this as if you're sitting next to me, because both of these accounts can genuinely be open and functional within a few hours of starting the process, which makes them genuinely the fastest way to have a working UK account after arriving.
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Why I'd Point You to These Specifically
The difference between Monzo or Revolut and a traditional UK bank application is significant. No branch visit required. No waiting days for a credit check. No need for utility bills as proof of address. For a newly arrived international student who just wants to be able to receive their first paycheck or send their landlord a payment, this matters enormously.
Getting Monzo: What I'd Do
Monzo is a fully licensed UK bank with a UK sort code and account number; this isn't just a prepaid card; it's a real bank account that works for salary payments, direct debits, and standing orders.
Step 1: Download the Monzo app from the App Store or Google Play. The whole process happens inside the app.
Step 2: Enter your email address, set a PIN, and begin the identity verification process. You'll need your passport, take a photo of the data page, and then a short selfie video to verify it's genuinely you. The app walks you through each photo requirement clearly.
Step 3: Enter your UK address. This is required, you can't complete the Monzo application without a UK residential address. I'd apply after you have even a temporary address confirmed, whether that's student halls, a short-term accommodation booking, or your confirmed long-term rental address.
Step 4: Wait. Monzo reviews most applications within a few hours, and many are approved within minutes. You'll receive a push notification confirming your account is open, and you can add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay immediately before your physical card even arrives, which takes around three to five working days in the post.
I'd tell you that the free Monzo tier is perfectly functional for most students. It gives you a UK bank account, instant spending notifications, budgeting tools, and free ATM withdrawals up to a certain limit. There are paid Monzo Plus and Premium tiers, but I wouldn't recommend paying for those unless there's a specific feature that genuinely fits your situation.
Getting Revolut: What I'd Do
Revolut is slightly different from Monzo. It's not a traditional bank with a UK banking license in the same straightforward sense; its status is more nuanced, but it gives you a UK account number, sort code, and multi-currency capabilities that are genuinely useful for international students.
Step 1: Download the Revolut app and sign up with your phone number and email.
Step 2: Complete identity verification with your passport photo and a selfie. Revolut's verification is typically very fast, often within minutes.
Step 3: Enter your address details and confirm your personal information.
Step 4: Your account is live. You can immediately receive transfers, make payments, and use the virtual card for online purchases while your physical card is in the post.
Monzo vs Revolut: The Practical Difference
I'd tell you Monzo feels more like a traditional bank with smart technology built in; it's probably the right choice if you want one account that covers everything a standard UK bank does. Revolut leans more into multi-currency functionality and travel features; it's probably more useful if you're regularly moving money between currencies, traveling frequently, or want a card with interbank exchange rates for spending in other countries.
For most international students in London as their primary base, I'd recommend Monzo as your main UK account and Wise (not covered here in detail but worth downloading separately) specifically for receiving money from abroad at competitive rates.
What I'd Not Do
I'd genuinely avoid paying for either account's premium tier until you've used the free version for at least a month and actually know which specific paid features would improve your life. The free tiers are genuinely capable for everyday student banking.
My Side-by-Side Setup Comparison
| Feature | Monzo (Free) | Revolut (Free) |
| UK sort code + account number | Yes | Yes |
| Time to open | Hours | Hours (often minutes) |
| Physical card wait | 3-5 working days | 3-7 working days |
| Multi-currency accounts | No (one-currency) | Yes |
| Apple/Google Pay while waiting for card | Yes | Yes |
| No monthly fee | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I open a Monzo account in the UK?
The application takes around ten minutes in the app, and most accounts are approved within a few hours. You can add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay immediately after approval, before the physical card arrives.
Do I need a UK address to open Monzo or Revolut?
Yes, both require a UK residential address during the signup process. I'd apply as soon as you have even a temporary UK address confirmed rather than waiting until your permanent address is settled.
Can I use Monzo or Revolut as my main bank account in the UK?
Yes, Monzo functions as a full UK bank account with a sort code and account number that works for salary payments, direct debits, and standing orders. Revolut can also receive salary payments and direct debits, though its banking structure is slightly different.
Is Monzo or Revolut safer than a traditional UK bank?
Monzo is a fully licensed UK bank, meaning deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000. Revolut's protection structure has differed in the past; I'd check its current FSCS protection status directly on its website before using it as your primary account for large sums.
Should I pay for Monzo Plus or Revolut Premium as a student?
I wouldn't, at least not initially. Both free tiers are fully functional for everyday student banking. Try the free version for at least a month before deciding whether a specific paid feature would genuinely improve your situation.
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Key Takeaways
- Monzo and Revolut can both be open and functional within hours of starting the application, with no branch visit and no waiting days.
- You need a UK address to complete either signup. Apply as soon as you have any confirmed UK address.
- Monzo works as a fully licensed UK bank account ideal for everyday banking; Revolut adds stronger multi-currency functionality useful for international students managing money across currencies.
- Add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay immediately after approval so you can spend before the physical card arrives.
- Stick to the free tier of both initially; it's capable enough for everyday student banking without a monthly charge.