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Head-to-head · Neobank Apps

Monzo vs KakaoBank

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Monzo #3 in Neobank Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Monzo
KakaoBank #6 in Neobank Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit KakaoBank

Monzo leads on 0 checks, KakaoBank on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMonzo · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresKakaoBank · 2 of 3

Monzo scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

Monzo is the better fit for UK users seeking budgeting and card controls. KakaoBank is the better fit for kakaoTalk users seeking transfers and savings options.

  • Monzo fits best

    UK users seeking budgeting and card controls

  • KakaoBank fits best

    KakaoTalk users seeking transfers and savings options

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Side by side

Feature Monzo 9.1/10 Visit ↗ KakaoBank 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.6
Ranking #3 in Neobank Apps #6 in Neobank Apps
Best for UK users seeking budgeting and card controls KakaoTalk users seeking transfers and savings options
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price £3/mo Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Email, Phone, Docs · 24/7 Phone
Integrations 4 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business
Features Monzo 1/3 · KakaoBank 2/3
Early pay access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cash deposit support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
International transfers ✓ ✓
Specs
Account scope Not checked yet Personal
Savings yield Not checked yet 1.80% annual pretax for Safe Box (rate shown on checking-account page)
Supported currencies Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Pots, spending categories and instant notifications support day-to-day budgeting.
  • Card freeze, biometric login and mobile wallet support add practical controls.
  • Free and paid plans span current-account basics, virtual cards and insurance benefits.
  • Send money to KakaoTalk friends without entering an account number
  • Choose scheduled or multiple transfers and manage group accounts
  • Remit through bank transfers to 22 countries or Western Union to about 200
Cons
  • Personal accounts are available only to UK residents.
  • Virtual cards and advanced budgeting tools require the Extra plan.
  • Insurance benefits are reserved for the £19-per-month Max plan.
  • Available through mobile apps only
  • Support is limited to phone and is not available 24/7
  • Fees and eligibility vary by transaction and product
Our verdict

Monzo is a UK digital bank for people who want a personal current account managed primarily through a mobile app. Its free account combines a UK current account with Pots for organising money, spending categories, instant notifications, UK…

Read the review →

KakaoBank is a Korea-based digital bank for personal banking through iOS and Android apps. It combines checking with savings products, time deposits, installment savings, debit cards, loans, and international remittances. It is…

Read the review →
  1. MonzoNeobank Apps 9.1Free plan
  2. KakaoBankNeobank Apps 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Monzo — where it wins

    • Pots, spending categories and instant notifications support day-to-day budgeting.
    • Card freeze, biometric login and mobile wallet support add practical controls.
    • Free and paid plans span current-account basics, virtual cards and insurance benefits.

    Where it doesn't

    • Personal accounts are available only to UK residents.
    • Virtual cards and advanced budgeting tools require the Extra plan.
    • Insurance benefits are reserved for the £19-per-month Max plan.

  • KakaoBank — where it wins

    • Send money to KakaoTalk friends without entering an account number
    • Choose scheduled or multiple transfers and manage group accounts
    • Remit through bank transfers to 22 countries or Western Union to about 200

    Where it doesn't

    • Available through mobile apps only
    • Support is limited to phone and is not available 24/7
    • Fees and eligibility vary by transaction and product

Monzo vs KakaoBank: questions

Which is better for neobank apps, Monzo or KakaoBank?

Monzo scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

How do Monzo and KakaoBank compare?

All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.

Do Monzo and KakaoBank have a free plan?

Monzo: Yes. KakaoBank: Yes.

More comparisons

All neobank apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update