Is Monzo a European Bank with a Growing Presence?

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Credit: pexels.com, Cute pink piggy bank isolated on white background representing savings and finance concepts.

Monzo is indeed a European bank with a growing presence. It's licensed by the UK's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Monzo's European banking license is a key factor in its growing presence. With this license, Monzo can now offer its services to customers across the EU.

Monzo's expansion into the European market has been a deliberate strategy. The company has been investing heavily in its technology and infrastructure to support this growth.

Monzo's presence in Europe is not just about expansion, but also about offering a more comprehensive service to its customers.

Monzo's Plans and Progress

Monzo has recently announced three new subscription services: Monzo Extra, Monzo Perks, and Monzo Max, replacing the discontinued Monzo Plus and Monzo Premium plans.

In April 2024, these new plans will be introduced, giving users the option to upgrade to one of the new plans or stick with their current subscription.

Bank Notes
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Monzo Extra, Monzo Perks, and Monzo Max offer different levels of service, allowing users to choose the plan that best suits their needs.

Unlike Monzo Premium, Monzo Max will not come with a metal debit card, a notable difference for users who were previously drawn to the premium plan's metal card.

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Monzo's European Presence

Monzo has a strong presence in Europe, with a significant number of customers based in the UK and other European countries.

The bank has a European banking license, which allows it to operate across the continent. This license was granted by the UK's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2018.

Monzo's European expansion has been driven by its digital-first approach, which has enabled it to reach a wider audience across the continent.

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Issued Cards

Monzo initially issued prepaid Mastercards to its customers who wanted to be early adopters.

These cards could be topped up via bank transfer or via an existing debit card.

A detailed close-up shot of 10 and 20 euro banknotes placed on a smartphone, representing finance and technology.
Credit: pexels.com, A detailed close-up shot of 10 and 20 euro banknotes placed on a smartphone, representing finance and technology.

The balance on the card could then be spent via contactless, chip and pin, magnetic stripe or online.

Monzo's cards were initially issued in a neon "hot coral" colour, which was initially intended as a temporary measure during prototyping.

However, the success of the "eye-catching" design led to it becoming a deliberate decision for the company.

In December 2017, Monzo issued new Debit Mastercard cards to all its existing and new customers as the bank began rolling out current accounts.

Customers signing up for the current account are issued a Debit Mastercard.

Big in Europe

Monzo is big in Europe with 2 million customers and adding another 200,000 a month. N26 boasts an impressive 3.5 million users.

Both banks offer powerful budgeting tools that allow customers to split cash into different buckets within the same account. Their apps also enable customers to track spending and budget.

Monzo and N26 give customers free ATM withdrawals, making banking on the go a breeze. They've also made the account opening process painless, allowing customers to sign up in the app itself.

Simple illustration showing financial concept of payments with dollars interests and information on yellow background
Credit: pexels.com, Simple illustration showing financial concept of payments with dollars interests and information on yellow background

Both banks are partnering with US banks, ensuring that Monzo and N26 customers enjoy the same deposit insurance as accounts with established players like Chase and Bank of America.

However, European customers have reported drawbacks, such as missing brick and mortar branches to visit in person. Many consumers also prefer speaking to a human when taking out loans like a mortgage.

Leadership and Expansion

Monzo's leadership has played a significant role in its expansion. Monzo's CEO, Tom Blomfield, has been instrumental in shaping the company's vision.

Monzo has expanded its services to offer a range of features, including instant spending alerts and budgeting tools. These features have been designed to help customers manage their finances more effectively.

In 2018, Monzo launched its current account, which was designed to offer a more modern and user-friendly alternative to traditional bank accounts. The account quickly gained popularity, with over 1 million customers signing up within the first year.

Detailed view of a historic Polish bank facade with classic architectural columns.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of a historic Polish bank facade with classic architectural columns.

Monzo's expansion into Europe has been driven by its desire to offer a more global service. The company has established partnerships with banks in several European countries, allowing customers to use their Monzo account abroad.

Monzo's leadership has also been focused on innovation, with the company investing heavily in new technologies. This has enabled Monzo to offer a range of features that are not available on traditional bank accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monzo classed as a UK bank?

Yes, Monzo holds a UK banking licence and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means it meets the same banking standards as traditional UK banks.

What is the downside of Monzo?

Using Monzo as a spending card rather than your main account may incur additional fees, such as a 3% charge for large UK or EEA withdrawals and a £5 fee for replacement cards

Percy Cole

Senior Writer

Percy Cole is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Percy has established himself as a trusted voice in the insurance industry. Their expertise spans a range of article categories, including malpractice insurance and professional liability insurance for students.

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