Not everyone needs a dedicated euro bank account in the UK, but it can be incredibly useful for specific situations. For instance, frequent travelers to Europe, freelancers with European clients, expats managing finances across borders, and even UK businesses with a significant European customer base can all benefit from the convenience and cost-saving potential. A euro account allows you to hold, spend, send, and receive euros without the need for frequent currency conversions and their associated fees.
While you can open euro accounts with traditional banks, you also have the option to easily open online with virtual bank. Most of virtual banks operate through an app. As such, to open a euro account, you just need to download their app, sign up, verify your identity and then fund the account. Euro bank accounts come with a debit card which you can use for ATM withdrawals and making card payments.
Who Needs an Online Euro Bank Account?
Online euro bank accounts can be beneficial for a variety of people; whether living in the Eurozone or not. Here are some examples:
- Expats and immigrants: Avoid high fees from traditional banks and manage finances online.
- Freelancers and remote workers: Receive payments in euros.
- Online shoppers: Make purchases from European sellers without foreign transaction fees.
- Retirees: Access your pension in euros without hefty currency conversion charges.
- Frequent travelers to Europe: Minimize foreign transaction fees by paying and withdrawing euros directly without getting charged extra.
- Investors: Invest in euro-denominated assets such as stocks and bonds.
- UK businesses with clients in the Eurozone: Simplify cross-border transactions and avoid delays and currency conversion fees by receiving and sending payments in euros directly.
Euro Bank Accounts in UK
The following are some of the best online Euro bank accounts:
Wise Euro Account
Wise is a virtual bank that is also offering a free euro bank account with a debit card. You can use a Wise Euro account to send money to over 70 countries, hold and spend money in over 50 currencies. A wise euro account does not have hidden fees.
You can convert your euro bank balance and make transfers using a mid-market rate with no hidden fees. When you open a Wise account, you get:
- European, British, and Turkish IBAN
- US account number and Bank code (SWIFT/BIC)
- Euro debit card
- Low cost money transfer
- Able to link Wise to PayPal account
Wise Fees
• Sending money (varies by currency) – From 0.43%
• ATM fees for over 200 GBP per month – 1.75%
• Account funding transactions – 2%
• Currency Conversion – From 0.43%
Starling Bank Euro Account
Starling Bank offers one of the best free euro bank accounts. You can use Starling’s online euro bank account to hold, send and receive euros for free. Besides, you can convert your euros into pounds or vice versa. Starling Bank Euro account does not have hidden fees or extra charges.
Starling Bank virtual euro account comes with a unique IBAN. Also, your bank balance is covered to a maximum of £85,000 or equivalent by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Starling Bank’s euro account supports SEPA payments and Target2 payments only.
Starling Bank Fees
- Exchange rate: 0.4%
- Annual Equivalent Rate – 0%
- Card replacement: £10,
- Certifying documents relating to your Euro Personal Current Account: £20
Monese Euro Account
Monese is a UK online bank that provides a range of banking services, including euro accounts. Their multicurrency accounts come with features like IBAN and SEPA for money transfers within supported regions. Monese operates in the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA).
Benefits of Monese Euro account include:
- Multicurrency accounts
- Personal, Joint, and Business Accounts
- Money transfers
- Bill and purchase protection
- Integration with PayPal and Avios
Monese Fees
- Simple Plan – £0/month
- Classic Plan – £5.95/month
- Premium Plan – £14.95/month
Airwallex Euro Bank Account
Airwallex also offers free online euro bank account in the UK. You can use the account to hold, send and receive money in euros. You can open new payment streams within Europe with a Euro global account. It also allows users to hold multiple currencies in their accounts.
Airwallex Fees
- Free sign up
- Zero monthly account fees
- Free virtual card and physical cad
- Free international transfers
Revolut Euro Bank Account
Revolut offers a Euro bank account with a debit card. The card is a Mastercard and can be used to make payments online and in stores. You can also use the account to hold, send and receive money. Revolut does not charge for money transfers with the SEPA region.
When you open an account with Revolut, you get:
- Global IBAN
- Euro debit card (physical and virtual cards)
- Local accounts in global currencies
- Multicurrency accounts
Revolut Fees
Plan | Fees |
---|---|
Revolut Standard | Free |
Revolut Plus | £2.99/month |
Revolut Premium | £6.99/month |
Revolut Metal | £12.99/month |
Revolut Ultra | £45/month |
Business Account Fees: | |
Basic plan | £0.00/month |
Grow plan | £25/month |
Scale plan | £100/month |
Enterprise plan | Custom pricing |
Freelance Accounts: | |
Basic plan | £0.00/month |
Professional plan | £7/month |
Ultimate plan | £25/month |
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Online Banks for Opening a Euro Bank Accounts in UK
The above are some of the best online euro bank accounts you can open. Euro bank account helps you hold, spend, send, and receive money in euros while in the UK. This is a great option if you want to hold euros in your account or if you get paid in euros within the EEA.
Opening a Euro bank account online has become easier with the availability of reputable UK online banks and fintech like Revolut, Wise, and Monese. These banks offer user-friendly mobile apps, competitive exchange rates, and features like IBAN and SEPA for smooth money transfers. Whether you’re a traveler, business owner, freelancer, or seeking a flexible Euro banking option, exploring these online banks in the UK can provide convenience in managing your finances.
Read also: Best virtual bank accounts in the UK
How do I open a Euro bank account?
To open a Euro bank account, begin by researching and selecting a reputable bank from the options mentioned in the article. Collect the necessary documents, complete the application process either online or in-person, await approval, and then proceed to deposit funds into the account.
What are the best online Euro bank account?
Some best online bank accounts include N26, Revolut, Wise, and Monese.
What are Euro bank accounts with debit card?
There are several banks that offer bank accounts with a debit card, including Revolut, Monese and N26.
What is the IBAN number for a Euro account?
An IBAN number is an International Bank Account Number. However, for Euro accounts, the typical IBAN length is 22 characters. For example: DE12345678901234567890.