Monzo vs MiFinity
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Monzo | MiFinity |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.4 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Best for | Everyday UK banking and budgeting | International online payments |
| Monthly fee | Free → Plus/Premium plans | No standard monthly fee |
| Exchange rate | Mastercard rate, no Monzo markup | Conversion margin applies |
| Send / receive | Free UK transfers | Free wallet-to-wallet |
| Withdrawals | Free in UK; overseas cap then fee on free plan | Varies by method |
| Card | Yes — debit Mastercard | Yes — prepaid Mastercard (select regions) |
| Availability | UK (US in rollout) | 100+ countries |
| Currencies | GBP (spends abroad at Mastercard rate) | Multiple major currencies |
| Regulation | UK PRA/FCA full banking licence (FSCS protected) | Central Bank of Ireland; Isle of Man FSA |
| Founded | 2015 | 2015 |
Monzo
Monzo is a fully licensed UK app bank with FSCS-protected deposits, best known for its budgeting tools (Pots, spending categories) and fee-free card spending abroad at the Mastercard rate. It is one of the most polished everyday banking apps in the UK, with overseas ATM limits and premium perks reserved for paid tiers.
Pros
- Full UK bank, FSCS-protected deposits
- Excellent budgeting with Pots and categories
- No FX markup on card spending
Cons
- GBP-only current account
- Overseas ATM limits on the free plan
- Best perks on paid tiers
MiFinity
MiFinity is an Ireland-based e-wallet used for online payments across 100+ countries, supporting many local funding methods, multiple currencies, eVouchers and an optional prepaid Mastercard. Its strength is broad payment-method and currency coverage, though conversion and withdrawal costs vary and brand recognition trails the larger wallets.
Pros
- Supports many local payment methods and currencies
- Fast wallet-to-wallet transfers
- eVoucher top-up option
Cons
- Conversion and withdrawal fees vary
- Card availability is region-dependent
- Lower brand recognition than PayPal or Skrill
The bottom line
Overall, Monzo edges ahead with a score of 4.4 versus 3.4 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.