Kroo vs Tandem Bank
Side-by-side comparison — pricing, features, ratings, use cases. Find which Neobanks fits you best.
🔍 Independently researched ·
📊 Data-driven
· ⭐ Ratings from G2 (real user reviews)
27/100
Free tier
Socially-minded UK users who want a free, FSCS-protected current account with built-in tools for splitting group expense
💰 Pricing
🆓 Free tier available
All features are included in the single free tier; no paid premium tiers exist.
Fee notes:
- Monthly account fee: £0
- Card payments abroad: no Kroo fee; exchange rate set by Mastercard
- ATM withdrawals: free at all ATMs in the UK and abroad, though the ATM operator may charge a fee
- International transfers: not currently offered; only UK Faster Payments available
- Card replacement: typically free, but expedited delivery may incur a fee
⚠ Watch for:
- Third-party ATM surcharges can apply when using non-branch ATMs, especially abroad
- Mastercard's exchange rate includes a small spread above the interbank rate, even though Kroo does not add a markup
- Expedited card delivery may cost a fee
- No foreign currency account, so payments in non-GBP are converted at Mastercard's rate
🔧 Features
✓ Free Tier✓ Social Banking✓ Joint Accounts✓ Group Expenses✓ Fscs Protected
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- Kroo offers a completely free UK current account with no monthly fees, no transaction charges, and zero foreign transaction fees. This is rare among UK banks, and cutting the usual 'average market rate' markup on foreign card payments means you save money every time you use your card abroad. For frequent travelers or online shoppers who buy in foreign currencies, this benefit is substantial.
- FSCS protection up to £85,000 per person and a full UK banking license provide peace of mind that your money is safe, unlike some fintech startups that fail to offer such safety nets. Knowing your deposits are government-backed adds credibility and makes Kroo a safer choice for larger balances.
- The interest on your entire current account balance is a standout feature. Unlike traditional current accounts that pay almost nothing, Kroo pays a competitive variable rate that is calculated daily and credited monthly. This means your everyday spending money works for you, earning interest passively without needing to move funds into a separate savings account.
- The joint account and shared tabs feature is tailor-made for group spending. You can create a shared tab for rent, utilities, or a holiday kitty; add members; and seamlessly split expenses. Each transaction is tracked, and the app shows who has paid and who owes what, eliminating awkward money conversations and simplifying group finances.
- The app's user experience is polished and intuitive, with a clean design and instant notifications. Budgeting insights and spending categories help you track where your money goes, and the ability to freeze your card instantly via the app adds a layer of security. The onboarding process is purely digital, and you can apply for a joint account directly within the app.
⚠ Watch out for
- The lack of cash and cheque deposit facilities is a significant drawback. If you receive cash or cheques regularly, you cannot pay them into your Kroo account. You'll need another bank to deposit physical money, then transfer funds. This is a common neobank limitation, but it still makes Kroo inconvenient for those who rely on cash transactions.
- There is no overdraft facility or any credit products, such as loans or credit cards. For users who occasionally need a short-term buffer or want to build credit history, Kroo is not sufficient. It must be complemented with a traditional bank or credit union that offers credit facilities, making it less suitable as your sole financial provider.
- Kroo is UK-only, so you cannot hold balances in other currencies or access international banking features beyond the fee-free card payments. If you need a multi-currency account or want to manage funds in different denominations, you'll have to look at competitors like Revolut or Wise.
- The customer support options are limited to in-app chat and email, with no phone support. While the in-app chat is responsive during business hours, some users may find the lack of immediate human contact frustrating, especially for urgent issues like a lost card or suspected fraud.
- Kroo does not offer all the fintech extras that competitors have, such as savings pots, crypto trading, or insurance products. The feature set is intentionally focused, but if you are looking for an all-in-one financial hub, you might find it lacking.
🎯 Best for
Socially-minded UK users who want a free, FSCS-protected current account with built-in tools for splitting group expenses and earning interest on their balance.
🚫 Who should skip
Anyone who needs business banking, frequent cash deposits, an overdraft, or in-person branch support should look elsewhere.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal — the app is intuitive and built around a mobile-first, social banking experience.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
Kroo is a solid choice for UK users who value no fees, international spending, and social banking features like joint accounts and shared tabs for group expenses. It's perfect as a secondary bank or for sharing finances with others. However, if you need cash deposits, overdrafts, or multi-currency a
70/100
Free tier
Environmentally conscious UK residents who want a free everyday bank account with carbon tracking, green cashback, and c
★ Best
💰 Pricing
🆓 Free tier available
Standard account has no monthly fee; all core features included; cashback capped at monthly limit as per terms
Fee notes:
- FX markup: 0% – purchases abroad converted at the Mastercard exchange rate
- No fee for ATM withdrawals worldwide where Mastercard is accepted
- No fee for spending on the card in any currency
- Card replacement free under standard delivery; express delivery may incur a fee
- Incoming international transfers via SEPA generally no fee; outgoing SWIFT transfers may incur a fee (amount varies)
⚠ Watch for:
- If an arranged overdraft is used, interest applies per the product tariff
- Cashback is paid in 'Tandem points' and may require a minimum redemption threshold
- Express card delivery or replacement before standard postal delivery may be charged
- Outgoing international bank transfers over SWIFT may include intermediary fees
🔧 Features
✓ Free Tier✓ Green Focus✓ Cashback✓ Savings✓ Mortgage Advisory
📋 Assessment
💪 Strengths
- The carbon footprint tracker is a standout feature. It automatically categorizes your transactions and estimates the emissions associated with each purchase, providing a personalized monthly carbon footprint and insights into which spending areas have the highest impact. This makes environmental impact tangible and helps users make more informed, sustainable choices. It's a unique offering that sets Tandem apart from most other neobanks.
- Tandem rewards its users with cashback on debit card purchases from selected green partners. This includes companies like Energy, utility providers, and ethical retailers. While the list is limited, it offers a tangible financial incentive to shop sustainably, effectively combining your eco-values with your wallet. For frequent shoppers at these partners, the cashback can add up.
- Tandem consistently offers competitive interest rates on its savings products, often beating traditional high street banks. The app allows you to create multiple savings pots, each with different rates and terms, giving you flexibility to save for various goals. The standard current account has no monthly fees, and the savings rates are clear and upfront, with no hidden charges.
- The app is well-designed and user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to view your account balance, recent transactions, and carbon footprint. Features like instant spending notifications, the ability to freeze your card from the app, and quick money transfers between pots and external accounts streamline everyday banking. The app also integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless payments.
- Tandem provides mortgage advisory services through a partnership with a mortgage broker. This is a unique addition for a neobank, offering customers a pathway to property ownership with the convenience of a digital-first approach. You can get a mortgage in principle directly through the app, which can be a significant advantage for first-time buyers.
⚠ Watch out for
- Tandem is available only to UK residents with a permanent UK address. This makes it unsuitable for expats, frequent travelers, or those who need multi-currency accounts or international money transfer features. If you live abroad or travel frequently, you'll need to rely on other banking solutions for foreign transactions.
- There are no physical branches. All customer service is digital, which is standard for neobanks, but it can be a drawback for users who prefer face-to-face assistance or are not comfortable with app-only banking. If you encounter complex issues, you may find the lack of in-person support limiting.
- The green cashback categories and partner network are quite limited. You won't earn cashback on general everyday spending like groceries, fuel, or dining unless the merchant happens to be a green partner. This means the potential to earn rewards is restricted, and you might not see significant cashback accumulation over time.
- The carbon footprint tracker, while innovative, relies on estimates based on transaction categories and average emissions. It may not accurately reflect the actual carbon impact of specific products or the sustainability practices of merchants. Users should view the tracker as a general educational tool rather than an exact measurement.
- The savings rates, while competitive, are not always the highest on the market. Other digital banks or savings accounts may offer better rates, especially for fixed-term or notice accounts. It's worth comparing rates periodically to ensure you're getting the best return on your savings.
🎯 Best for
Environmentally conscious UK residents who want a free everyday bank account with carbon tracking, green cashback, and competitive savings rates.
🚫 Who should skip
International users, businesses, or people who need extensive features like multi-currency accounts, joint accounts, or a wide range of integrated financial products.
📚 Learning curve
Minimal - the app is user-friendly and straightforward, with all core features (tracker, cashback, savings) accessible from the main dashboard.
🧑⚖️ Verdict
Tandem is an excellent choice for UK-based eco-conscious individuals who prefer digital banking and want to align their financial habits with sustainability. However, if you need multi-currency features, branch access, or a wider cashback network, you should look elsewhere. Bottom line: Tandem offer
📊 Use Case Suitability
Higher score = better fit. Scores from editorial review.
Use CaseKrooTandem Bank
Group Expense Splitting95—
Shared tabs let groups split bills and track who owes who in real time, making i
Joint Account Banking90—
Kroo's joint accounts give couples or housemates a transparent shared balance an
Everyday Spending with Interest85—
You earn a competitive variable interest rate on your entire current account bal
Mobile-First Daily Banking80—
The app is clean, fast, and designed for digital-only users, with instant notifi
Business Banking10—
Kroo doesn't offer business accounts, invoicing tools, or tax features, so it's
Everyday Banking for Eco-Conscious Users—95
Tandem's core focus on green spending and carbon tracking makes it ideal for env
Tracking Carbon Footprint from Spending—90
The built-in carbon footprint tracker automatically estimates emissions based on
Earning Cashback on Sustainable Purchases—85
Tandem gives cashback on purchases from green partners, offering a financial inc
🧭 Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Kroo if...
- You are: Socially-minded UK users who want a free, FSCS-protected current account with built-in tools for splitting group expense
- 👍 Free UK current account with no monthly fees and no foreign transaction fees, even when used abroad.
- 👍 FSCS protection up to £85,000 per person, backed by a full UK banking license.
- 👍 Competitive variable interest on your entire account balance, paid monthly on a daily-calculated bas
- 💰 Free tier available
- ⚠ Trade-off: No cash or cheque deposits—you can't pay in physical money, which is limiting fo
Choose Tandem Bank if...
- You are: Environmentally conscious UK residents who want a free everyday bank account with carbon tracking, green cashback, and c
- 👍 Strong green focus with a built-in carbon footprint tracker that automatically estimates emissions f
- 👍 Cashback rewards on debit card purchases from selected green partners, offering tangible rewards for
- 👍 Competitive savings rates that are often higher than traditional high street banks, with no monthly
- 💰 Free tier available
- ⚠ Trade-off: Limited to UK residents only, so it's not suitable for international customers o
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kroo really free to use?
Yes, Kroo's standard UK current account has no monthly fees, no card fees, and no foreign transaction fees. You only need to cover any third-party charges, like an ATM operator's fee.
How does interest on my current account balance work?
Kroo pays a variable interest rate on your entire balance (up to the FSCS protected amount), typically credited monthly. This makes it a rare current account that also works like a savings account.
Are my deposits protected if Kroo fails?
Yes, Kroo is a fully licensed UK bank and is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Your deposits are protected up to £85,000 per person.
Can I open a joint account with Kroo?
Yes, you can open a joint account with another person directly in the app. Both of you get a shared view of money and spending, and you can still use shared tabs for group expenses.
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