Best bank account for instant balances

[duhast]

I'm currently with First Direct but despite promises the balance data isn't 'live'. I'm really want a bank that has up to the minute balances.

Any recommendations?

starling bank, they have a top notch back end infrastructure, designed pretty much to do this.

except they do have to interface with other old school banking systems, it very much does depend on when other banks do their batch runs to post to clearing.

Thanks will check them out.

My sister thinks Monzo is the good? I'm just always reluctant to take her recs because she's smug about it 🙂

Santander shows both balance and amount available, so takes into account pending transactions.

Metro bank are brilliant for this. Really easy App to use too.

Despite your smug sister Monzo is great!

It’s not my current account but both my adult DSs are using it that way - DS2 used to have terrible trouble with NatWest whose balance updates were slow & unpredictable. He loves Monzo

It really is instant

and if you ever need to pay for something online in a different currency, that’s also instant and at the best (commercial) conversion rate!

Another vote for Starling - great app and instant information.

Nationwide is very good, so if you'd prefer somewhere with branches. When I transfer money to Nationwide from my account with a different bank, it is visible in my account instantly.

Halifax

Monzo is great, it’s a bit too instant!

My student sons think NatWest is great for that although anyone who uses tap and pay should be aware it does not show up for a few days which is why I never use it.

Nationwide, monza or Starling. All great and instant.

Nationwide is good for multiple accounts and monzo/Starling good for spending account giving instant total and breakdown and other info within an easy to use app.

Nationwide is fab. The app is excellent. As soon as I buy something, it’s in pending transactions in seconds. It shows two balances, one without the transaction, the other with, and if you click on pending transactions the amounts pop up in order.

Another vote for Nationwide here - I've been with them for over 30 years with no problems, and their app is great.

Monzo is ace

Another vote for starling, I find the app often pings to notify me of the transaction before the card reader says approved.

Thanks everyone!

I'm looking at Monzo with new eyes.
Between them and Starling I think as I like the savings pots idea 🙂

I love the savings pots on Starling. For the first time ever I feel in control of my finances - I have pots for holidays, pet bills, car repair/tax etc and it works a treat

Another vote for starling. I use it as my second current account for spending. Very pleased with it.