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West Country Kopite

13

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All reviews (13)
Review of the Monzo, Under 16s account:
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The best tool for teaching kids about money!

5
I have tried a few different pocket money apps over the years, but moving both my 12-year-old and 7-year-old onto Monzo has been a game-changer. It strikes the perfect balance between giving them independence and keeping me in control. For the 7-year-old: Simple and exciting My youngest absolutely loves the neon card (we went for the bright yellow one—you can't miss it!). At this age, it is all about the basics. They don't need a phone to use it, which is great. We use it mostly for their weekly pocket money. Instead of hunting around the house for loose change on a Saturday morning, I just set up a scheduled payment from my account to theirs. They get the excitement of using their own card in a shop to buy a comic or a treat, and I get the peace of mind knowing the card is blocked from age-inappropriate shops automatically. For the 12-year-old: Real independence For my eldest, the experience is much more "grown-up." They have the Monzo app on their own phone, which gives them a proper view of their money. The "Pots" feature is brilliant for this age. They are currently saving up for a new game, and they can see their progress bar moving up every time they put a few pounds aside. It teaches them that money isn't just for spending immediately. They also love that they can use Apple Pay/Google Pay (available from age 13 usually, but good to get ready for), so they don't always need to carry the physical wallet. For the parents: Total control The best part for me is the visibility. I can see both of their balances and transactions instantly from my own Monzo app. Notifications: I get a ping the second they spend money, telling me where and how much. Safety: If the 12-year-old loses their card (which has happened), I can freeze it instantly from my phone. No ringing a call centre. No fees: Unlike GoHenry or Rooster, which charge monthly subscription fees, the standard Monzo Under 16 account is completely free. That saves us nearly £80 a year compared to some competitors. Verdict: It grows with them perfectly. It’s simple enough for a 7-year-old to understand, but functional enough that my 12-year-old doesn't feel like they are using a "baby" app. Reviewed on: 9th February 2026
Review of the Monzo, Flex Purchase credit card:
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The smartest way to borrow money!

5
I am usually very careful with credit cards and "buy now, pay later" schemes. They often feel designed to trip you up with hidden fees or confusing dates. Monzo Flex is different. It feels like the first credit product actually built to help you manage cash flow, rather than just trapping you in debt. The best feature is the control it gives you. You can buy something on your debit card today, and if you decide a few days later that you would rather spread the cost, you can move that transaction to Flex with a couple of taps. You can go back up to two weeks in the past. It is incredibly useful for unexpected bills, like a car repair or a vet bill, giving you breathing room without needing to plan it all in advance. The "3 months interest-free" offer is genuine. If you pay it back over three monthly instalments, it costs you nothing extra. It is a great alternative to dipping into savings for short-term costs. If you need longer, you can stretch it to 6, 12, or 24 months, and the app shows you exactly how much interest that will cost in pounds and pence before you commit. No working out percentages in your head. Crucially, because Flex is a regulated credit card, you get Section 75 protection on eligible purchases. That means if you buy something over £100 and the retailer goes bust or the item is faulty, the bank is legally responsible for helping you get your money back. Most other "buy now, pay later" apps do not offer this safety net. Everything lives in the main Monzo app, so you can see your Flex payments alongside your normal bills. It stops you from forgetting a repayment and accidentally hurting your credit score. Verdict: If you are disciplined with your money, this is hands down the best way to spread the cost of larger purchases. Reviewed on: 9th February 2026
Review of the Monzo, Current account:
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Banking that actually makes sense!

5
I switched to Monzo years ago, and honestly, it is hard to imagine going back to a traditional high street bank. It just works. The best thing about it is the app. It is clean, colourful, and incredibly easy to get around. You don't need to dig through endless menus just to find your sort code or freeze a lost card. It puts everything you actually need right in front of you. Managing money is much easier with their "Pots" feature. You can separate your bills and savings from your main spending money instantly. I really like the Salary Sorter too, the moment I get paid, I can split my money into different pots so I know exactly what is left to spend for the month. It stops that accidental overspending before payday. Traveling with Monzo is also a massive plus. You can use your card abroad without getting hit with hidden fees, and the exchange rate is the actual Mastercard rate, which is usually decent. Plus, the instant notifications on your phone mean you know immediately if a payment has gone through (or if someone has tried to use your card without you knowing). Customer support is all done through the in-app chat. While some people prefer a phone line, I have found the chat usually sorts things out without sitting on hold for ages. Overall, Monzo takes the stress out of banking. It feels modern, gives you control, and is actually quite satisfying to use. Reviewed on: 9th February 2026
Review of the Monzo, Under 16s account:
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Monzo's under 16 account is a proper boon for parents

5
he Monzo under 16 account is a proper boon for parents and teens alike. Getting it set up was a doddle through the app, and it's brilliant that it doesn't cost a penny. For young 'uns just starting to get to grips with managing their own money, it's spot on. The separate app for them is really well thought out – it gives them a sense of independence while still letting parents keep an eye on things. Seeing their spending in black and white helps them learn the value of money and make better choices. Plus, the ability for parents to top up their account instantly is super handy for pocket money or little emergencies. The security features are also reassuring. Knowing they can freeze their card instantly if it gets lost gives you peace of mind. And the spending notifications they get help them track what's going in and out. It's a fantastic way to introduce teenagers to the world of digital banking in a safe and controlled environment. It teaches them responsibility without the worry of hefty fees or complicated stuff. Definitely a top-notch way for young people to manage their money. Reviewed on: 15th April 2025
Review of the Monzo, Flex Purchase credit card:
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I've been using Monzo Flex credit card, and...

5
I've been using the Monzo Flex credit card for a bit now, and I've got to say, it's a rather clever bit of kit. The way it lets you spread out the cost of purchases is genuinely useful, especially for those slightly bigger spends. Being able to choose your repayment plan – whether it's over 3, 6, or 12 months – gives you a proper sense of control, and it's all laid out nice and clearly in the app. Speaking of the app, managing the Flex card through it is a doddle, just like the current account. You can see exactly what you've spent, what your upcoming payments are, and change your plans within certain limits, which is handy if your situation changes. What I particularly appreciate is the transparency. There aren't any sneaky hidden fees that I've come across, and the app makes it really obvious what the interest will be if you choose a longer repayment plan. It helps you make informed decisions, which is always a good thing. It integrated seamlessly with my existing Monzo account, which made the whole application process and day-to-day use really smooth. It feels like a natural extension of their banking service. For anyone looking for a flexible way to manage their spending and spread out costs without any fuss, the Monzo Flex credit card is definitely worth a look. It's straightforward, easy to manage, and puts you in control. Reviewed on: 15th April 2025

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