Best Third-Party Banking App in the UK for Businesses

If you’re evaluating a third-party banking app, you’re probably already past the research stage. You know your current setup isn’t cutting it. Maybe transaction costs keep creeping up, your reconciliation takes days instead of minutes, or client onboarding drags on because you can’t get verified bank data fast enough.

At this stage, the real question isn’t what a third-party banking app is — it’s which one can solve your operational blockers without adding new headaches.

That’s exactly what this guide will cover. We’ll look at the best third-party banking app choices available in the UK in 2025, highlight the specific strengths of each, and show where an API-first provider like Finexer can step in to cut costs, reduce delays, and speed up your workflows.

What to Expect from a Third-Party Banking App

Not all third-party banking app solutions are built for the same use cases. Before choosing one, it helps to understand the three main categories:

1. Consumer-Facing Apps

These are designed for individuals who want better control of their money. Think of tools like Monzo, Revolut, or Plum. They provide instant notifications, budgeting insights, and spending analytics. Useful for personal finance, but not always suited for business operations.

2. SME and Microbusiness Apps

Platforms like Tide or Starling Business fall into this category. They combine banking features with lightweight business tools such as invoicing, expense categorisation, and integration with accounting software. They’re convenient, but they can show limitations once transaction volumes increase or compliance demands grow.

3. API-First Providers

This is where an API-driven third-party banking app like Finexer comes in. Instead of offering just a mobile interface, these platforms give businesses direct access to secure, regulated banking APIs. That means automated reconciliation, batch payments, payroll integration, and real-time financial data — all inside your existing systems.

Comparing the 5 Best Third-Party Banking Apps

Third-Party Banking App	Best For	Key Features	Limitations
Finexer	UK businesses needing Instant Settlement for better Cashflow	Instant Open Banking payments, batch payouts, real-time data access, white-label dashboards	Covers 99% of the UK Banks
Revolut	Individuals & SMEs with international needs	Multi-currency accounts, prepaid cards, spending insights, payroll & invoicing	Less suited for enterprise-level compliance and automation
Monzo Business	Freelancers & small businesses	Instant alerts, expense tracking, accounting integrations, multiple user access	Limited advanced features for high-volume businesses
Tide	Freelancers & microbusinesses	Quick setup, invoicing, expense categorisation, accounting software sync	Not built for large-scale or complex financial operations
Starling Business	SMEs looking for banking + marketplace tools	Instant payments, multi-user access, marketplace integrations, loans	Tied to Starling’s ecosystem, limited direct API control

1. Finexer: The Best Third-Party Banking App for UK Businesses

When finance teams look beyond consumer apps, they often need more than budgeting tools or lightweight integrations. They need a third-party banking app that plugs directly into their operations, reduces costs, and speeds up processes without compliance headaches. That’s exactly where Finexer comes in.

Why Finexer Stands Out

• Powered by Open Banking: Finexer uses regulated AIS & PIS APIs to connect with 99% of UK banks. This gives businesses secure, real-time access to transaction data and the ability to initiate instant payments — all without card networks.
• Faster Than Traditional Methods: Payments that normally take days through cards or bank transfers settle almost instantly with Open Banking. Finexer’s infrastructure is built for same-day execution, ensuring payroll runs, supplier payouts, and refunds happen without delays.
• Business-First Features:
  • Batch payouts for payroll and vendor disbursements
  • QR code payments for retail and utilities
  • White-label dashboards for accountants and finance teams
  • Automated receipts and reconciliations
• Rapid Deployment: Most providers take months to get live. Finexer deploys 2–3x faster than the market, supported by 3–5 weeks of hands-on onboarding.
• Compliance Built-In: FCA-authorised and GDPR-compliant, so you don’t waste time wrestling with regulatory frameworks.
• Flexible Pricing: No heavy upfront costs, just affordable usage-based pricing that scales with you.

The Real Advantage

Adopting Finexer as your third-party banking app means:

• Payroll and payouts are executed instantly with Open Banking payments
• Reconciliation that happens in hours, not days
• Up to 90% lower transaction costs compared to cards
• A faster route to market thanks to API-first integration and expert onboarding

Finexer isn’t just another app on your phone. It’s a fully regulated third-party banking app that lets businesses move money faster, access cleaner bank data, and eliminate card network overheads — all while keeping compliance and customer experience front and centre.

2. Revolut: A Third-Party Banking App for Personal and Business Finances

Revolut has become one of the most recognised names in UK fintech. As a third-party banking app, it offers both individuals and small businesses a wide range of features that go beyond traditional banking.

Key Strengths

• Multi-Currency Accounts: Hold, send, and receive funds in dozens of currencies, making it useful for freelancers or businesses with international exposure.
• Prepaid Cards & Spending Insights: Track transactions instantly, set budgets, and manage expenses directly from the app.
• Business Tools: Revolut Business offers invoicing, payroll tools, and integrations with accounting platforms.

Limitations to Note

While Revolut is a strong third-party banking app for personal and SME-level needs, it doesn’t give businesses the same level of control or compliance assurance as API-first solutions. For firms managing higher transaction volumes or regulated processes, Revolut can feel more like an add-on than a core system.

3. Monzo Business: A Third-Party Banking App for SMEs

Monzo started as one of the UK’s most popular digital banks for individuals, and its business accounts follow the same philosophy: simple, intuitive, and easy to manage on the go. As a third-party banking app, Monzo Business is designed primarily for freelancers, sole traders, and small businesses.

Key Strengths

• Instant Alerts: Every transaction triggers a real-time notification, helping owners stay on top of spending.
• Expense Tracking: Categories and tags make it easier to separate business from personal costs.
• Accounting Integrations: Connects with Xero, QuickBooks, and other tools for smoother bookkeeping.
• Multiple User Access: Business owners can grant team members access for shared management.

Limitations to Consider

While Monzo is a convenient third-party banking app for SMEs, it’s not built for complex financial operations. High-volume payouts, automated reconciliation, and regulatory compliance checks fall outside its scope. For businesses that need enterprise-grade features, an Open Banking-powered solution like Finexer is more suitable.

4. Tide: A Third-Party Banking App for Freelancers and Microbusinesses

Tide has built a strong presence in the UK as a third-party banking app aimed at freelancers, contractors, and small businesses that want simple account setup and basic financial tools.

Key Strengths

• Quick Account Opening: Businesses can get set up in minutes with minimal paperwork.
• Invoicing Tools: Create and send invoices directly from the app.
• Expense Management: Automatic categorisation of transactions helps keep tax and reporting simple.
• Integrations: Syncs with leading accounting software, including Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks.

Limitations to Consider

Tide’s focus on microbusinesses means its features can feel limited for companies with higher transaction volumes or advanced compliance needs. While it offers a cost-effective entry point, larger businesses may need a more comprehensive third-party banking app as they scale.

5. Starling Business: A Third-Party Banking App for Growing SMEs

Starling Bank has positioned itself as one of the leading challengers in UK banking. Its business accounts are designed for small and medium-sized enterprises that want a flexible, mobile-first experience. As a third-party banking app, Starling Business combines everyday banking with additional tools that support growth.

Key Strengths

• Instant Payments: Faster Payments and 24/7 transfers ensure funds move quickly.
• Marketplace Integrations: Access to third-party tools within the Starling ecosystem, such as insurance, accounting software, and lending partners.
• Multi-User Access: Teams can share account access with role-based permissions.
• Overdrafts and Loans: Access to financing options directly from the app.

Limitations to Consider

While Starling Business works well as a third-party banking app for SMEs, its features remain tied to Starling’s ecosystem. Businesses needing direct API access, large-scale automation, or custom compliance controls may find it less flexible compared to specialist providers.

Choosing the Right Third-Party Banking App

By now, you’ve seen that not every third-party banking app serves the same purpose. Some are built for consumers managing personal finance, others target SMEs with basic tools, and a select few focus on businesses that need automation, compliance, and scale.

If your goal is to run payroll faster, reconcile payments instantly, or cut costs with Open Banking payments, you’ll need more than a lightweight app. That’s where Finexer stands out as the best third-party banking app for businesses in the UK — offering secure APIs, instant transactions, and rapid deployment.

When evaluating providers, the safest bet is to choose a UK third-party banking app that not only meets today’s needs but also positions you for tomorrow’s growth.