Zempler looks to provide customers with a quick and accessible alternative to traditional banks, using smartphone technology to deliver banking on demand. Its main focus is serving customers who have a poor credit score.
Zempler also offers credit cards (and you can read about them here), but this review only looks at its personal current accounts. (Zempler also operates business current accounts, which you can discover more on here).
A Zempler personal current account is digital-only, with all the services available through an app on your smartphone or directly online.
With Zempler, you get all the standard features of a current account: a card, bank payments, ATM withdrawals, direct debits, an overdraft option and so on.
However, Zempler’s main focus is helping people to improve their credit score, so it offers a “credit builder” feature that’s what really distinguishes it from other providers.
If you activate it, Zempler “lends” you your monthly current account fee, and then treats your monthly payments as loan repayments, which are then reported to the credit reference agencies. If you keep up with the payments, your credit score will improve.
Zempler CEO Rich Wagner on “making banking right” for consumers and SMEs
Zempler CEO, Rich Wagner, on the speed and ease of opening a Zempler account: “We have connectivity to a number of databases to validate your identity and who you are, so you don’t have to prove it. We can go to other places and do it for you, so it takes the complexity out of getting a bank account, in addition to speeding up the process of getting a bank account.”
The Zempler app
The Zempler app is simple and straightforward, although not quite as feature-rich as you may expect from a digital-only account (no spending categories or budgeting features here, sorry).
The home screen includes:
A rundown of your account. Including your balance, spending allowance and account details.
Activate a card. Request and activate your Zempler bank card.
View credit add-ons. If you have used any of Zempler’s extra services such as credit cards, extended overdrafts or short-term loans, you can view them here.
Make a payment. Make payments through the app.
There is also a drop-down menu where you can access:
Overview. A complete summary of your account status.
Statements. View your transactions and request a bank statement.
Manage my card. View card details and manage activation status.
Payments and transfers. Make and manage your payments, transfers and direct debits.
Add-ons. View and select different add-ons offered by Zempler.
You can also find FAQs, settings and access any messages through the dropdown menu.
Zempler fees and limits
Unlike many challengers, banking with Zempler doesn’t come for free. Fees and limits vary depending on the type of account.
Personal accounts come in two forms: Freedom and Activeplus.
Freedom accounts are free but come with a charge for UK card purchases, e-payments, bank transfers and direct debits. There is also a charge for UK ATM withdrawals.
Activeplus accounts has a monthly fee with no extra charges for direct debits and UK card purchases. You also get a set number of free transfers or e-payments per month. However, there is a fee for ATM withdrawals.
For all the accounts, there is a cost associated with receiving the accompanying card.
You can also deposit cash into Zempler accounts at Post Office branches, however you’ll have to pay a small percentage fee.
Using Zempler abroad
For all personal accounts, there is a cost associated with making a transaction abroad.
But Zempler also offers free prepaid currency cards in dollars and euros. The cards allow you to withdraw and spend money in Europe or America at no extra cost, and because they’re prepaid they also help you manage your budget.
Is Zempler safe?
Zempler takes security seriously and requires basic information alongside certified documents to register your account. Your account is kept behind a secure password and is locked if the wrong password is entered three times. Additionally, after 15 minutes of inactivity, you are logged out automatically.
Zempler is fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means that money deposited in Zempler accounts is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000.
Zempler customer reviews
Zempler has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from around 43,600 reviews on the App Store, and over on Google Play it has an average score of 4.4 out of 5 from around 21,500 Android app users.
On Trustpilot, Zempler receives a mark of 4.0 out of 5, and a rating of Great, from over 9,000 feedback posts. Customer reviews on this platform are mixed, with some users praising the easy-to-use app and simple account set-up, while others highlight problems with making payments or logging into their accounts (August 2023).
How does the app look?
Quick mobile-only application
It's quick and easy to apply for a personal or business account. As fast as 3 minutes in the app.
Manage your money better
Go to the homepage for all your basic banking features. See your budget and make payments.
Build your credit
Once approved, you can use credit add-ons to build up your credit score.
Credit builder feature available to improve your credit score.
Optional overdraft to help you in a pinch.
Currency cards available for spending overseas.
Online banking service as well as a mobile app.
Short-term loans can be applied for.
Payment alerts for direct debits.
Cons
Must pay a monthly fee for an account, or face charges on the free version when you need to use your money.
Fee to have your bank card issued.
The upselling of different loans and overdrafts could potentially be dangerous if you are easily tempted.
Not all banking services are available via the app.
Customer service information for Zempler
Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support
Our verdict
Zempler mostly focuses on helping people build up their credit score, and if you’re just looking for a digital-only current account, there certainly are cheaper options.
However, the credit builder feature may have something in it for you if you have a bad credit score and want to improve it. This could be particularly useful if you don’t want to take out a credit card or won’t be accepted for one. However, make sure you also have a look at our bad credit guide and compare your options first.
Frequently asked questions
Net interest income: Zempler uses customer deposits as overdrafts and loans for other customers. Treasury income: The Bank of England holds money that isn't used for loans and overdrafts, where it generates interest. Interchange income: The small fee Zempler takes from card transactions made on certain accounts. Fees and commission: Zempler upsells credit cards, loans and overdrafts, which generate income through the interest customers must pay back on top of the borrowed amount.
Very easy. Transfer money from another bank account or deposit cash through a Post Office branch. A fee will apply to the total amount paid in (with a minimum charge in place).
No. You can receive international payments into your account, but you can't make outbound international payments from your account.
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Michelle Stevens is a deputy editor at Finder, specialising in banking, credit, loans and mortgages. She has a journalism degree from the University of Sheffield and has been a journalist for 15 years, writing on topics including fintech, payment systems and retail. In her spare time, Michelle likes to travel, explore new foodie experiences and attempt to improve her own culinary skills. See full bio
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You can open and use a Monese account in the UK and across Europe. We round up the fees and features of this app-based current account.
32 Responses
NevenaAugust 6, 2018
How can I cancel cash plus card and if I don’t activate it what will happen
Finder
joelmarceloAugust 7, 2018Finder
Hi Nevena,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
You can cancel your card by following the instructions in the terms & conditions. You will need to write a letter saying you want to cancel your account and include your card, cut in two. Just remember to cancel your standing order for the card fee by calling them at 0330 024 0924. You can also block your card online by logging into Cashplus Online Servicing or the Mobile App. Just select the ‘Block a card button’ and and follow the prompts. If you did not activate your card, it will automatically expire on the date visible on the card.
Cheers,
Joel
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How can I cancel cash plus card and if I don’t activate it what will happen
Hi Nevena,
Thanks for leaving a question on finder.
You can cancel your card by following the instructions in the terms & conditions. You will need to write a letter saying you want to cancel your account and include your card, cut in two. Just remember to cancel your standing order for the card fee by calling them at 0330 024 0924. You can also block your card online by logging into Cashplus Online Servicing or the Mobile App. Just select the ‘Block a card button’ and and follow the prompts. If you did not activate your card, it will automatically expire on the date visible on the card.
Cheers,
Joel