Atom is a new startup in the UK that will offer banking products and services mainly through available mobile apps. Kicking off with support for iPhone and iPad, the Bank of England has given the establishment a green light to commence trading. The first product on offer is a fixed saver account, but Atom aims to have app updates and enhancements rolled out by the end of 2016 with current accounts, mortgages, debit and credit cards and more.
This marks the start for the UK's first bank designed especially for the digital age. There are no branches to speak of. Everything is done either through the Atom app or on the phone. While this may not appeal to those who prefer face-to-face customer service when it comes to your money, it does mean the company is able to offer better options than competitors due to reduced overheads.
The app is currently available for iOS, but the company will be branching out to Android soon, as well as Windows later this year. We'll give you a heads up as to when their Windows Store listing goes live, but for now you'll be able to get in touch with Atom should you be interested in creating an account.
Reader comments
Atom launches first mobile-only bank in the UK, coming to Windows later this year
I would be wary of Atom for now after my experience with start up banks, it's not worth the pain to be essentially a beta tester using their service as a "daily driver" for your money. It's definitely interesting to see this kind of service pop up and I hope this is the future direction taken by the major banks but for now its very much an unknown.
That's why iPhone and Android users will be the beta tester, this is one service I would rather have others test first.
Interesting, Turkey already has "enpara.com" for 3 years.
Posted on Lumia 930 with
Windows 10 Mobile
There is always first direct for years without branches
Owned and run by HSBC
Of course they are, but I guess it's better than having a kick starter bank.
I think Ally is an only online bank as well.
Posted via the Windows Central App for Symbian
This needs a "teller-bot" who can connect to Cortana.
Eeerrmm...
I've been a customer of FirstDirect for 20 years (Founded in 1989). They've never had branches and were the first bank to truly adopt online - way before the high street banks.
Atom may be the first bank launched in the 'digital era', but they are far from the first 'digital' bank!
Ive been with first D since launch, its a shame their windows phone app no longer works on windows 10 with no sign off a solution. This type of bank is supposed to be all about remote banking but tough luck (or up yours) for windows mobile users. They don't even have a mobile web version any longer
From their FAQ: "Windows mobile app version will launch for 2017. Eventually we intend to release a Windows version that’ll work across all phones and computers that use their operating system". In comparison, they say their Android app will be available by the end of May.
Is it bad to see if the bank works before putting your money in their hands?
Posted from Windows Central for XL
I'd be a little cautious...
Yikes. Too fly by night for me. I'd let a there be a few years of guinea pigs before signing up with something like this.
There's a somewhat similar bank in Canada called Tangerine (formerly ING Direct) everything is done either via phone, app or online banking. They have very few locations across the country but they're actually cafés and not a traditional bank. They made a deal with Scotiabank to have their ATMs be used for Tangerine so if anyone needs to withdraw or deposit cash they can do that.
However this Mobile only bank? I can't see it going off too well, a lot of people love having a face-to-face (as the article said)
Forgot PC financial
Oh yeah I did forget about them :P
At least they are committing to being brand agnostic and making apps for all. shame not all banks with far more resources and money couldn't be the same.
Stupid marketing. "Mobile only". Cannot access your account from a desktop. So great, so modern!