Monzo vs YEX
Torn between Monzo and YEX? The comparison below is built from the same test data we use across the rest of the site.
Monzo issues on Visa · Mastercard and YEX on Visa; both ask for ID + proof; only YEX takes crypto top-ups.
Monzo is the more cost-effective option for everyday spending and travel thanks to its free virtual cards, no monthly fee. YEX is the better fit for power users who need crypto funding and AI subscriptions.
Side by side
| Field | Monzo | YEX |
|---|---|---|
| Card network | Visa/Mastercard | Visa |
| Card type | Digital Bank / Neobank | Crypto Card |
| KYC | ID + proof | ID + proof |
| Card issuance fee | Free (with Monzo account) | Free |
| Monthly fee | Free (standard account) | Free |
| Top-up fee | — | — |
| FX fee | No FX fees | 0% |
| Crypto funding | No | Yes |
| AI tool support | — | ChatGPT / Claude / Midjourney |
| Risk level | Low-Medium | Medium |
| Our rating | 8.3 | 8.4 |
| User reviews | 407 | 274 |
| Best for | App Store / Play · Free issuance | All-rounder · AI subscriptions |
A green left edge marks the side that holds the advantage on that row, where the data gives one.
Where they split
- YEX shows up in more of our test scenarios, so it is the safer pick when you juggle several subscriptions.
- Only YEX takes crypto top-ups in our data — worth knowing before you decide.
- Monzo carries the lower risk flag in our file, which some users prefer for a primary card.
What sets them apart
Run the numbers against your own usage. Monzo runs free to create plus no top-up fee per top-up; YEX runs free plus no top-up fee. For one or two subscriptions the first column wins; for crypto funding and AI subscriptions, the second does.
Questions people ask
That depends on what you spend on. Monzo scores 8.3/10 against YEX's 8.4/10 in our tests, but the two split on fees, KYC and crypto funding. Read the table above, then match it to the checkouts you actually run.
Monzo is the cheaper card to run. Both Monzo and YEX issue virtual cards for free.
Monzo asks for ID + proof at signup; YEX asks for ID + proof. If a light sign-up is the priority, the one with the lower KYC label is the faster route.
Both show up in 2 of the same test scenarios, including Contabo, Minecraft Store. They overlap on a good share of checkouts, so the choice between them matters most on those pages. Where one is accepted and the other is not usually comes down to the billing country and 3-D Secure handling.
Where both show up
Monzo and YEX both landed in our top picks for 2 checkouts. Grouped by category so you can jump straight to the one you actually pay for:
🌐 Cloud & VPS 1
🎮 Gaming 1
Their BIN ranges
Cards issued in 🇬🇧 UK · 🇨🇦 Canada — the country guides group every range we track from there.
What our charge log shows
Every count here is a real charge attempt we placed on that range, renewals included, with the gateway response recorded. Weeks tracked is how long the range has been in the programme: