Banking Without Borders

Technically Money

Banking Without Borders is a podcast about modern money — from digital banks and cashback cards to savings, credit cards, FX, global accounts, and the financial products reshaping how people manage money in the UK and beyond. We focus less on hype and more on what actually matters: who a product is for, how it makes money, where the trade-offs are, and whether it’s genuinely worth using. If you want clear thinking, real-world context, and fewer buzzwords and less BS when it comes to banking, cards, and personal finance, this is the podcast.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ranking Exclusive UK Private Bank Accounts: Coutts vs HSBC vs Barclays vs Lloyds

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we rank the four biggest names in UK private banking — Lloyds, HSBC Global Private Banking, Coutts, and Barclays — and ask whether the exclusivity actually holds up. We cover what private banking really costs to access, what you get for your money, and where the gap between the prestige and the reality is uncomfortably wide. Spoiler: the savings rates are embarrassing. We cover: What separates private banking from premier banking — and why it mattersLloyds as the most accessible entry point, and whether that's a good thingHSBC Global Private Banking's multi-currency edge and travel card suiteWhy Coutts is still the most prestigious name in the room, despite disappointing cash ratesBarclays Private Bank's £3m entry bar and its investment banking accessThe savings rates across all four — and why they're not the pointWhich banks we left off the list and whyThe three-question checklist for working out if you actually need a private bankWho private banking is genuinely built for — and who should stay well clearIf you've ever been curious about what sits above premier banking, or whether the mystique of Coutts and HSBC Privé is justified, this episode breaks it down properly. Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at jonny@technicallymoney.com

    20 min

  2. APR 2

    Don’t Miss the Cash ISA Deadline: Up to 4.81% on ISAs & 4.75% on Easy-Access!

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we run through the best UK savings accounts for April 2026. Cash ISAs are the main focus this month, with the tax-year deadline creating a lot of competition across the market. We talk through the top rates, why some ISA deals are more straightforward than others, and where bonus-led offers can get a bit confusing. We also cover:  the best Cash ISA rates right now  regular savers paying up to 7.5%  fixed-rate savings accounts  easy-access accounts worth watching  why some headline rates need a closer look We also mention some of the tools on DepositScout, including filters, email alerts, and rate graphs that let you track how specific products have changed over time.  Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at jonny@technicallymoney.com

    11 min

  3. APR 1

    When Did Bank Cards Become Status Symbols?

    This week on Banking Without Borders, Jan and Jonny are asking when bank cards stopped being financial tools and started becoming status symbols.  From metal cards and paid-for “premium” designs to the new Revolut Audi F1 card, this episode looks at why banks and fintechs are increasingly selling image, identity, and exclusivity — not just useful features. Why are people paying for debit cards that offer no meaningful financial benefit?When did banking become part utility, part luxury branding exercise?Are premium cards actually worth it, or are they just clever status products?And what does this say about the direction fintech is heading in?A fun one, but also a genuinely interesting conversation about branding, consumer psychology, and the strange ways money and status now overlap. Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at jonny@technicallymoney.com

    20 min

  4. MAR 25

    Should Revolut Be Your Main Bank Account?

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we ask the big question now that Revolut is a proper UK bank: should it be your main bank account? We break down what actually matters in a main bank account, from trust and FSCS protection to support, savings, rewards, travel spending and everyday usability. We also look at where Revolut genuinely stands out, where it falls short, and whether the app-first experience is enough to replace Barclays, HSBC, Monzo, Lloyds, Starling, Nationwide, Chase or Zopa.  We cover:  What Revolut’s UK banking status changes  Whether FSCS protection makes Revolut more trustworthy  The strengths and weaknesses of Revolut support  Everyday banking features like pockets, salary sorting and virtual cards  Whether Revolut is still a top choice for travel spending  Why its savings rates may disappoint  Whether RevPoints are worth anything on the free plan  Who Revolut works best for, and who should probably stick with a different bank If you’ve been wondering whether Revolut is finally ready to be your salary account, this episode is for you. Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at jonny@technicallymoney.com

    24 min

  5. MAR 18

    Has Trading 212 Built a Better Card Than Revolut?

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders we compare Trading 212 and Revolut through the lens of card spending, rewards and travel. What may surprise a lot of people is that Trading 212, still best known as an investing platform, has quietly built a card that in some ways is simpler, more rewarding and potentially better for spending abroad than Revolut’s free plan. In this episode we cover: • Trading 212 vs Revolut for card spending  • ATM withdrawal limits and fees  • Foreign currency fees and exchange rates  • Trading 212 cashback vs Revolut RevPoints  • Why redeeming RevPoints is more complicated than cashback  • Which free account looks stronger overall Get £25 when you sign up for Trading212 and make 3 transactions of £5 or more. Promo code BWB https://www.trading212.com/join/BWB  Sponsored content. Terms apply. Card distributed by T212, issued and provided by Paynetics. Available with an Invest account. Get up to £15 cashback every month. Other fees may apply. Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at jonny@technicallymoney.com

    13 min

  6. MAR 11

    Revolut Finally Gets Its UK Banking Licence: What Changes Now?

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders we break down Revolut finally securing its full UK banking licence after a process that began back in 2021. This is a major milestone for Revolut in the UK, because it means the company can now operate as a fully licensed bank rather than relying primarily on its e-money permissions for most customers. But what actually changes? We explain why the process took so long, what the mobilisation phase meant in practice, and what this now means for customers in terms of protection, deposits and Revolut’s long-term position in UK banking. In this episode we cover: • Revolut’s UK banking licence timeline  • Why approval took so long  • What the mobilisation phase actually was  • What changes now for UK customers  • FSCS protection and deposits  • Why this matters for Revolut’s future in the UK We explain what this licence really means, what it does not mean, and why this is one of the most important moments yet in Revolut’s UK story. Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at jonny@technicallymoney.com

    10 min

  7. MAR 11

    Best UK Premier Bank Accounts Ranked (NatWest vs HSBC vs Barclays vs Lloyds)

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders we compare the UK’s major Premier or “status” bank accounts from the big four high street banks: NatWest, HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds. These accounts typically require £75k–£100k income or £100k+ in savings or investments, and are marketed toward high earners and high-net-worth customers. But are they actually worth it? We break down what each account really offers — including travel insurance, concierge services, cashback, lounge access, airline rewards and international banking features — and rank them from weakest to strongest. Some accounts rely on paid add-ons, others bundle benefits into the base account, and one stands out for offering global banking infrastructure and meaningful perks without a monthly fee. In this episode we cover: • Lloyds Premier  • Barclays Premier  • NatWest Premier  • HSBC Premier We explain the true cost, real benefits and who each account is actually for, so you can decide whether these “status accounts” are genuinely valuable — or mostly marketing. Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at jonny@technicallymoney.com

    20 min

  8. MAR 6

    Up To 7.5% On Savings! UK Rates Update – Best Cash ISAs, Easy Access & More (March '26)

    In this episode of Banking Without Borders, we break down the best savings accounts in the UK right now and where savers can earn the highest interest. • Best Cash ISAs right now including Trading 212, Moneybox and Tembo • Easy access savings from providers like Chase UK, Chip and Cahoot • Notice accounts from OakNorth and Raisin marketplace banks • Fixed rate bonds from providers like Chatwood Bank • Regular saver accounts paying up to 7%+ from First Direct, Lloyds and Principality • The upcoming ISA deadline and why rates are becoming more competitive • How potential Bank of England rate cuts could impact savings later in 2026 We also explain how to think about flexibility vs certainty when choosing between easy access, notice accounts and fixed-rate savings.  Connect with us (via LinkedIn) Jan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-watermann/ Jonny: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonny-pease Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message at jonny@technicallymoney.com

    10 min
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About

Banking Without Borders is a podcast about modern money — from digital banks and cashback cards to savings, credit cards, FX, global accounts, and the financial products reshaping how people manage money in the UK and beyond. We focus less on hype and more on what actually matters: who a product is for, how it makes money, where the trade-offs are, and whether it’s genuinely worth using. If you want clear thinking, real-world context, and fewer buzzwords and less BS when it comes to banking, cards, and personal finance, this is the podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Technically Money
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Banking Without Borders
  • Show Website
    Banking Without Borders

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