HSBC’s Zing app launched in 2023 with a simple promise: affordable, app-based money transfers without the usual banking nonsense. It offered real exchange rates, no monthly fees, and an experience that actually felt modern. For a while, it did exactly what it said on the tin.
But less than two years after launching, HSBC has decided to shut Zing down completely. The app officially stopped onboarding new customers in early 2025 year, and existing users are now being asked to withdraw any remaining funds and find an alternative. All Zing accounts will be closed for good by October 2025.
If you’ve been using Zing to send money abroad, you’ll need to act quickly to avoid disruptions. The good news? There are still excellent alternatives that offer the same (or better) features with some even charging less in fees.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best options focusing on three the standout services I’ve personally tested: Wise, Revolut, and Atlantic Money.
Top Zing Alternatives at a Glance
Not all money transfer apps are created equal. Some prioritise low fees, others focus on features — and a few try to do everything at once. Here’s a quick look at the best alternatives to Zing, so you can pick the one that fits your needs:
| Provider | Why Consider It | Fees & Exchange Rates | Transfer Speed | Account & Card? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Transparent pricing, real rates, trusted | 0.4–0.7% + small fixed fee | Often same-day | Yes — incl. card |
| Revolut | Feature-rich app, great for travel & budgeting | Free (within limits), weekend markup | Instant to 2 days | Yes — incl. card |
| Atlantic Money | Flat £3 fee, no markup, no fluff | £3 flat fee (up to £1m) | 1–2 business days | No account or card |
| PayPal | Familiar and widely used, but expensive | High fees + poor exchange rates | Instant to 1–2 days | Yes — PayPal account |
| Remitly | Cash payouts & family remittances | Variable by country | Minutes to days | No |
| Western Union | Large global network, cash pick-up options | Higher fees, less transparent | Minutes (in some cases) | No |
Zing stood out for its clarity and low-cost approach. Wise and Atlantic Money are closest in spirit. Revolut offers much more than transfers, while PayPal, though familiar, is usually one of the most expensive options and is best used only when convenience outweighs cost.
Wise – Best for Transparent Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is an international money transfer service known for offering the real mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees. It’s ideal for sending money abroad without the markups traditional banks add.
Why I like it: Wise (formerly TransferWise) is probably the most transparent of all the major players. What you see is what you pay, no hidden markups buried in exchange rates. You always get the mid-market rate, with a small fee clearly shown before you send.
Speed: Many transfers arrive the same day, and some currencies land in minutes.
Extras: You can also open a multi-currency account, hold over 40 currencies, and get a debit card for international spending.
Good to know: Wise isn’t the cheapest on very large transfers (that’s where Atlantic Money wins), but for 90% of use cases, it strikes a great balance between cost and usability.
User Reviews: Wise holds a 4.3/5 rating on Trustpilot, with users consistently praising its fair exchange rates and low fees.
On the Apple App Store, Wise has a 4.8/5 rating from over 1.2 million reviews, highlighting its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Similarly, on the Google Play Store, it boasts a 4.6/5 rating from over 300,000 reviews, with users appreciating the ability to track transactions and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Revolut – Best All-Rounder for Travel & Everyday Use
Revolut is original modern multi currency card, and I imagine it’s what HSBC hoped Zing would become. It offers a comprehensive digital banking experience with a focus on international money transfers and multi-currency management.
I’ve been using it for 10 years now, and have written a comprehensive review on my experience with Revolut. In all that time, it’s not failed or let me down yet, and I’ve needed to contact customer service twice.
Why I like it: I’ve been using Revolut since 2015. While it started as a travel money app, it’s evolved into a full-featured financial platform. You can exchange money at interbank rates, send internationally, and manage your budget all in one place.
Transfers below £1,000 equivalent a month are covered in the free tier meaning there’s nothing more to pay. This covers about 95% of transfers I make, making Revolut the cheapest for me.
Speed: Instant or same-day transfers to many countries. It’s fast, and provides send receipts which can be useful in countries such as Spain.
Extras: Revolut gives you a slick app, virtual and physical cards, vaults for saving, and fee-free ATM withdrawals abroad (within limits).
User Reviews: Revolut holds a 4.3/5 rating on Trustpilot, with users loving its innovative features and competitive pricing. Many appreciate the ability to manage multiple currencies and the comprehensive budgeting tools. However, some users have reported occasional issues with customer support and limitations on certain features for free account holders.
On the Apple App Store, Revolut has a 4.7/5 rating from over 1.3 million reviews, Similarly, on the Google Play Store, it boasts a 4.5/5 rating from over 400,000 reviews.
Watch out for: Weekend markups (typically 1%) and transfer limits on the free plan. If you’re transferring larger amounts regularly, you’ll want to upgrade to a paid tier, or better yet, use Atlantic Money.
Atlantic Money – Best for Larger, One-Off Transfers
Atlantic Money focuses purely on large-amount international transfers at a fixed low fee. It’s a stripped-back alternative for people who want cost-effective currency exchange without the extras. It’s another one I’ve reviewed in the past after my experience using it to send money abroad. See the Atlantic Money review here.
Why I like it: If you’re sending large sums (e.g. buying property, moving savings), Atlantic Money is a bit of a hidden gem. It charges a flat £3 fee for transfers up to £1 million — with no exchange rate markup.
Speed: Usually 1–2 business days depending on the destination currency. It’s not the fastest, but larger transfers usually aren’t anyway as additional checks are performed on amounts over £10,000.
Trade-off: There’s no bells or whistles, no app features, card, or wallet. It’s strictly for bank-to-bank currency transfers. But it does that job very well, and at a price that’s hard to beat.
Best for: Users who care about cost above all else and don’t need all the extras.
User Reviews: Atlantic Money holds a 4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot, with users consistently praising its exceptional exchange rates and customer support.
On the Apple App Store, Atlantic Money has a 4.8/5 rating from over 1,000 reviews, while on the Google Play Store, it maintains a 4.7/5 rating from over 500 reviews, with particular praise for the app’s clean interface and the ability to lock in exchange rates for future transfers.
Western Union
Western Union is a high street staple with extensive reach and fast cash transfer options, Western Union has been a trusted name in international money transfers for decades.
I used Western Union when in South America, and again in Spain, when I had an issue with a card. On that occasion, my bank sent money to me via Western Union.
Why I like it: largest range of agent locations, and a well known brand. There’s also cashback if you join via Topcashback.
Trade-off: Poor exchange rates, and if using the UK website there’s no option to pay in any other currency.
User Reviews: Western Union holds a 4.1/5 rating on Trustpilot, with users appreciating its extensive network and fast transfer times.
On the Apple App Store, Western Union has a 4.7/5 rating from over 1.5 million reviews, with users praising its ease of use and quick transfer times. Similarly, on the Google Play Store, it boasts a 4.5/5 rating from over 600,000 reviews, with users appreciating the ability to track transfers and the convenience of in-person services.
Key Features to Look For in HSBC Zing Alternatives
Keep these points in mind when comparing options:
Exchange Rates and Fees
Small differences in exchange rates can add up over time. Look for providers like Wise and Atlantic Money that offer competitive rates and are transparent about fees. Avoid using Revolut on the weekends, or any services that hide charges in poor exchange rates.
Currency Coverage
Make sure the service supports the currencies you use most. Some specialise in specific regions, while others cover a broader range. Outside of major currencies, the exchange rates can vary wildly.
Ease of Use
Zing impressed with its clean, clear, intuitive app. The simplest app on my list is Atlantic Money with keeps that same ethos. Revolut is the most complicated/distracting.
Extra Features
Multi-currency accounts, debit cards, budgeting tools, or integrations with your bank can be valuable bonuses — especially for travellers, expats, or small business owners.
Security and Regulation
All of the apps on the list are FCA regulated. They also features such as two-factor authentication and encryption add extra peace of mind.
My thoughts on Zing’s closure and the best alternatives
Closing Zing after less than two years feels like a strange move, but it’s exactly the sort of thing that happens when traditional banks try to act like fintech startups. HSBC has framed it as a business decision to focus on their core objectives, but my guess is Zing’s popularity may have been eating into uptake of HSBC’s own Global Money Account.
The good news is there are plenty of strong alternatives. Wise is a standout for its transparency and excellent exchange rates, while Revolut remains my go-to for sending amounts under £1,000. Atlantic Money offers a low fixed fee for larger transfers, and even Starling and PayPal have their place for certain situations.
Whatever you choose, act quickly, and don’t forget to download your transfer and transaction history from Zing so you can easily set up any recurring payments on your new platform.