Thousands of Monzo customers were unable to access their accounts through the banking app on August 19, 2026, following a significant technical issue. Users attempting to log in were presented with a message stating, "We're experiencing issues. Your app will not be fully functional."
An automated phone message and a post on X, formerly Twitter, from Monzo confirmed the outage. The bank activated its backup system, Monzo Stand-in, a fully independent system designed to maintain essential services. According to Monzo, customers can still use their cards for payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, freeze their cards, and send and receive bank transfers.
Reports of the outage surged on DownDetector shortly after 12 p.m. on August 19, with thousands of users reporting problems. A Monzo spokesperson stated the company is actively working to resolve the technical issue and restore full functionality as quickly as possible.
Monzo, founded in 2015, has grown to serve over 15 million retail customers and recently surpassed one million business customers. The outage comes shortly after the announcement that the bank's chairman, Gary Hoffman, is set to step down in early September after seven years. Hoffman, who previously oversaw the rescue of Northern Rock, will be succeeded on an interim basis by board member Karen Peacock while a permanent replacement is sought.
Monzo has been a notable player in the current account switching market, attracting a significant number of switchers in the first quarter of the year, placing it third behind Lloyds and Nationwide Building Society. The bank typically relies on its app features, budgeting tools, and organic growth rather than offering switching bonuses like many competitors.