Also known as: Co-operative Bank; The Co-op Bank; smile (online banking brand)
The Co-operative Bank plc is a UK retail bank with a long history of ethical banking. It publishes a customer-led ethical policy that sets out what it will and will not finance, which has been a distinguishing feature of the bank for many years.
The bank offers current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, and personal loans. It also provides credit cards and insurance products. It serves millions of personal customers across the UK and operates primarily through online and telephone banking, with a limited branch presence.
The Co-operative Bank has undergone significant ownership changes over the past decade following financial difficulties. It is no longer owned by the Co-operative Group and is now controlled by a group of institutional investors. Despite this, it has retained its ethical policy commitments.
In 2023, Coventry Building Society agreed to acquire the bank, subject to regulatory approval. If this transaction has completed by the time you read this, the bank may now operate under different arrangements. Always check the current position on the bank's own website for up-to-date information.
If you hold a product with the Co-operative Bank and need to get in touch, contact details are available on their website. Their registered address is 1 Balloon Street, Manchester, M60 4EP. The bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by both the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority. Eligible deposits are protected up to £85,000 per person under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Free debt advice if needed is available from StepChange or National Debtline.
Quick summary
Always verify this information directly with the company, the FCA Register and Companies House before relying on it.
These are general questions that may be relevant to your situation. They are not personalised advice.
Always use contact details from Co-operative Bank p.l.c.’s official website ↗ or the FCA Register — not from unexpected letters or messages.
Main products and services
Personal current accounts; savings accounts; mortgages; personal loans; credit cards; business banking; ethical banking proposition; smile internet bank
Trading names and group notes
Ownership history: Co-operative Group (founding to 2013); sold to hedge funds 2013 following near-collapse; various private equity holders 2013–2024; acquired by Coventry Building Society for £780m completing 1 January 2025. Combined group assets approximately £89bn. Both entities retain separate banking licences and brands. Co-operative Bank registered in England (00990937).Review scores are third-party public indicators only. They are not proof of FCA compliance, product quality, or suitability for your circumstances.
Trustpilot
4.2
7699 reviews
App Store
4.5
Google Play
4.3
Other review sources
Smart Money People: 4.0/5; Which? Customer Score: 67%; ethical banking policy widely cited as differentiator; FSCS protected deposits up to £85,000; Coventry Building Society acquisition coverage January 2025
Overall public sentiment
Above average on Trustpilot (4.2/5). Customers value ethical banking stance and community values. Post-acquisition by Coventry Building Society, customer uncertainty noted but broadly positive. smile internet banking brand still active.
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Source URLs used in preparing this record
Date checked
2026-06-05
Next review due
Periodic review
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