Zero Sustainable Money App Is Closing: What Happened and Alternatives

The Zero Sustainable Money App ceased trading on March 18, 2026, after failing to secure funding. With 21,500 users (7,500 active), it's closing all personal accounts, debit cards & Planet Safe Saver by Mar 31. Withdraw funds ASAP to avoid delays; savings auto-transfer first.

Status

Closing On 31 March 2026

Estimated timeline

31 March 2026

Category

Banking app

What is happening?

The Zero Sustainable Money App, a Cardiff-based fintech launched publicly in January 2025, has ceased trading as of March 18, 2026, due to failure to secure additional funding. This ethical banking platform, which offered a Zero Personal Account, Debit Mastercard, and Planet Safe Saver (a top-paying green savings option at launch), aimed to help environmentally conscious users track their ecological footprint via a unique GreenScore feature.

Closure Impact
With 21,500 registered users but only 7,500 active ones, the shutdown affects thousands who must act quickly. The app remains accessible until at least March 31, 2026—though not guaranteed—with savings auto-transferring first to personal accounts before full closure. Users are urged to withdraw all funds promptly to linked UK bank accounts to avoid delays, as e-money holdings lack long-term FSCS protection.

What Users Should Do
Financial experts like MoneySavingExpert recommend immediate transfers to prevent complications, such as six-year holds via support tickets. Zero notified customers via email, and while no acquirer was found, the brief operation highlighted challenges for sustainable fintechs in a tough funding climate.

Best alternatives

  • Monzo

    UK digital bank with budgeting tools, instant notifications, and pots for savings—eco-friendly options via carbon tracking partnerships.

  • Starling Bank

    Fee-free mobile banking app offering current accounts, savings spaces, and Marketplace for sustainable investments.

  • Revolut

    Multi-currency app with crypto, stocks, and green spending insights; supports carbon offsetting directly.

  • Monese

    Simple EU/UK banking alternative for expats, with no-fee transfers and basic budgeting for everyday sustainable spending.

  • Tred

    Carbon-tracking fintech overlay that analyzes spending emissions and nudges offsets, integrable with existing bank cards.

  • Ecologi

    App-focused platform for tree-planting via subscriptions, paired with banking for climate-positive direct debits.

  • Triodos Bank

    Ethical bank funding green projects only; offers current accounts and savings with full transparency on impact.

  • Ecology Building Society

    Specialist green mortgage/savings provider, ideal for sustainable home finance alternatives.

  • Chip

    AI-driven savings app that auto-saves spare change with ethical investment options for eco-conscious users.

  • Plum

    Smart money app with round-ups, investments in renewables, and spending analytics for lower environmental footprint.