Barclays

The app loads your balance almost instantly, even faster than a barista can take your order. You can open it on your iPhone and see your balance before the transaction begins, making it ideal for quick checks on the go.

Yes, you can freeze your debit card instantly directly from the app if you misplace it. This is a standard security feature that gives you peace of mind until you find your card or request a replacement.

The app logs you out after about ten minutes of inactivity due to security measures, which can be annoying for quick balance checks. Unfortunately, there is no setting to extend the session time, even on your home network, so you'll need to re-authenticate each time.

The app's search function for transactions is unreliable—typing a shop name may return no results, forcing you to scroll manually. For now, the best workaround is to browse your transaction list chronologically or use the statement view to locate older payments.

Unlike some other banking apps that crash or freeze, Barclays has been stable and reliable for daily use, with fast balance checks and transaction lists. However, it lacks advanced features like clear pending transaction amounts and a robust search, which some competitors handle better.