Also known as: Co-operative Bank; The Co-op Bank; smile (online banking brand)
The Co-operative Bank p.l.c. is a UK retail bank with a long-standing ethical banking policy, founded in 1872 as an offshoot of the Co-operative movement. It became a subsidiary of Coventry Building Society on 1 January 2025 following an £780m acquisition, returning it to mutual ownership. It also operates smile, one of the UK's first internet banks.
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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 and social proof
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.
Source URLs
Date checked
2026-06-05
Ask Fin gives you simple money tools for budgeting, spotting savings, checking possible benefit areas and building better money habits. General guidance only — not regulated financial advice.
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