Not sure what your definition of "traditional" is, but I don't recognise your description of UK banks at all. I joined Smile bank (Co-op) in 2001/2, and it was even then fully online and I never needed a bank card to manage my account. I've had accounts with several others since (inc. Barclays, Santander) and never needed a card with them either. The new generation like Starling, Monzo, Revolut et al are also incredibly convenient.