Starling Bank - The mobile only bank account 💸

For me, it's a 2 horse race between Starling and Monzo in the mobile challenger bank space. It is really, really good to have these two pushing each other. Sure you have options like Revolut and Atom, but I think these two just edge it.

I've used both Starling and Monzo for about a year and they are both excellent, truly excellent. I have never had a problem with either. In terms of functionality, they are both pretty similar but Starling are further ahead with their business and offerings as a whole. They were first to overdrafts, Apple Pay and business accounts.

However, I had Monzo about a month before Starling, and although feature wise Starling just edges it, I can't bring myself to switch over. It's about being part of Monzo's incredible community, I prefer the app (although Starling's does look snazzier) and having that sweet coral card alongside all the other people, admittedly just in London, is pretty cool. Is that potentially a odd reason to choose one product over another? Yes, probably, but that's just the effect Monzo has over people. Oh, and my mum uses it, that has to count for something.

Pros:

Wonderful challenger bank, excellent UX, exceptional setup, good support, Apple Pay

Cons:

I just can't leave Monzo's community :(

This makes a lot sense. Does anyone go to the bank anymore?

I've been using Starling for a few months, I was a bit cautious at first, but there is literally nothing to be scared of, the app works and looks amazing, packed with features and i can't wait to use my card abroad for the great exchange rates it apparently has!

Excellent product, met the team, wrote about them for the BBC last year. Big up from me.

This is great, however, I'm wondering how soon digital banks will be able to roll out services to developing countries. Pakistan, for example, is the least banked population in the world at 6%. They could really use some mobile banking there.

These guys and gals aren't stopping with personal UK current accounts.

They've just released business accounts, international payments are available on Android, they have a public API for developers to integrate with and a marketplace of linked applications for wealth management.

They also run a payment services business.

Pros:

100% mobile. (Also v. responsive & helpful people available by chat/phone). Great UI. Lots of neat features atop all the usual bank stuff.

Cons:

I couldn't use the current account switching service to switch in from a joint account. No biggie. But worth knowing.

Been with Starling for around 6 months and VERY happy, the sign up process is so quick and easy, the app is feature rich but still light weight and customer service is amazing. Highly recommended 🙂

Switched 7 months ago and never looked back – no issues whatsoever. Best banking app I've used, speedy with great UI/UX. Spending breakdown is very helpful, and specific security toggles to disable specifically any of ATM withdrawals, online payments, contactless or card transactions are reassuring to have. Transactions show instantly, and bank transfers, even international, seem to show up very quickly too. I feel like not enough people are aware of Starling compared to Monzo, however.

I used Starling for about a week before deciding to switch my whole bank account over to them. I'd recommend! One feature, Goals, lets you create savings accounts and move money over manually or on a set date every day / week / month etc - its really great!

Awesome onboarding experience - within 15 mins you have a bank account setup to receive money and an Apple Pay card issued to spend it.

Pros:

Apple Pay!

Cons:

Doesn’t have Monzo’s community