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Head-to-head · Neobank Apps

Starling Bank vs bunq

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Starling Bank #1 in Neobank Apps 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Starling Bank
bunq #2 in Neobank Apps 9.2/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit bunq

Starling Bank leads on 0 checks, bunq on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreStarling Bank · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly bunq

Starling Bank scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Starling Bank is the better fit for UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank. bunq is the better fit for people needing flexible personal and business accounts.

  • Starling Bank fits best

    UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank

  • bunq fits best

    People needing flexible personal and business accounts

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Side by side

Feature Starling Bank 9.3/10 Visit ↗ bunq 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.2
Ranking #1 in Neobank Apps #2 in Neobank Apps
Best for UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank People needing flexible personal and business accounts
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan €3.99/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Phone, Email, Docs · 24/7 Live chat, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Compliance GDPR, 2FA GDPR, 2FA
Integrations 4 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Starling Bank 2/3 · bunq 2/3
Early pay access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cash deposit support ✓ ✓
International transfers ✓ ✓
Specs
Account scope Both Both
Savings yield 4.00% AER variable on balances up to £25,000; 2.75% AER standard rate above that or after the first six months Up to 3.11%
Supported currencies Not checked yet 20 currencies
Our review
Pros
  • Offers personal, joint and business current accounts.
  • Spaces, virtual cards and Bills Manager help organize spending.
  • Supports cash deposits, cheque deposits and international payments.
  • Multiple IBAN accounts and physical or digital cards across paid plans
  • Foreign-currency accounts and transfers in over 40 currencies
  • Personal and business accounts with web, iOS, and Android access
Cons
  • Some optional services may carry charges.
  • The Easy Saver interest rate is variable.
  • It is a bank account offering, not a conventional software subscription.
  • Account and card limits vary substantially by plan
  • Cash deposits are limited to eligible plans and supported countries
  • Foreign-currency account availability depends on country of residence
Our verdict

Starling Bank is a UK bank with personal, joint and business current accounts managed through its mobile app and online banking. It is suited to customers who want an everyday account with budgeting and payment tools, as well as sole…

Read the review →

bunq is a European digital bank offering personal and business accounts through mobile apps and web banking. It is aimed at people who want to manage accounts, cards, payments, savings and budgeting in one service, including those who need…

Read the review →
  1. Starling BankNeobank Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. bunqNeobank Apps 9.2Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Starling Bank — where it wins

    • Offers personal, joint and business current accounts.
    • Spaces, virtual cards and Bills Manager help organize spending.
    • Supports cash deposits, cheque deposits and international payments.

    Where it doesn't

    • Some optional services may carry charges.
    • The Easy Saver interest rate is variable.
    • It is a bank account offering, not a conventional software subscription.

  • bunq — where it wins

    • Multiple IBAN accounts and physical or digital cards across paid plans
    • Foreign-currency accounts and transfers in over 40 currencies
    • Personal and business accounts with web, iOS, and Android access

    Where it doesn't

    • Account and card limits vary substantially by plan
    • Cash deposits are limited to eligible plans and supported countries
    • Foreign-currency account availability depends on country of residence
  • Starling Bank9.3/10 · Free plan

    A no-monthly-fee UK bank account with budgeting, payments and savings tools.

    Visit Starling BankFull verdict →
  • bunq9.2/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    Flexible European banking with personal and business accounts, cards, and international transfers.

    Visit bunqFull verdict →

Starling Bank vs bunq: questions

Which is better for neobank apps, Starling Bank or bunq?

Starling Bank scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

How do Starling Bank and bunq compare?

All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.

Do Starling Bank and bunq have a free plan?

Starling Bank: Yes. bunq: Yes.

More comparisons

All neobank apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update