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Head-to-head · Neobank Apps

Starling Bank vs Monzo

  • 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
Monzo #3 in Neobank Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Monzo

Starling Bank leads on 0 checks, Monzo 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
  • Most featuresStarling Bank · 2 of 3

Starling Bank scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Starling Bank is the better fit for UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank. Monzo is the better fit for UK users seeking budgeting and card controls.

  • Starling Bank fits best

    UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank

  • Monzo fits best

    UK users seeking budgeting and card controls

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Side by side

Feature Starling Bank 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Monzo 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #1 in Neobank Apps #3 in Neobank Apps
Best for UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank UK users seeking budgeting and card controls
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan £3/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Phone, Email, Docs · 24/7 Live chat, Email, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 4 integrations 4 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Starling Bank 2/3 · Monzo 1/3
Early pay access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cash deposit support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
International transfers ✓ ✓
Specs
Account scope Both Not checked yet
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 Not checked yet
Supported currencies Not checked yet Not checked yet
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.
  • Pots, spending categories and instant notifications support day-to-day budgeting.
  • Card freeze, biometric login and mobile wallet support add practical controls.
  • Free and paid plans span current-account basics, virtual cards and insurance benefits.
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.
  • Personal accounts are available only to UK residents.
  • Virtual cards and advanced budgeting tools require the Extra plan.
  • Insurance benefits are reserved for the £19-per-month Max plan.
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 →

Monzo is a UK digital bank for people who want a personal current account managed primarily through a mobile app. Its free account combines a UK current account with Pots for organising money, spending categories, instant notifications, UK…

Read the review →
  1. Starling BankNeobank Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. MonzoNeobank Apps 9.1Free plan

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.

  • Monzo — where it wins

    • Pots, spending categories and instant notifications support day-to-day budgeting.
    • Card freeze, biometric login and mobile wallet support add practical controls.
    • Free and paid plans span current-account basics, virtual cards and insurance benefits.

    Where it doesn't

    • Personal accounts are available only to UK residents.
    • Virtual cards and advanced budgeting tools require the Extra plan.
    • Insurance benefits are reserved for the £19-per-month Max plan.

Starling Bank vs Monzo: questions

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

Starling Bank scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

How do Starling Bank and Monzo compare?

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

Do Starling Bank and Monzo have a free plan?

Starling Bank: Yes. Monzo: 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