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Head-to-head · Neobank Apps

Starling Bank vs Rakuten Bank

  • 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
Rakuten Bank #7 in Neobank Apps 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Rakuten Bank

Starling Bank leads on 0 checks, Rakuten Bank 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

Starling Bank scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.3 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Starling Bank is the better fit for UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank. Rakuten Bank is the better fit for japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking.

  • Starling Bank fits best

    UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank

  • Rakuten Bank fits best

    Japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Starling Bank 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Rakuten Bank 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.5
Ranking #1 in Neobank Apps #7 in Neobank Apps
Best for UK customers wanting a versatile everyday bank Japan-based users seeking yen and foreign-currency banking
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
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
Integrations 4 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Starling Bank 2/3 · Rakuten Bank 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 0.50% annual before tax for ordinary deposits (as of 2026-11-02); higher rates may require eligibility or linked services
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.
  • Personal yen accounts support domestic and scheduled transfers.
  • Offers foreign-currency deposits and international remittances for eligible holders.
  • Integrates with Rakuten Securities and Rakuten Card.
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.
  • Transaction fees may apply even though standard account maintenance is free.
  • International remittances are limited to eligible personal-account holders.
  • Account eligibility and service availability may depend on residency and other conditions.
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 →

Rakuten Bank is a Japanese online bank for individuals who want everyday yen banking alongside access to foreign-currency deposits and international remittances. Its web, iOS, and Android options cover account activity, including balance…

Read the review →
  1. Starling BankNeobank Apps 9.3Free plan
  2. Rakuten BankNeobank Apps 8.5Free 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.

  • Rakuten Bank — where it wins

    • Personal yen accounts support domestic and scheduled transfers.
    • Offers foreign-currency deposits and international remittances for eligible holders.
    • Integrates with Rakuten Securities and Rakuten Card.

    Where it doesn't

    • Transaction fees may apply even though standard account maintenance is free.
    • International remittances are limited to eligible personal-account holders.
    • Account eligibility and service availability may depend on residency and other conditions.

Starling Bank vs Rakuten Bank: questions

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

Starling Bank scores higher on our rubric for neobank apps: 9.3 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

How do Starling Bank and Rakuten Bank compare?

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

Do Starling Bank and Rakuten Bank have a free plan?

Starling Bank: Yes. Rakuten Bank: 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