Is Starling Bank a real bank?

Yes. Starling Bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the FCA. It has a full UK banking licence and customer deposits are protected by FSCS up to £85,000.

How does Starling compare to Monzo?

Both are excellent UK digital banks. Starling is generally considered better for businesses (free, with accounting integrations) and pays interest on balances. Monzo has a stronger consumer app experience, better budgeting features, and a larger customer base.

Is Starling's business account really free?

Yes. Starling's standard business account is completely free with no monthly fee, no transaction fees for UK payments, and free UK transfers. Premium business accounts with higher perks are available from £7/month.

Can I earn interest with Starling?

Yes. Starling pays interest on balances in personal current accounts (variable rate, currently around 3.25% AER) and offers a savings account product for higher returns. Rates are variable.

Does Starling offer international banking?

Starling offers EUR and USD accounts alongside GBP — useful for international transactions. For international money transfers, Starling uses mid-market rates with a small fee on currency conversion.

Home/London/UK Digital Banking & Business Accounts/Starling Bank Review

Viewing Starling Bank for London, UK · See global review

Award-Winning6-Time Winner — Best British BankLondon

Is Starling Bank available in the United Kingdom?

Starling Bank is available to residents of the United Kingdom — here's how London readers can open an account and what to check first.

4.7

Based on 60,000+ user reviewsEst. 2014

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*Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account via our link, at no extra cost to you.

Quick Facts

Personal customers4M+

Business accounts500K+

British Bank Awards won6 in a row

Founded2014

RegionEurope

Our rating

4.7

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Using Starling Bank in London, the United Kingdom

Confirm country eligibility with the providerRated 4.7/5 · 60,000+ reviews

Starling Bank is a UK-licensed bank (FCA/PRA) serving personal customers only in the United Kingdom.

To open an account from the United Kingdom you will typically need UK residency and a UK address. Eligibility, supported documents, fees and available products can change, so confirm the current requirements on Starling Bank's official site before you apply.

Digital Bank Networks earns a commission if you open an account through our link, at no extra cost to you. Our rating reflects the global product; always verify country-specific terms directly with Starling Bank.

Is Starling Bank available in the United Kingdom?

Yes. Starling Bank operates in the United Kingdom as of 2026. Starling Bank is a UK-licensed bank (FCA/PRA) serving personal customers only in the United Kingdom. Confirm the latest eligibility and pricing on Starling Bank's official website before applying.

What is Starling Bank?

Starling Bank was founded in 2014 by Anne Boden and has won the British Bank Awards for Best British Bank six consecutive years — more than any other bank. With over 4 million personal and 500,000+ business accounts, Starling holds a full UK banking licence from the PRA and offers FSCS deposit protection up to £85,000. Starling is particularly well-regarded for its business banking — offering free accounts for sole traders and limited companies, plus features like invoicing, expense management, and accounting integrations with Xero and FreeAgent. Unlike Monzo, Starling pays interest on current account balances and offers euro and US dollar accounts for customers with international needs.

Headquarters: London, UK

Founded: 2014

Key Features of Starling Bank

Free personal account

Full UK current account with FSCS protection, real-time notifications, and no fees.

Interest on current account

Earn interest on your everyday balance — unlike most current accounts.

Free business account

Free business banking for sole traders and limited companies with no monthly fee.

Euro & dollar accounts

Hold GBP, EUR, and USD from a single bank — great for international users.

Spending Spaces

Create virtual budgeting spaces for household bills, savings, and specific goals.

Accounting integrations

Connect directly with Xero, FreeAgent, and QuickBooks for business customers.

Starling Bank Pros & Cons

Advantages

Most-awarded UK bank — consistently rated above Monzo and Revolut for business
Interest paid on current account balances
Free business account with strong accounting integrations
Multi-currency accounts (GBP, EUR, USD) from one bank
Full UK banking licence with FSCS protection
Excellent customer service via in-app chat

Disadvantages

UK only — not for non-UK residents
Fewer consumer features than Monzo for personal accounts
No premium plan ecosystem like Monzo Plus

Who is Starling Bank Best For?

UK small businesses and sole traders wanting free business bankingFreelancers invoicing international clients in multiple currenciesUK residents wanting an account that pays interest dailyAnyone switching from a legacy UK bankBusinesses using Xero or FreeAgent for accounting

Ready to get started with Starling Bank?Confirm eligibility for London with the provider

Open your account today and take advantage of everything Starling Bank has to offer.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Starling Bankin London

Is Starling Bank safe?

Starling Bank is a regulated financial services provider. Digital Bank Networks only features regulated, vetted affiliates. Always review the provider's terms, fees, and regulatory status before transferring funds. CFD and forex trading carries risk — please read all risk disclosures before trading.

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