Choose Kroo if...
- You want a simpler ethical digital bank.
- You often split bills or manage money with friends.
- You want fee-free card use abroad.
- You do not need a wide product range.
Updated June 2026 - Digital bank comparison
Kroo vs Starling BankWhich should you choose?
Kroo and Starling both offer free digital current accounts with strong travel features. Kroo is simpler and more ethical in positioning, while Starling is more established and more complete as a main account.
Quick verdict
Pick Kroo if you want a simple ethical account with social spending features and fee-free travel use.
Pick Starling if you want a more complete current account with joint accounts, business banking and UK-based support.
Choose Starling if...
- You want a simple free main account.
- You travel often.
- You value joint accounts or business banking.
- You prefer a practical, less cluttered app.
Kroo vs Starling: side-by-side
| Category | Kroo | Starling | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall fit | Ethical banking, fee-free travel and social spending | A simple main current account, travel and business banking | Tie |
| Monthly fee | No monthly fee on the personal current account. | No monthly fee on the standard personal current account. | Tie |
| Budgeting tools | Simple: spending insights, social payments and shared Pots, but fewer advanced tools. | Strong: Spaces, Bills Manager, round-ups, virtual cards and spending insights. | Starling |
| Spending abroad | Very strong: no Kroo fee for card spending or ATM withdrawals abroad. | Very strong: no Starling fee for card spending abroad or overseas ATM withdrawals. | Tie |
| Deposit protection | Eligible deposits protected by FSCS up to the current UK limit. | Eligible deposits protected by FSCS up to the current UK limit. | Tie |
| Support | Digital support through the app and help centre. | 24/7 UK-based support through app and phone channels. | Starling |
| Business banking | No business account currently offered. | Strong business and sole trader accounts, plus optional business toolkit features. | Starling |
| Extra products | Current account interest, social spending tools, personal loans and a cash ISA may be available. | Savings, joint accounts, business accounts and overdrafts may be available. | Starling |
Protection note
Deposit protection can depend on the exact account and legal entity. Always check the provider's latest terms before applying. You can also read our FSCS protection guide and how we review banks.
Final verdict
Kroo is a strong simple alternative, but Starling is more complete for day-to-day main-account banking.
The best choice depends on what you want the account to do. If one option fits your day-to-day habits better, that usually matters more than a single headline feature.
Continue researching
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