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.
Updated June 2026 - Digital bank comparison
Starling Bank vs RevolutWhich should you choose?
Starling and Revolut are both strong choices for travel, but they are built differently. Starling is a simpler UK current account, while Revolut is a broader international finance app with more optional features.
Quick verdict
Pick Starling if you want a reliable free UK current account with strong travel use and business banking.
Pick Revolut if you want multi-currency tools, international transfers, paid travel perks and extra finance features.
Choose Revolut if...
- You travel often or use multiple currencies.
- You want more financial tools in one app.
- You may use paid plans for higher limits and perks.
- You want international transfers and global spending features.
Starling vs Revolut: side-by-side
| Category | Starling | Revolut | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall fit | A simple main current account, travel and business banking | Travel, multi-currency use and extra finance features | Tie |
| Monthly fee | No monthly fee on the standard personal current account. | Free plan available, with several optional paid plans. | Starling |
| Budgeting tools | Strong: Spaces, Bills Manager, round-ups, virtual cards and spending insights. | Good: Pockets, analytics and spending controls, but less budgeting-led than Monzo. | Tie |
| Spending abroad | Very strong: no Starling fee for card spending abroad or overseas ATM withdrawals. | Excellent for international spending and currency tools, subject to plan limits and terms. | Revolut |
| Deposit protection | Eligible deposits protected by FSCS up to the current UK limit. | Eligible UK bank deposits may be FSCS protected where held with Revolut Bank UK. | Tie |
| Support | 24/7 UK-based support through app and phone channels. | 24/7 in-app support, with priority support on some paid plans. | Starling |
| Business banking | Strong business and sole trader accounts, plus optional business toolkit features. | Business and freelancer accounts available. | Tie |
| Extra products | Savings, joint accounts, business accounts and overdrafts may be available. | Currency exchange, international transfers, investments, crypto, rewards and travel perks. | Revolut |
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
Starling is cleaner for everyday UK banking, while Revolut is stronger for global money features.
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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