When deciding between Revolut and Starling Bank, it’s important to evaluate which features best align with your financial needs.
This comparison will highlight key differences, from mobile banking capabilities to specific benefits, helping you make an informed choice.
Revolut
Starling Bank
How do Revolut and Starling Bank compare?
Revolut and Starling Bank are both mobile banking platforms offering digital financial services, each with unique features and focus areas tailored to different customer needs.
Revolut, based in the UK, is primarily focused on providing international banking services. It offers multi-currency accounts, free overseas ATM withdrawals, and cryptocurrency trading and investment services. Revolut’s app enables users to manage finances seamlessly, providing budgeting tools, analytics, and the ability to hold and convert over 28 currencies. It is an ideal choice for frequent travelers, those who need to manage foreign currencies, and individuals interested in cryptocurrency.
Starling Bank, also based in the UK, focuses on providing a comprehensive range of banking services to UK residents. This includes personal and business accounts, loans, overdrafts, and savings options. Starling Bank offers the added benefit of earning interest on current account balances, which differentiates it from Revolut. It also provides a more traditional banking experience with access to financial products like mortgages, personal loans, and overdrafts, all accessible through a user-friendly app.
Both Revolut and Starling Bank offer virtual and physical debit cards, mobile payments, and budgeting tools, but Starling Bank sets itself apart by its ability to provide interest on account balances and a broader array of traditional banking services, including loans and mortgages. Revolut, in contrast, specializes in international services, offering more flexibility for managing foreign currencies and cryptocurrency trading.
Regarding pricing, both platforms offer free basic accounts. Revolut generates revenue through premium features, such as unlimited foreign exchange and travel insurance, while Starling Bank earns through traditional banking methods like interest from loans and overdrafts.
In conclusion, Revolut may be more attractive to individuals seeking international banking services or those who frequently deal with foreign currencies and cryptocurrency. On the other hand, Starling Bank is better suited for UK residents looking for a complete range of banking services, such as personal loans, mortgages, and the ability to earn interest on current accounts, all while managing their finances via a mobile app.
Founded: 2015
Headquarters: London, UK
Users: +45 million
Countries available: 35
Account plans: 5 plan options
Go to Revolut
Founded: 2014
Headquarters: London, UK
Users: +4 million
Countries available: United Kingdom
Account plans: current accounts
Go to Starling Bank
Other comparisons about Revolut and Starling Bank
Why use a digital bank?
Affordable fees and attractive pricing
With their digital-first approach and reduced operating costs, neobanks often offer highly competitive fees compared to traditional banks. Many neobanks minimize or eliminate fees for services like account maintenance and transactions, and some even provide enhanced interest rates on savings and loans. This cost-efficiency appeals to individuals and businesses focused on maximizing financial value without the typical expenses of traditional banking.
Quick account setup and hassle-free onboarding
Opening an account with a traditional bank is often a slow, paperwork-heavy process. Neobanks streamline this experience by using technology to offer a quick, fully online onboarding. Some even provide instant approval, allowing users to start banking within minutes. This efficiency and ease make neobanks an attractive option for people who want fast, paperless access to financial services.
Intuitive design for easy navigation
Neobanks offer highly accessible, user-friendly mobile apps designed for a smooth, modern banking experience. Unlike traditional banks, which rely on complex processes and paperwork, neobanks provide a streamlined interface where users can manage finances, track transactions in real-time, and set up alerts with ease. This straightforward, app-based experience appeals to tech-savvy users and businesses alike, offering a practical solution for efficient financial management.
Advanced budgeting and financial tracking tools
Neobanks often come equipped with advanced financial tools built right into their apps, giving users insights into spending patterns, budgeting help, and real-time transaction categorization. For businesses, this translates into improved financial control and clear visibility over cash flow. With features like expense tracking and financial analysis, neobanks empower individuals and businesses to make informed, data-driven financial decisions, setting them apart with their strong focus on financial management.
Responsive support and community involvement
Neobanks focus on customer satisfaction with quick, accessible support through multiple channels like in-app chat, email, and even social media. Traditional banks can sometimes have slower, more bureaucratic service, but neobanks use technology to deliver faster, more tailored responses. Many also build a sense of community through online forums and events where users can exchange tips and insights, fostering a collaborative approach to banking.