Starling vs Monzo
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Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. Some links are referral links — we may earn a commission. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.
FSCS protects eligible deposits up to £120,000 per person, per authorised institution.
Quick answer
Both are app-based UK banks with free personal current accounts. Starling has no paid plans and, for new customers, an Easy Saver at 4.00% AER (including a 1.50% fixed bonus for six months on up to £25k, then 2.50%). Its 5.00% new-customer rate has ended. Monzo offers optional paid plans from £3 a month, and its savings rates rise with the plan.
Starling and Monzo side by side
| Feature | Starling | Monzo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | £0 (no paid plans) | £0; plans £3, £9 or from £19 |
| Easy-access savings | 4.00% AER (incl. 1.50% fixed bonus for 6 months, up to £25k); 2.50% standard after that or above £25k. The 5.00% new-customer rate has ended. | 2.75% AER (free plan) to 3.50% AER (Max) |
| 1-year fix | 4.20% AER, £2,000 minimum | 4.70% AER Fixed Rate pot |
| Cash ISA | Flexible Cash ISA 2.50% AER | Instant Access Cash ISA pot 2.75% to 3.50% AER by plan |
| Business account | No monthly fee | Lite free; Pro £9; Team from £25 |
| Switching | CASS, 7 working days | CASS for personal, joint and business |
Figures as of 3 October 2026, from each provider’s own website. Starling Easy Saver rate re-checked 18 October 2026. Rates and fees can change.
Who it’s for
- Starling: people who want everything free and a strong new-customer savings rate
- Monzo: people who want joint and family accounts plus optional extras
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You need branches — neither has them
- You want a switch bonus — we didn’t see one from either on 3 October 2026
Full explanation
If you want one free account and won’t pay for extras, compare Starling’s standard rates with Monzo’s free-plan rates. If you’d use Monzo’s perks anyway, its paid-plan savings rates become part of the value.
The catch
Starling’s headline savings rate is temporary; Monzo’s higher rates need a paid plan.
Check each provider’s current terms.
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
Some links in this table are referral links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are based on our review methodology, not commission.
FAQs
Which is cheaper, Starling or Monzo?
Both personal accounts are free. Monzo’s optional plans cost £3 to from £19 a month.
Is the Monzo link a referral link?
Yes — we may earn a commission. It doesn’t affect what you pay. The Starling link isn’t a referral link.
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