Chime vs Starling Bank
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Chime | Starling Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.1 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best for | Everyday no-fee banking in the US | Free UK personal and business banking |
| Monthly fee | No monthly fee | Free personal account |
| Exchange rate | N/A (US) | Mastercard rate, no Starling fee on card payments |
| Send / receive | Free Pay Anyone transfers | Free UK transfers; abroad 0.4% + £0.30–£5.50 delivery |
| Withdrawals | Free at 60,000+ in-network ATMs | No Starling fee in the UK or abroad (£300 a day abroad) |
| Card | Yes — Visa debit (plus Credit Builder card) | Yes — debit Mastercard |
| Availability | United States | United Kingdom (residents aged 16+) |
| Currencies | USD | GBP + optional euro account (USD for limited companies only) |
| Regulation | Banking via The Bancorp Bank / Stride Bank, N.A. (FDIC) | UK PRA/FCA full banking licence (FSCS protected) |
| Founded | 2013 | 2014 |
Chime
Chime is a US fintech offering fee-free mobile banking through partner banks, with no monthly or overdraft fees, early direct deposit, SpotMe overdraft coverage and a Credit Builder card. It is a strong everyday account for fee-conscious US users, though it is not a bank itself and cash deposits depend on retail partners.
Pros
- No monthly, overdraft or minimum-balance fees
- Early direct deposit (up to two days sooner)
- SpotMe fee-free overdraft up to a limit
Cons
- US-only
- Not a bank itself — services via partner banks
- No physical branches
Starling Bank
Starling Bank is a fully licensed UK app bank with FSCS-protected deposits, no fees on overseas spending or ATM withdrawals, an optional euro account and highly regarded free business accounts. It is one of the strongest all-round UK options, especially for freelancers and small businesses, though it is UK-only and GBP-focused.
Pros
- Full UK bank, FSCS-protected deposits up to £120,000
- No Starling fees on overseas spending or ATM withdrawals
- Euro account with its own IBAN, no monthly fee
Cons
- UK-only
- GBP-focused for personal accounts
- Fewer lifestyle perks than some rivals
The bottom line
Overall, Starling Bank edges ahead with a score of 4.5 versus 4.1 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.