Google Wallet vs Starling Bank
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Google Wallet | Starling Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.3 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best for | Contactless payments & passes on Android | Free UK personal and business banking |
| Monthly fee | Free | Free personal account |
| Exchange rate | Uses your card's FX terms | Mastercard rate, no Starling fee on card payments |
| Send / receive | No Google fee; send money only in India and Singapore | Free UK transfers; abroad 0.4% + £0.30–£5.50 delivery |
| Withdrawals | N/A | No Starling fee in the UK or abroad (£300 a day abroad) |
| Card | No standalone card; stores cards, passes & tickets | Yes — debit Mastercard |
| Availability | Countries on Google supported-countries list; tap to pay varies by country | United Kingdom (residents aged 16+) |
| Currencies | Local card currency | GBP + optional euro account (USD for limited companies only) |
| Regulation | Rides card networks; licences by region | UK PRA/FCA full banking licence (FSCS protected) |
| Founded | 2011 (Wallet rebrand 2022) | 2014 |
Google Wallet
Google Wallet is the default Android tap-to-pay app, free to use in the countries on Google's supported list, storing payment cards alongside transit, loyalty and event passes. It charges no fee of its own, deferring to your card's terms, but sending money to friends is only offered in India and Singapore. The natural everyday wallet for Android users.
Pros
- Free to use — Google charges no fee
- Stores cards, transit, loyalty & event passes
- Tokenized payments for added security
Cons
- No own account or balance in most markets
- Sending money to friends only in India and Singapore
- Feature set varies widely by country
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 4.3 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.