Starling Bank vs Cash App
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Starling Bank | Cash App |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.5 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Best for | Free UK personal and business banking | Simple everyday banking and payments |
| Monthly fee | Free personal account | Free |
| Exchange rate | Mastercard rate, no Starling fee on card payments | N/A |
| Send / receive | Free UK transfers; abroad 0.4% + £0.30–£5.50 delivery | Free standard P2P; instant ~0.5–1.75% |
| Withdrawals | No Starling fee in the UK or abroad (£300 a day abroad) | Standard free; instant-to-debit fee |
| Card | Yes — debit Mastercard | Yes — Cash Card (Visa debit) |
| Availability | United Kingdom (residents aged 16+) | United States & United Kingdom |
| Currencies | GBP + optional euro account (USD for limited companies only) | USD (US), GBP (UK) |
| Regulation | UK PRA/FCA full banking licence (FSCS protected) | FinCEN (MSB), US state licences; Block, Inc. |
| Founded | 2014 | 2013 |
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
Cash App
Cash App blends peer-to-peer payments with light banking, a free debit card, and built-in Bitcoin and stock investing. Standard transfers are free while instant cash-outs and crypto carry fees, and availability is limited to the US and UK. A strong all-in-one choice for US users who want payments and investing in one place.
Pros
- Free P2P and a free customizable Cash Card
- Built-in Bitcoin & stock investing
- Direct deposit and banking-style features
Cons
- Limited to US and UK
- Instant transfers & credit-card sends cost extra
- Bitcoin buys carry a 2–3% spread
The bottom line
Overall, Starling Bank edges ahead with a score of 4.5 versus 4.0 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.