Starling Bank vs Neteller
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Starling Bank | Neteller |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.5 / 5 | 3.5 / 5 |
| Best for | Free UK personal and business banking | Online deposits & international transfers |
| Monthly fee | Free personal account | Free 12 mo; then $5/mo inactivity |
| Exchange rate | Mastercard rate, no markup | Up to 3.99% |
| Send / receive | Free UK transfers | Free to other Neteller members |
| Withdrawals | Free in the UK and abroad | Varies by method |
| Card | Yes — debit Mastercard | Yes — Net+ prepaid Mastercard (EEA only) |
| Availability | United Kingdom | Most countries (excl. US) |
| Currencies | GBP (EUR/USD business accounts) | ~28 currencies |
| Regulation | UK PRA/FCA full banking licence (FSCS protected) | UK FCA / Isle of Man (Paysafe Group) |
| Founded | 2014 | 1999 |
Starling Bank
Starling Bank is a fully licensed UK app bank with FSCS-protected deposits, no fees on overseas spending or ATM withdrawals, interest on balances 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
- No fees on overseas spending or ATM withdrawals
- Excellent free business accounts
Cons
- UK-only
- GBP-focused for personal accounts
- Fewer lifestyle perks than some rivals
Neteller
Neteller is Skrill's Paysafe-owned sibling, widely used for funding trading and online accounts and offering a Knect rewards programme plus in-wallet crypto. Its fee profile mirrors Skrill's — up to 3.99% FX and a $5/month inactivity charge after a year — and its Net+ prepaid card is restricted to EEA residents. Dependable and well-accepted, but not the cheapest way to move money.
Pros
- Sister product to Skrill, broad acceptance
- Knect loyalty programme earns points
- ~28 currencies plus in-wallet crypto
Cons
- Net+ card limited to EEA residents
- FX markup up to 3.99%
- $5/mo inactivity fee after 12 months
The bottom line
Overall, Starling Bank edges ahead with a score of 4.5 versus 3.5 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.