Starling Bank vs ZEN.com
A side-by-side look at how these two wallets stack up — and which one wins for which job.
| Feature | Starling Bank | ZEN.com |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.5 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Best for | Free UK personal and business banking | Everyday spending with cashback |
| Monthly fee | Free personal account | Free plan; paid premium tiers |
| Exchange rate | Mastercard rate, no markup | Small margin on free; better on higher tiers |
| Send / receive | Free UK transfers | Free ZEN-to-ZEN |
| Withdrawals | Free in the UK and abroad | Free ATM up to a cap, then fee |
| Card | Yes — debit Mastercard | Yes — virtual & physical Mastercard |
| Availability | United Kingdom | EEA + UK |
| Currencies | GBP (EUR/USD business accounts) | 30+ currencies |
| Regulation | UK PRA/FCA full banking licence (FSCS protected) | Bank of Lithuania (EMI), EEA-licensed |
| Founded | 2014 | 2019 |
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
ZEN.com
ZEN.com is a Lithuanian, EEA-licensed money app offering a multi-currency account, virtual and physical Mastercards, cashback and an extended buyer-protection feature. It is a capable everyday-spending option in Europe, with the best rates and perks gated behind paid tiers and a relatively young brand.
Pros
- Multi-currency account with Mastercard
- Cashback on eligible purchases
- Extended buyer-protection feature
Cons
- Best perks require paid tiers
- Support can be slow
- Newer, less-established brand
The bottom line
Overall, Starling Bank edges ahead with a score of 4.5 versus 3.6 — but the right choice depends on your priorities. Check both against your own country and use case before deciding.