r/starlingbankuk

I've been weighing up the pros and cons of all these digital card companies. Monzo, Starling, Revolut etc.

I've decided to choose Starling as my personal account because there are no monthly fees plus I've heard Starling is good for travel and budgeting. I travel a lot in London so I guess Starling would be good for that. I also am planning to save up money for the future as well as using Starling for general card usage like paying for groceries and/or just using it as a backup card in case something comes up with my main card (Metro Bank)

To people who have a Starling Bank account, or have used it in the past, what can I expect when using it? What are the pros and cons of using it (I've heard conflicting reviews from users)?

I will provide an update once options are weighed. All I ask is honesty with your comments and stories. Thanks.

P.S. I'm a little bit of a rebel in my family lol. Everyone uses Monzo but I like going another way and possible using Starling.

I've used Monzo for about 8 years. They're a good bank but they charge for some basic things like virtual cards to link to pots/spaces, which has always irked me. I also dislike the ATM withdrawal limits they have. So seeing that Starling gives you those things for free instantly drew me to them. Also, apparently Starling has better customer service with the option to call their call centre. That's cool too. I've had some issues with poor communication on live chat from Monzo in the past so I'm looking forward to being able to call my bank if needed.

The advantages of Monzo are getting paid a day early (but I don't mind not getting paid early. What matters more to me is seeing my pay a day early as a pending payment, which I think Starling does. So that's fine), apparently Starling doesn't show active card checks that don't require manual approval whereas Monzo does (which I consider to be a minor security flaw) and apparently Starling doesn't let you manually mark a transaction as a subscription (minor issue and kind of irrelevant once it's linked to a pot in my opinion).

Overall Starling takes the win quite easily, hence me switching over. I have my account all set up and am just waiting for my debit card to be delivered.

Have any of you used both banks? What are the differences you noticed and which bank do you prefer?

I've had a personal account for a year with Starling, never had an issue. 4 days ago I got a message and an email stating that my account is currently restricted and under review, no notice whatsoever.

I've been using this account only for bills and for benefits deposits (Universal Credit & Pip), no transfers, no shady transactions, no crypto. Just regular bills. I've just been released from hospital after a hip operation and I absolutely have no money as I'm not allowed to transfer or withdraw the remaining account.

Not only I need money for medical treatments but have no way of buying anything such as groceries or pay any bills which I'm already behind. I'm autistic among other disabilities and that has made me spiralling out of control and has made a devastating impact on my mental health.

I only have access to my accounts, I've made a Cifas DSAR and it came back clear, no debts, checked my credit file and everything looks normal. I have no family or friends to help me and I feel like drowning, they know I'm a vulnerable adult with specific medical needs yet I'm still waiting for this review to end.

I've opened another account and my next payment is next Friday since I've updated my bank details on everything. Until then, I have NOTHING. I don't drive due to medical reasons and I feel completely overwhelmed.

wtf should I do??