Revolut vs Monzo vs Starling: Which Is Best in 2026? | EasyEarns | EasyEarns
Blog PostProduct ReviewsMarch 11, 20266 min read
Revolut vs Monzo vs Starling: Which Is Best in 2026?
Revolut, Monzo, or Starling — which digital bank actually wins in 2026? We compare features, fees, and perks to help you pick the right one.
Choosing between Revolut, Monzo, and Starling is one of the most common dilemmas for anyone looking to switch to a digital bank. All three are excellent, but they each have distinct strengths that make them better suited to different people.
In this head-to-head comparison, we'll break down the key differences across fees, features, savings, travel, and customer support so you can pick the one that actually fits your life.
Already know which one you want? Grab a referral bonus for Revolut, Monzo, or Starling before you sign up.
Quick Overview
Feature
Revolut
Monzo
Starling
Monthly fee (basic)
Free
Free
Free
UK banking licence
Yes
Yes
Yes
FSCS protection
Yes (£85k)
Yes (£85k)
Was this article helpful?
Yes (£85k)
Instant notifications
Yes
Yes
Yes
Fee-free abroad spending
Yes (with limits)
Yes (with limits)
Yes (no limits)
In-app savings
Yes
Yes (via Pots)
Yes (via Spaces)
Crypto/stocks trading
Yes
No
No
All three are regulated by the FCA and offer FSCS deposit protection up to £85,000, so your money is equally safe regardless of which you choose.
Everyday Banking
Account Features
All three banks offer the essentials: instant spending notifications, categorised transactions, and easy money transfers. But the details differ.
Monzo excels at budgeting and money management. Salary sorting, customisable spending categories, and clear monthly summaries make it the best option for people who want to get their finances organised. The app design is clean, intuitive, and consistently well-rated.
Starling takes a more traditional banking approach with a modern twist. It offers a joint account, business accounts, and integrates well with accounting software. The app is polished but slightly less feature-rich than Monzo for personal budgeting.
Revolut packs in the most features overall — from crypto trading and stock investing to currency exchange and virtual cards. It feels more like a financial super-app than a traditional bank.
Winner: Revolut for sheer feature count. Monzo for budgeting and simplicity.
Savings Options
All three let you create savings spaces within your account:
Monzo Pots: Up to 4.75% AER through partner banks, automatic round-ups, and scheduled transfers
Starling Spaces: Up to 4.50% AER, automatic round-ups, and goals-based saving
Revolut Savings Vaults: Up to 4.60% AER, group vaults for shared saving goals
Rates fluctuate, but all three are competitive with dedicated savings accounts.
Winner: Monzo — slightly better rates and more flexible pot management.
Fees Comparison
Monthly Account Fees
Tier
Revolut
Monzo
Starling
Free
£0
£0
£0
Mid-tier
£6.99 (Plus)
£5 (Plus)
N/A
Premium
£13.99 (Premium)
£17.50 (Premium)
N/A
Top tier
£45 (Ultra)
N/A
N/A
Starling keeps things simple with just one free account — no paid tiers. Revolut offers the most tiers with the widest range of extras. Monzo sits in the middle.
Winner: Starling — everything included for free, no upselling.
ATM and Cash Fees
Monzo: Free up to £400/30 days domestically, then £1 per withdrawal
Starling: Unlimited free UK ATM withdrawals — a genuine standout
Revolut: Free up to £200/month on the free plan, then 2%
Winner: Starling — no limits, no fees for UK ATMs.
Travel and Foreign Spending
This is where the differences really show.
Card Payments Abroad
Starling: No fees, no limits — uses the Mastercard rate with zero markup on any plan
Monzo: Free up to £2,000/30 days, then 1% fee on the free plan
Revolut: Free during weekdays using the interbank rate (up to £1,000/month on free plan), but adds a 1% markup on weekends and a 0.5% fee above the limit
Revolut: Free up to £200/month on the free plan, then 2%
Winner: Starling — best daily limits, no monthly cap.
Multi-Currency Accounts
Revolut wins this category decisively. It supports 36+ currencies with in-app exchange at the interbank rate. You can hold, send, and receive money in multiple currencies, which is invaluable for frequent travellers or anyone receiving income in foreign currencies.
Monzo and Starling both use the Mastercard rate (which is competitive) but don't let you hold foreign currency balances.
Winner: Revolut — unmatched for multi-currency needs.
Customer Support
All three primarily offer support through in-app chat, but experiences vary:
Starling consistently ranks highest for customer service in independent surveys. Response times are generally fast, and they offer phone support — a rarity among digital banks
Monzo support is responsive but can be slow during peak times. The community forum is active and helpful for common queries
Revolut has historically received the most complaints about support, though they've invested heavily in improving it. Priority support is reserved for paid plan holders
Winner: Starling — phone support and consistently strong ratings.
Security Features
All three offer:
Biometric login
Instant card freezing
Transaction notifications
Spending controls
Gambling blocks
Revolut adds disposable virtual cards on paid plans, which generate a new card number for each online transaction — excellent for reducing fraud risk.
Winner: Revolut — disposable cards are a genuine security advantage.