Monzo vs Starling: Which Digital Bank Is Better for UK Students?

When it comes to Monzo, a UK-based digital bank offering real-time spending tracking, budgeting tools, and fee-free international use. Also known as the first popular neobank in the UK, it was built for people who want to see every pound they spend as it happens. Starling, another UK digital bank focused on transparency, business features, and seamless mobile banking. Also known as the bank that lets you freeze your card in seconds, it’s equally popular among students who need control over their money without the hassle of branch visits. Both banks are free to use, offer contactless cards, and work with Apple Pay and Google Pay—but they’re not the same. If you’re a student juggling rent, groceries, and weekend trips, choosing between them isn’t just about branding. It’s about what your daily life actually needs.

Monzo shines if you’re trying to stop overspending. Its budgeting tools let you set limits on categories like food, nights out, or transport, then shows you exactly how much you’ve left. If you’ve ever run out of cash before payday, this feature alone makes Monzo worth trying. It also gives you instant notifications for every transaction, so you know if someone accidentally takes £50 from your account—or if your mate forgot to pay you back after the pub. Starling, on the other hand, is quieter but smarter in the background. It has a feature called Goals that lets you save money in separate pots without locking it away. That’s perfect if you’re saving for a flight to Spain or a new laptop, but don’t want to juggle multiple accounts. Starling also lets you switch your direct debits and standing orders in-app with one tap, which saves hours if you’ve moved flats or changed your phone plan.

For international students, both banks let you spend abroad without fees—but Monzo gives you better exchange rates on weekends, while Starling locks in rates at the time of payment. If you’re sending money home to family, Starling’s integration with Wise is smoother. Monzo’s community features—like the in-app feed where users share tips on saving or finding cheap groceries—are surprisingly helpful for new students feeling lost in a new city. Starling doesn’t have that, but it does offer free overdrafts up to £1,000 for students with a valid offer, which can be a lifesaver if your student loan is delayed.

Neither bank charges monthly fees, requires a credit check, or forces you to use a specific university. Both are fully regulated by the FCA and protected by the FSCS. But if you’re the type who likes to see your spending in colour-coded graphs and get nudges when you’re going over budget, Monzo feels like a coach. If you want clean, fast, no-nonsense banking that just works—without the noise—Starling is your match. You don’t need both. You just need the one that matches how you live.

Below, you’ll find real student experiences, side-by-side comparisons of fees and features, and tips on how to get the most out of either account—whether you’re budgeting for your first term or planning your next trip across Europe.