Monzo vs Starling vs Revolut: Which Is Actually Best in 2026?
Three great apps, three very different strengths. Here's the honest comparison so you can pick the right one — or the right combination.
Monzo, Starling, and Revolut are all genuinely good — but they're designed for slightly different people. Here's the honest breakdown.
Quick Summary
| Feature | Monzo | Starling | Revolut |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK banking licence | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ (2024) |
| FSCS protected | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ | Yes ✅ |
| Free account | Yes | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Savings pots | Yes (4.6%) | Yes (3.25%) | Yes (variable) |
| Budgeting tools | Excellent | Good | Good |
| International spending | Good (free up to £200/month) | Good (fee-free) | Excellent (best rates) |
| Joint accounts | Yes | Yes | No (free tier) |
Monzo: Best For Budgeting
Monzo's budgeting tools are the best of the three by a significant margin. You can set monthly limits per spending category (eating out, transport, groceries), get notified when you're approaching your limit, and see exactly where your money is going in real time.
The "salary sorter" feature automatically splits your pay into bills, savings, and spending when it lands — making budgeting almost automatic.
Best for: Anyone who wants to get better at budgeting, or who tends to overspend in certain categories.
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Starling: Best All-Rounder
Starling is the closest to a traditional bank of the three — but better. Full banking features, genuine customer service, free international spending with no monthly limit, and a savings marketplace that connects to competitive savings accounts.
Starling also has the best business account of the three if you ever go self-employed (free, full-featured, HMRC-integrated).
Best for: People who want a complete, reliable main bank account with no gimmicks.
Revolut: Best for Travel and Spending Abroad
If you travel or spend money in foreign currencies regularly, Revolut gives you the best exchange rates of any UK bank or app. The free tier has limitations (weekend rate surcharge, ATM limits), but the paid tiers (from £3.99/month) remove these.
Best for: Frequent travellers, people who buy from overseas websites regularly, or anyone who sends money internationally.
The Answer Most People Need
Use two: Monzo or Starling as your main account (for salary, bills, budgeting) and Revolut as your travel card (loaded up before you go abroad). This combination costs nothing and gives you the best of everything.
What About the Paid Tiers?
Monzo Plus (£5/month) and Premium (£15/month) add features like higher savings rates, credit tracking, and travel insurance. Generally only worth it if you specifically need those features — the free accounts are excellent for most people.