Starling Business vs Monzo Business
Both are fully licensed, FSCS-protected UK banks with genuinely free tiers, closer together than people often assume compared to e-money alternatives. The real distinction is ecosystem breadth versus app polish.
Updated 2026-07-03 • Last reviewed 2026-07-12
Starling Business
Top pickWe don’t earn from this oneThe broadest integration marketplace, longest track record.
- Type
- Licensed bank
- Free company formation
- No
- Monthly fee
- Free
- FX / multi-currency
- Basic
- Large third-party integration marketplace
- FSCS protected
- Established business-banking reputation
- No bundled free company formation
Best for businesses that want the widest choice of connected accounting/business tools, Starling wins on ecosystem breadth and longevity in business banking specifically.
Monzo Business
We don’t earn from this oneThe most polished day-to-day banking app.
- Type
- Licensed bank
- Free company formation
- No
- Monthly fee
- Free
- FX / multi-currency
- Basic
- FSCS protected
- Arguably the smoothest app experience of any UK business account
- Free tier available
- No bundled free company formation
- Invoicing and business tools are narrower than Tide's or ANNA's
Best for founders who most value a clean, enjoyable day-to-day app experience, Monzo wins on sheer day-to-day app polish.
The honest verdict
You genuinely can't go wrong with either. Broadest integrations and longest business-banking track record: Starling. Most polished app: Monzo. Neither pays us anything, which is exactly why we can say this without an agenda.
FAQs
Are Starling and Monzo both FSCS protected?
Yes, both operate under their own UK banking licences, so eligible balances are protected the same way as any major high street bank.
Do either offer free company formation?
No, neither bundles formation, you'll need to register separately (Tide, ANNA, Revolut or Wise all do this for free if you'd rather combine the steps).
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