Starling Bank is a popular digital-only bank based in the UK. It offers no-fee chequing and savings accounts along with a user-friendly mobile app, so you may be wondering: Can I open a Starling bank account in Canada?
Is Starling Bank available in Canada?
Unfortunately, no. Starling Bank is only available in the UK, so Canadian residents can’t open an account. But the good news is that there are several Starling Bank Canada alternatives that make it easy to manage your money online.
Top Starling Bank alternatives in Canada
If you’re looking for accounts that offer similar features to Starling Bank in Canada, check out these six Starling Bank alternatives.
Simplii Financial: A Starling Bank alternative in Canada
Launched in 2017, Simplii Financial is CIBC’s digital banking division. While it doesn’t have any physical branches, it does offer one of the widest ranges of financial products and services among Canadian digital banks. Its offerings include a chequing account, a savings account with one of Canada’s highest promotional rates, a Cash Back Visa credit card, GICs, mortgages, personal loans and lines of credit.
And if you’re searching for banks like Starling Bank in Canada, Simplii should definitely be on your shortlist of options.
This fee-free chequing account is a competitive option for anyone looking for a simple (and cheap) way to manage their day-to-day banking. It supports unlimited monthly transactions with no monthly fee, and you get free access to over 3,400 CIBC ATMs across Canada. You can add overdraft protection for a small fee if needed, and user-friendly online and mobile banking platforms make it easy to manage your finances.
No monthly fee
Unlimited transactions (including e-Transfers)
No minimum deposit required
$300 welcome bonus
No physical branches
Not available in Quebec
Only pays a low interest rate
Min. Age
18
Min. Age Teen Account
12
Account Fee
$0
Overdraft Fee
$4.97
ATM Out-of-Network Fee
$1.50
U.S. ATM Fee
$3
International ATM Fee
$3
EQ Bank: A Starling Bank alternative in Canada
A subsidiary of Equitable Bank, EQ Bank is a top Starling Bank alternative for a host of reasons. With its Personal Account, it offers something that Starling no longer does — the convenient access to funds of a chequing account with the balance-boosting power of a high-interest savings account.
But it also offers competitive savings rates on its Notice Savings Account, free withdrawals from any ATM in Canada with the EQ Bank Card, GICs, registered accounts and an international money transfer service. All this serves to make it worth a look if you’re searching for banks like Starling Bank.
If a chequing account and a savings account had a baby, it'd look a lot like the EQ Bank Personal Account. This hybrid account combines the interest-earning power of a savings account — you can earn up to 3.5% when you get your pay direct deposited into your account — with the easy access to funds of a chequing account. You get unlimited transactions including free e-Transfers, free ATM withdrawals across Canada and cash back on purchases, and all with no monthly fee.
No monthly fee or minimum balance needed
Earn up to 3.5% interest
Fee-free ATM withdrawals in Canada
Supports unlimited transactions
No cheques available
No physical branches
Need to meet terms and conditions to get the maximum rate
Min. Age
18
Account Fee
$0
Overdraft Fee
$0
KOHO: A Starling Bank alternative in Canada
KOHO Financial is a Toronto-based fintech that was founded in 2014. One of the new wave of financial technology apps that has shaken up Canadian banking in recent years, KOHO offers a spending account that lets you manage your day-to-day transactions and earn cash back on your spending.
But its hybrid account also pays competitive interest on your balance, and you can manage your money via a user-friendly mobile app. Other perks like interest-free cash advances, credit score monitoring and no foreign transaction fees on some plans help make KOHO a worthy Starling Bank alternative.
KOHO account plans offer a blend of chequing and savings account features. There are three plans to choose from, ranging from the no-fee Essential plan to the $19 a month Everything plan, and you can earn interest on your balance as well as cash back on your purchases. The amount of interest and cash back you earn varies depending on the plan you choose, so you'll need to compare features carefully before deciding which plan is right for you.
Earn up to 4% interest
Earn up to 2% cash back
Highly rated mobile app
Also provides access to interest-free cash advances and other perks
Monthly fees on 2 out of 3 plans
ATM fees apply
You'll need the $19/month plan to maximize cash back and interest-earning potential
Min. Age
18
Account Fee
$0
Transaction Fee
$0
Interac e-Transfer Fee
$0
NSF Fee
$0
Tangerine: A Starling Bank alternative in Canada
Tangerine Bank is one of Canada’s leading digital banks. Established in 1997 as ING DIRECT Canada, it was acquired by Scotiabank in 2012 and remains a wholly-owned subsidiary of that Big Five bank.
This means customers can access Scotiabank’s nationwide ATM network for free, while there’s also a full suite of banking products to choose from. As well as a no-fee chequing account, Tangerine offers a savings account, two cash back credit cards, registered accounts, GICs, mortgages and lines of credit.
This fee-free account is designed for stress-free day-to-day banking. There are no fees for everyday transactions and no minimum balance requirement, while you get unlimited transactions including free e-Transfers. You can also take advantage of access to Scotiabank's ATM network, and managing your money is simple with Tangerine's highly rated mobile app.
Unlimited transactions
No monthly fee or minimum balance
50 free cheques
Free access to over 3,500 ABMs
No physical branches
Only pays a low rate of interest
No cash back
Min. Age
16
Account Fee
$0
Overdraft Fee
$10
ATM Out-of-Network Fee
$1.50
International ATM Fee
$3
Neo Financial: A Starling Bank alternative in Canada
Calgary-based fintech Neo Financial arrived on the scene in 2019. Its fully online offerings include an account for everyday spending, a high-interest savings account, credit cards including the Neo Mastercard, and online investing and portfolio management.
Neo also offers a range of monthly subscriptions known as Perks. You can add these to your Neo credit cards to earn extra cash back and other rewards across categories like Travel, Food & Drink and Mind & Body. That’s why it’s worth a closer look if you’re on the hunt for Starling Bank alternatives.
Neo Financial's Everyday Account is a no-monthly-fee account managed via a user-friendly mobile app. You get unlimited transactions with no minimum balance requirement, plus a Neo Money prepaid card you can use to access cash or pay for in-store and online purchases. And when you shop at partners in Neo Financial's network, you'll be rewarded with cash back.
No monthly fee or minimum balance requirement
Unlimited transactions
Earn cash back on spending
Highly rated app
Cash back earn rate depends on your balance
Monthly cash back limit
Online only
Min. Age
18
Account Fee
$0
Transaction Fee
$0
Interac e-Transfer Fee
$0
NSF Fee
$0
International ATM Fee
$0
Wise: A Starling Bank alternative in Canada
UK-based Wise made its name as an international money transfer service, but it offers a full suite of products and services for Canadians who frequently send, receive and spend in foreign currencies. These include a multi-currency account that supports 40 currencies, the Wise card with no foreign transaction fees, and global payment services for businesses that regularly deal in foreign currency.
It’s easy to manage your Wise account using streamlined online and mobile app interfaces, making Wise a solid option as a Starling Bank alternative in Canada.
A Wise personal account offers a host of handy features for anyone who needs to spend, hold, send and receive money in multiple currencies. The account supports 40+ currencies, while you also get the mid-market exchange rate when you need to convert currencies. And with a highly rated mobile app along with a Wise card that lets you spend money in 160 countries, there's a lot to like about this multi-currency account.
Spend and hold funds in 40+ currencies
Get the mid-market rate when converting currency
Skip foreign transaction fees
User-friendly app
Money transfer fees apply
No branches
Limited number of free ATM withdrawals per month
Min. Age
N/A
Account Fee
$0
What is Starling Bank?
UK-based Starling Bank is one of a growing group of “challenger banks” looking to simplify how people manage their finances. Starling is a digital-only bank that offers a current account (similar to a chequing account), joint account, savings account, euro account, business accounts, a teen account and a prepaid card for kids.
Starling Bank was founded in 2014, received a banking licence in 2016 and launched its Current Account in 2017. Since then, Starling Bank customers have opened over four million accounts.
Starling has no physical branches, but customers can manage their accounts via streamlined online and mobile banking platforms.
What is Starling Bank’s SWIFT code?
The Starling Bank SWIFT code is SRLGGB2L. You can use this code to send an international transfer to a Starling account. But if you’re sending to a euro account, the SWIFT code is SRLGGB3L.
Is Starling Bank only for UK residents?
Yes. To sign up for a Starling Bank account, you must be a UK resident with the right to reside in the UK. You’ll also need to be 16 years of age or older.
If you’re a UK resident with a Starling Bank account, you can use your debit card to withdraw cash or pay for purchases while abroad, including in Canada. Starling Bank also won’t charge you any fees for doing so, which means you can use your card anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
But while Starling Bank doesn’t charge fees, there are some costs to watch out for. For example, the ATM network you use may charge a fee for withdrawing money. And if you choose to pay in the local currency, you’ll receive the Mastercard exchange rate, which includes a markup on top of the mid-market rate.
Starling Bank account options
Starling Bank’s accounts aren’t available to Canadian residents, but UK residents can sign up for the following accounts.
Current Account. This chequing account is used to pay bills, transfer money and pay for purchases with a linked debit card.
Joint Account. You can open a Starling Bank Joint Account with one other person to make it easier to manage your shared finances.
Euro Account. UK residents can use this no-fee account to send, receive and hold euros.
Starling Kite. This kids’ debit card is designed for 6 to 15-year-olds and is designed to help parents pay pocket money and monitor spending.
Teen Account. This current account is designed for 16 and 17-year-olds and comes with a Mastercard debit card.
Easy Saver. This savings account provides easy access to your funds and has no minimum deposit requirement.
Fixed Saver. This account pays a competitive interest rate when you deposit money for a 1-year fixed term.
Personal Overdraft. This short-term overdraft is designed to help you cover any unexpected expenses that may arise.
International money transfers. Starling Bank also allows customers to send money abroad to 34 countries in 17 currencies.
Business accounts. Business chequing accounts, multi-currency accounts, savings accounts, overdrafts and loans are also available.
What are the downsides of Starling Bank?
Aside from the fact that Starling Bank doesn’t offer accounts to Canadian residents, there are a few other areas where it falls short compared to Canadian digital banks.
No interest on a chequing account
One recent development that has seen Starling Bank attract criticism from customers is its decision to stop paying interest on personal and joint Current Accounts from February 10, 2025.
Interest-earning capability is available through separate Easy Saver or Fixed Saver accounts, but there’s no longer the convenience of an all-in-one account. And that’s where Canadian products like the EQ Bank Personal Account and KOHO offer an attractive alternative.
Overdraft interest
Another area where Starling Bank falls short is overdraft interest charges. While there’s no fee for overdraft protection, you’ll pay either 15%, 25% or 35% interest — the rate you get is determined by your credit score.
Compare that to KOHO Cover, which provides overdraft protection in the form of interest-free cash advances of up to $250 for a low fee. And while Tangerine and Simplii charge a fee for overdraft protection on their chequing accounts, their interest rates of 19% are much lower than the maximum 35% Starling Bank charges.
Downsides of all digital banks
The other main downsides of Starling Bank are the same as for other digital banks — you can’t pop into a branch to access face-to-face customer service, and Starling has a limited product range compared to traditional banks.
Starling reviews: What are its customers thinking?
Customer reviews for Starling are generally positive, but like all banks, it’s also picked up some mixed feedback. Positive reviews mention factors such as an easy-to-use app, attractive interest rates and account features, and fast customer service.
Customers who leave negative reviews mention factors such as being denied when trying to open an Easy Saver Account and the fact that Starling’s Current Account no longer pays interest.
Starling’s average rating of 4.2/5 on Trustpilot compares favorably to Canadian providers like EQ Bank (2.3/5), Tangerine (1.3/5), KOHO (1.4/5), Neo Financial (1.5/5) and Simplii Financial (2/5), and is similar to Wise’s rating of 4.3/5 (as of January 2025).
As for its mobile app, there are plenty of Canadian banks that would look on with envy at Starling’s 4.9/5 and 4.8/5 average ratings from the App Store and Google Play respectively (as of January 2025).
Summary of Starling Bank reviews
Site
Starling review
Trustpilot
4.2/5 based on 42,213 reviews
Google
3.4/5 based on 3,105 reviews
Apple App Store
4.9/5 based on over 535,000 reviews
Google Play
4.8/5 based on over 125,000 reviews
Bottom line
Starling Bank isn’t available in Canada, but there are several great Starling Bank Canada alternatives that are well worth a closer look. Check out what they have to offer to find the right digital banking solution for your needs.
Frequently asked questions about Starling Bank
Starling Bank accounts are only available to UK residents. But if you're a UK resident with a Starling Bank account, you can use your debit card to withdraw cash and pay for purchases overseas. Starling also won't charge you for spending abroad.
The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation is a federal Crown corporation that provides deposit insurance. When you open an account with a bank, credit union or financial institution that is a CDIC member, up to $100,000 you deposit will be covered by CDIC insurance if the bank fails.
Starling doesn't offer cashback as standard. Instead, it's partnered with the cashback app Verve. Part of its Starling Marketplace, Verve gives customers access to cashback offers at a range of retailers.
Verve can be activated within the Starling app, which links both accounts. When Starling customers pay with their cards, cashback is paid directly into their bank accounts.
Yes, Starling Bank accepts phone numbers from 40 countries, including Canada. However, you will need to be a UK resident to be eligible for an account.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio
Whether you’re looking for a digital-only bank, a virtual bank account or a bank account you can access online, we help you find and compare the best online banks in Canada.
Looking for Revolut alternatives in Canada? These Canadian banks and financial apps may be just what you need.
How likely would you be to recommend Finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Advertiser disclosure
Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.