Big fan of the challenger/ mobile banking services. Most of them offer a superior UX and value-add. Been following this space since past few years and here are some of the alternatives if you're interested. Europe- Monzo, Monese, N26, Tide, TransferWise, Revolut. US- Simple, Chime, TransferWise.

For me, it's a 2 horse race between Starling and Monzo in the mobile challenger bank space. It is really, really good to have these two pushing each other. Sure you have options like Revolut and Atom, but I think these two just edge it.

I've used both Starling and Monzo for about a year and they are both excellent, truly excellent. I have never had a problem with either. In terms of functionality, they are both pretty similar but Starling are further ahead with their business and offerings as a whole. They were first to overdrafts, Apple Pay and business accounts.

However, I had Monzo about a month before Starling, and although feature wise Starling just edges it, I can't bring myself to switch over. It's about being part of Monzo's incredible community, I prefer the app (although Starling's does look snazzier) and having that sweet coral card alongside all the other people, admittedly just in London, is pretty cool. Is that potentially a odd reason to choose one product over another? Yes, probably, but that's just the effect Monzo has over people. Oh, and my mum uses it, that has to count for something.

Pros:

Wonderful challenger bank, excellent UX, exceptional setup, good support, Apple Pay

Cons:

I just can't leave Monzo's community :(

This makes a lot sense. Does anyone go to the bank anymore?

Switched 7 months ago and never looked back – no issues whatsoever. Best banking app I've used, speedy with great UI/UX. Spending breakdown is very helpful, and specific security toggles to disable specifically any of ATM withdrawals, online payments, contactless or card transactions are reassuring to have. Transactions show instantly, and bank transfers, even international, seem to show up very quickly too. I feel like not enough people are aware of Starling compared to Monzo, however.

Switched 7 months ago and never looked back – no issues whatsoever. Best banking app I've used, speedy with great UI/UX. Spending breakdown is very helpful, and specific security toggles to disable specifically any of ATM withdrawals, online payments, contactless or card transactions are reassuring to have. Transactions show instantly, and bank transfers, even international, seem to show up very quickly too.

Pros:

Great UI/UX, speedy app, spending breakdown, instant transactions, Apple Pay

Cons:

Yet to find any! Wish app home showed weekly or monthly breakdown

This is great, however, I'm wondering how soon digital banks will be able to roll out services to developing countries. Pakistan, for example, is the least banked population in the world at 6%. They could really use some mobile banking there.

Been with Starling for around 6 months and VERY happy, the sign up process is so quick and easy, the app is feature rich but still light weight and customer service is amazing. Highly recommended 🙂

A great bank! It's also well loved with our personal finance app's customers. Many have connected their Starling accounts so we can definitely sense their appreciation for it 🚀

I've been using Starling for a few months, I was a bit cautious at first, but there is literally nothing to be scared of, the app works and looks amazing, packed with features and i can't wait to use my card abroad for the great exchange rates it apparently has!

I've been with Starling as my main account since May 2017 and I've never looked back! Fully jumping onto a modern bank account compared to one from a “traditional” company has been a breeze! Transactions go through immediately, notifications are amazing, spending breakdowns, ...you name it!

Pros:

Great UI, Comprehensive Overview over Spending, Frequent new features

Cons:

Looking at Monzo, Starling is not the “first”, but definitely it's been first to become a bank

I used Starling for about a week before deciding to switch my whole bank account over to them. I'd recommend! One feature, Goals, lets you create savings accounts and move money over manually or on a set date every day / week / month etc - its really great!

Awesome onboarding experience - within 15 mins you have a bank account setup to receive money and an Apple Pay card issued to spend it.

Pros:

Apple Pay!

Cons:

Doesn’t have Monzo’s community

I have had both Starling and Monzo since they first came out. At first, I predominantly used Monzo as I liked the design and the no-charge for use abroad. However, after Monzo started charging fees abroad, I focused on Starling and moved across to Starling as my main account. I really like the Spaces feature (similar to Monzo's Pots) saving for specific goals whilst still getting interest on it. The customer service is pretty good and the security features are really helpful. I also integrate with some personal finance management apps and being able to add Starling with just a fingerprint is ahead of the likes of Monzo and certainly all the incumbent banks with endless login details!

Now I've switched to Starling from the Dinosaur banks I've finally managed to get complete handle on how much I spend every month. Not JUST at the end of each month but as I spend it with all of Starlings instant spending & payment notifications, no need to shuffle money between accounts though out the month and constantly being caught out if I forgot money went out of one account but the money was in another savings account causing HUGE fines even though I had the money in their bank a Starling Bank has one account and lots of Goals allowing you to split off money but if you spend more than is in the account and go over drawn it just uses the money from the goal so you don't get charged! :D

Pros:

AMAZING instant spending analysis, there great App and GOALS!

Cons:

All the amazing new features they are developing aren't out yet?! LOL SO NONE! :p

great bank, great ideas, great UI, great people - refreshing change

Pros:

awesome - mobile only

Cons:

have to put my password in too many times

These guys and gals aren't stopping with personal UK current accounts.

They've just released business accounts, international payments are available on Android, they have a public API for developers to integrate with and a marketplace of linked applications for wealth management.

They also run a payment services business.

Pros:

100% mobile. (Also v. responsive & helpful people available by chat/phone). Great UI. Lots of neat features atop all the usual bank stuff.

Cons:

I couldn't use the current account switching service to switch in from a joint account. No biggie. But worth knowing.

I've been using this for a while. I originally got it for travelling outside the UK because it had no fees (unlike my Monzo card). It's great - I do think Monzo is slightly ahead and makes day-to-day spending better with more detailed reports. But Starling is catching up.

Saved me so much money and hassle when travelling abroad. Last trip saved me over £100 in bad exchange rates and charges

I love that I can do EVERYTHING in app, unlike any other bank I've used in the past. I love features such as instant notifications and knowing to the second exactly how much money I have in my account.

Pros:

I can achieve everything in app; unlike other banks.

Instant notifications.

24/7 cust. service; in-app and phone.

Speed adding new features.

Cons:

Paying in cash via NatWest is clunky (am told Post Office support will be added soon.)

On the rarity I get a cheque it has to be posted in.

Been using this as my main bank since the new year. Great features, goals and instant transactions feed to name a few. Been telling everyone i know about this bank!