Digital Banking Solutions: Chase Vs. Starling

When it comes to managing your money on the go, digital banking has seriously stepped up – not only from traditional banking, but even from some of the first attempts at getting virtual financial management going.

Chase and Starling are two names that keep popping up – and for good reason. Both offer slick mobile apps, modern features and the kind of flexibility traditional banks can’t always match. But, they’re not the same, so which one actually delivers the better experience for everyday users in the UK?

Whether you’re after top-notch customer service, interest on your balance, or handy budgeting tools, it’s worth knowing what each platform brings to the table.

The best way to find an answer to this is simply to put Starling and Chase head to head, looking at everything from account features and fees to user experience and extras.

What Is Chase?

Chase is the UK digital banking app launched by US financial giant JPMorgan Chase. Although it’s still relatively new to the UK market (having arrived in 2021), it’s backed by one of the biggest banks in the world.

The app-only bank offers a sleek, modern interface and a no-nonsense approach to personal finance. Chase accounts come with no monthly fees, 1% cashback on everyday spending and a competitive interest rate on your savings.

Ultimately, it’s designed to make banking simple, transparent and rewarding, all from your phone. There’s no physical branch, but in-app support is responsive and helpful which is always a massive bonus. It also includes clever tools like round-up savings and a separate “savings pots” feature for better money management.

Ideal for those who want hassle-free banking with perks, Chase is growing fast, especially among younger users and digital-first customers. Potentially the best and easiest way to describe Chase is that it’s app-based banking done the modern way, with solid backing and a strong customer focus.

What Is Starling?

Starling Bank is one of the UK’s best-known digital banks, founded in 2014, with a mission to revolutionise personal and business banking – and many will argue that within it’s 10-odd-year lifespan, it’s been successful in doing that.

It’s a fully licensed UK bank, offering current accounts with no monthly fees, great customer service and an award-winning mobile app. Starling sets itself apart with intelligent features like instant payment notifications, fee-free spending abroad and built-in budgeting tools.

Unlike lots of other app-only banks, Starling also offers business accounts, joint accounts and even overdraft and loan services, making it a more well-rounded offering. It’s regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and protected by the FSCS, meaning your money is safe up to £85,000 – incredibly comforting if you’re holding a large amount of money.

Starling’s app is polished, easy to navigate and packed with useful insights to help users take control of their finances. So, if you’re after a reliable, intuitive and feature-rich digital bank based right here in the UK, Starling is definitely worth a look.

Chase and Starling: A Direct Comparison 

Starling and Chase are two digital-first banking platforms that bring different flavours to your finances. Both offer user-friendly apps, zero monthly fees and appealing features like round-up savings and instant notifications – basically, a great way for anyone looking to manage money on the go. But, having said that, they do differ in key ways.

Starling is UK-founded and FCA-regulated, giving it a strong local presence. It offers personal, joint and business accounts, as well as overdrafts and loans – ideal if you want a full-service bank without the branches. Plus, it’s a favourite among travellers thanks to fee-free card use abroad.

Chase, on the other hand, is backed by US giant JPMorgan and aims to win over UK customers with perks like 1% cashback on spending and competitive interest on savings. However, it doesn’t currently offer joint or business accounts, and its features are more streamlined, so you’ll need to bear this in mind based on what your specific needs are.

Both apps are secure, smooth to use and well-reviewed. Chase may appeal to cashback lovers and savers, while Starling wins for variety and flexibility. If you’re looking for a long-term everyday bank with more bells and whistles, Starling might edge it. But for simple, rewarding banking, Chase holds its own nicely.