Log in Join
Starling

Starling Bank savings review

Starling offers savings accounts paying interest up to 3.25%.

No reviews yet. Write a review
Avatar

By

Kate Anderson

Updated

Fact checked

Starling Bank has made a name for itself as a digital bank which looks to offer innovative products and help customers manage their finances better. Building on the success of its personal current account, Starling has branched out into offering savings accounts.

Fixed-rate bonds

Table: sorted by interest rate
Starling's best fixed-rate bond rate of 3.25% is significantly lower than today's market-best rate of 5.35%.
Updated daily
Name Product Interest rate Invest Interest paid Withdrawals Open via Deposit protection Open via Incentive Apply link
Starling Bank – 1-Year Fixed Saver
Additional account needed
Starling Bank – 1-Year Fixed Saver
3.25% AER fixed for 1 year
£2,000 - £1,000,000
On maturity
Withdrawals not permitted
Website, mobile app
FSCS logo
protected
Open via: website, mobile app
Go to site
View details
loading
Compare more fixed-rate bonds up to 5.35%

Overview of Starling savings

Savings account types include Fixed-rate bonds
Best fixed-rate bond rate 3.25%
Fixed bond terms 1 year
Opening options Website, mobile app
FSCS protection

What savings accounts does Starling offer?

Starling has 2 different types of savings services. One is its Fixed Saver, offering a guaranteed rate of interest for 12 months. The second is its Savings Spaces, which are virtual piggy banks where customers can put money to one side.

Fixed Saver

Starling’s 1-Year Fixed Saver offers a guaranteed rate of interest for 12 months. Here are its key features:

  • Fixed rate. You can earn a very respectable rate on your savings, paid at the point of maturity.
  • Deposit. There is a minimum deposit requirement of £2,000. You can also save up to £1 million.
  • Eligibility. You must have a personal current account with Starling in order to open its Fixed Saver.
  • Multiple accounts. Customers can open multiple Fixed Savers.
  • FSCS protected. Your money is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 across all your Starling accounts.

Savings Spaces

Starling’s Savings Spaces sit within your bank account, but the money is kept separate from your main balance. They are not technically separate savings accounts. Instead, they are virtual piggy banks designed to help you visualise your savings goals.

  • Transfers. You can move money from your main account to one of your spaces easily within your apps.
  • Interest. Starling offers 0.05% AER on current account balances, including its Savings Spaces.
  • Round-ups. You can use Starling’s Round Ups feature to automatically send the space change to your chosen Space.
  • Virtual cards. You can create a virtual debit card and link it to a Savings Space, allowing you to spend directly from that pot.

How to open an account

To open either the Fixed Saver or create a Savings Space, you will first need to open a personal current account.

  1. Download the app
  2. Create an account by providing your name, date of birth, email address and home address
  3. Verify your identity through the app using a selfie video and photo of your ID
  4. Wait to be approved (this usually only takes a few minutes)

Once your personal current account is set up, you can open your Fixed Saver via online banking.

Savings Spaces can be created in-app and funds can be instantly transferred from your main account balance.

Is it safe?

Starling is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This means that you are protected up to £85,000. However, it’s important to note that is across all your Starling accounts. So, you will need to factor in how much you have in your main current account balance as well as your Fixed Saver.

If you fall victim to fraud, Starling is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Its app also has several security features to protect your account including passcode and password protection, live records of your transactions and home screen notifications to alert you to any strange activity on your account.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Competitive interest rates
  • Easy account management in-app
  • Multiple accounts can be held
  • FSCS protected

Cons

  • Limited range of savings products available
  • No bank branches or face-to-face communication with Starling Bank staff member
  • Interest paid at maturity

Our verdict: Is a savings account from Starling worth it?

If you are looking for a short-term place to put your savings and earn some interest, then it’s worth considering Starling’s Fixed Saver. Although you need to be a personal current account customer, it is quick and easy to get yourself set up with an account. As long as you are happy not to have access to your money for 12 months, then you can earn a decent rate of interest.

Starling’s Savings Spaces are also a good money management tool. However, with minimal interest paid on your money, they are better used for budgeting rather than for growing your savings over the short term.

If neither of Starling’s savings options appeal to you, then take a look at what other savings accounts are available.

Savings ratings

★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor

Our customer satisfaction scores ("Customers say") are based on a survey of 2,224 customers carried out in December 2022.

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.
  1. Financial Services Compensation Scheme

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site