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Starling Bank savings review
Starling offers savings accounts paying interest up to 4.48%.
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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 4.48% is slightly lower than today's market-best rate of 5.25%.
What is Starling's best savings account with the highest interest rate?
The best savings account depends on what you want from your savings. If you're after fast access to your money, then an easy-access account should suit you. However, if you're happy to lock your money away for a time to access a higher rate, then a fixed-rate bond is a good option.Finally, if you're looking to maximise your returns and shield them from income tax, consider an ISA. Below, we've listed the different types of accounts Starling offers, plus the highest interest rate currently available.
| Savings account types include | Fixed-rate bonds |
|---|---|
| Best fixed-rate bond rate | 4.48% |
| 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. However other eligibility conditions may apply.
- 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.
Other popular accounts
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.
- Download the app
- Create an account by providing your name, date of birth, email address and home address
- Verify your identity through the app using a selfie video and photo of your ID
- 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.
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