9 Things I Hate About Starling Bank

I have talked a lot about UK challenger banks and mentioned a lot of reasons why I like Starling Bank, especially in comparison with their rivals like Monzo, Monese, Revolut and others.

However there are a few things that I actually don't like about Starling and I thought it would be useful to share those things as although they are (in my opinion) the best UK bank account, they still have a few things they really need to work on.

From the way their app works to the features of their current account, I go through 9 things that irk me. If you have other things that irritate you that I forgot to mention, make sure you leave a comment below!

TIMESTAMPS
Introduction - 00:00
1. App Layout - 01:34
2. Paying Process - 03:21
3. Overdraft Functionality - 04:27
4. Loans - 05:24
5. Marketplace - 07:04
6. Spaces - 08:12
7. App Misalignment - 09:38
8. Online Banking - 11:14
9. Joint Accounts - 13:16
Conclusion - 14:45

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[SashaYanshin]

Ok. I am scraping at the bottom of the barrel a little but there’s definitely room for improvement!

[andygs]

This was a great review and I agree with most of the points raised. Only recently discovered your channel and so far I've found many of your videos both interesting and informative 👍

[oliverloquens]

Hi Sasha, great videos. Please keep them coming!

[philanddonna]

Great video Sasha, much appreciated and learned a lot today!

[EbyDivine]

Subscribed. Thanks alot for this video, very very useful.. just starting up and sceptical..I don't really understand most of the terms as someone starting up, but I Am glad I didn't here they might pack up and our money gone, lolz.
Thanks alot, wish you get a great sponsor to ur videos 😊

[bradburyrobinson]

I was using Monzo as a secondary 'cash account' for a few things and recently switched it to Starling. I'd agree with most of the things you say about layouts and functionality of the apps and the overall offering. It seems to me, for both Monzo and Starling, that they're moving so fast they're just bolting things on as and when they launch them as they want to get it out quickly and aren't worrying too much about the overall usability. I wouldn't say they were bad, just not intuitive. I'd say I like the more logical and understated design of Starling over Monzo though.

[abirch]

This a great video review. I hope your channel grows more!

[Holdeenio]

I'm a big fan of Starling, their journey, values and product offerings. I agree with all of your observations here Sasha. It is a missed opportunity regarding the Joint account opening hurdle... I would very much like a Joint account with them, but don't want my wife or I to have to open sole accounts to achieve that... It seems strange from the customer perspective.

[michaelgibson]

I really like Starling. I think their account is great. Unfortunately you're 100% correct about the landing page on the app, and the different options not being very clear. It takes a lot of getting used to where everything is. The desktop option also needs a lot of work. It seems as though there's wasn't a lot of thought put into it. (although I know they really want you to use the app) Why would you launch in the 1st place? Great content.

[exwhyz]

have you had any feedback/seen any changes to the App since your video ?

[saucylight]

Thanks for a great video, Sasha. Have there been any recent improvements (8 June 22) on your first item, App Layout and ease of navigation? I'm a senior embarking on my first challenger bank account. We oldies find it hard to find our way around those small spaces on an android screen. Any advice would be welcome.

[matheusa]

They should hire you as a product manager! Great content mate!

[colinwilson]

Another great vid Sasha. Like you, I have both Starling and Mozo, but I’m in the process of switching to Starling as my main bank (joint account) I also think having to open two sole accounts odd, but not overly onerous so no real issues. One thing I have noticed is there are fewer market place options for joint accounts. I get offered flux and that’s it. No home insurance like is available on my sole account seems a missed opportunity? Also no overdraft facility is available for joint accounts, only sole. (I queried this through the app chat as I assumed I was missing something)
Overall, not enough to put me off, but it makes it less like a proper “grown up” bank!
I agree with the “spaces” shortfalls, here’s hoping they do come up with some improvements.
One feature I’d like is a “balance after bills” feature where you can see how much you will have left after your committed spending before it leaves your account. HSBC have this.

[Heavenschild]

Ok, here’s a funny update relating to how shocking the Starling banks App is:

I opened my account about 3.5 months ago and have only just today, after watching your video and deciding to just brace myself to go and venture into the app once again, after much procrastination, having been put right off by initial inspections of the app; discovered a feature on the app to ‘Activate’ my cards. The odd thing is I’ve been using these cards on Apple Pay since the beginning. So how have I been able to use them on Apple Pay if they weren’t even activated? Again, all part of the confusion of this app.

[iffysd]

It doesn't seem to be integrated within certain machines for contactless payments which is annoying the high security is annoying

[sidkings]

How strange! The app layout is completely different on mine. Was there an upgrade I'm unaware of? I don't have any of those buttons along the bottom. Also the top left and right hand corner images are in the opposite positions.

I think with other banks now offering FX free debit cards Virgin Money etc, is it possible Starling is losing the edge?

[Paterleano]

I had a tide account business account and recently opened a Starling Business Account. Tide was much easier to navigate and execute. Starling is a bit messy. It is so complicated to get second and third cards for staff.

[MotiurRahman-xoqz]

How much can I withdraw per day in business account?

[abdulmotin]

Happy with Starling Bank. Best bank in the world with a world debit card. ❤️❤️❤️

[coolintuitivename]

I hate that i cant access all my card information on the app. Want to use it before the card arrives