---
title: "Starling vs Monzo vs Revolut Business Account – which one should you choose?"
description: "Looking for a business account that doesn’t make life harder than it has to be? Starling, Monzo and Revolut are three of the most popular digital-first options in the UK – app-based, modern, and built for business owners who want to manage everything from their phone."
url: "https://anna.money/blog/guides/starling-vs-monzo-vs-revolut-business-account/"
datePublished: "2025-10-09T12:00:00Z"
dateModified: "2026-09-11T12:00:00Z"
authors: ["Tracey Blake"]
reviewers: []
publisher: "ANNA Money"
publisherUrl: "https://anna.money/"
category: "Guides"
tags: ["Business accounts"]
readTimeMinutes: 7
---

# Starling vs Monzo vs Revolut Business Account – which one should you choose?

Looking for a business account that doesn’t make life harder than it has to be? Starling, Monzo and Revolut are three of the most popular digital-first options in the UK – app-based, modern, and built for business owners who want to manage everything from their phone.

## Key Takeaways

Starling, Monzo and Revolut are app-based UK business accounts that differ mainly in cost: Starling has one free plan, Monzo splits features between free Lite and paid Pro tiers, and every Revolut business plan is paid.

- **The cheapest:** Starling is the cheapest and most complete option for small UK businesses.
- **Best value for money:** Starling delivers the best value for domestic business use, while Revolut’s paid plans suit companies trading internationally.
- **Best for sole traders:** For most sole traders, Starling offers the smoothest start with no hidden fees, while Revolut’s entry plan suits those needing international tools.
- **Best for limited companies:** Monzo Pro or Revolut Grow are better for limited companies that need shared access and spending controls.
- **Best for international business:** Revolut is the strongest choice for international payments and currency flexibility.

But once you look past the surface, the differences start to show. This guide compares the business accounts from Starling, Monzo, and Revolut, covering everything from features and fees to eligibility, support, and usability.

And because we’re ANNA, we’ll also show you how we stack up – especially if you’d prefer your [business account](https://anna.money/business-account/) to come with admin support, smart tax tools, and real humans on hand 24/7.

## Starling vs Monzo vs Revolut at a glance

If you just want the summary: **Starling** keeps things simple with one free plan that includes most essentials, **Monzo** splits features between its free “Lite” and paid “Pro” tiers, while **Revolut** offers international tools, but all business plans are paid – there’s no free tier.

## Quick look: Starling vs Monzo vs Revolut

| Feature | Starling | Monzo Lite / Pro | Revolut Basic / Grow |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Monthly fee** | £0 | £0 / £9 | £10 / £30 |
| **International payments** | ✅ via SWIFT | ❌ Lite ✅ Pro (and Team) | ✅ built-in FX |
| **Multi-user access** | ❌ directors only | ✅ Pro only | ✅ with paid plans |
| **Cash deposits** | ✅ Post Office, 0.7% | ✅ £1 per deposit via PayPoint or Post Office | ❌ not supported |
| **Cheque deposits** | ✅ by app or post | ✅ by app or post | ❌ not supported |
| **Overdraft** | ✅ up to £50,000 | ✅ Sole traders only, up to £3,000 (if eligible) | ❌ none |
| **Virtual/expense cards** | ❌ | ✅ Pro only | ✅ on paid plans |
| **Accounting integrations** | ✅ | ✅ Pro only | ✅ with Xero, QuickBooks |
| **Multi-currency** | ✅ (EUR only; USD account permanently closed April 2026) | ❌ | ✅ 35+ currencies (hold and exchange) |
| **FSCS protection** | ✅ £120,000 | ✅ £120,000 | ✅ £120,000 (UK licensed bank since March 2026) |
| **Customer support** | 24/7 – phone, chat, email | In-app chat only | 24/7 in-app chat support (no phone line) |

**Takeaway:**
Starling offers the best set of core tools for free, Monzo adds flair and usability but hides extras behind Pro, while Revolut is strong for international business but weaker on protection and UK coverage.

## Who are these accounts best for?

### ⚡ The cheapest

Starling stands out for one simple reason: its business account is genuinely free. No monthly fees, no basic features locked away – just straightforward everyday banking with optional paid add-ons.

Monzo’s Lite plan is also free but lacks essentials like invoicing and accounting integrations, both available only in the £9/month Pro tier. Revolut’s entry plan (£10/month) is functional but limited in local business use – you’ll need to upgrade to Grow (£30/month) for team features or integrations.

**Verdict:**
Starling is the cheapest and most complete option for small UK businesses.

### ⚡ Best value for money

When you look at what’s included, Starling again offers strong long-term value. You get integrations, cash deposits, and overdrafts without subscription fees.

Monzo’s £9/month Pro tier adds virtual cards and invoicing, while Revolut’s paid plans bring extra currencies, team cards, and higher transfer limits. But for most UK-based SMEs and freelancers, those features aren’t essential day-to-day.

**Verdict:**
Starling delivers the best value for domestic business use, while Revolut’s paid plans suit companies trading internationally.

### ⚡ Best for sole traders

If you’re a freelancer or sole trader, Starling is the easiest to set up and use without monthly costs. You can link it to accounting software, deposit cash at Post Offices, and even access overdrafts.

Monzo Lite is usable but minimal; you’ll need to pay for Pro if you want invoices or multi-user access. 
Revolut's account can work for global freelancers; it is now [FSCS protected](https://anna.money/blog/guides/what-is-fscs-protection/) as a licensed UK bank, though it still lacks local cheque/cash support.

**Verdict:**
For most sole traders, Starling offers the smoothest start with no hidden fees, while Revolut’s entry plan suits those needing international tools.

### ⚡ Best for limited companies

Limited companies often need multiple users or approval workflows. This is where **Monzo Pro** and **Revolut Grow** take the lead. Monzo Pro supports team access and expense cards, while Revolut’s Grow plan includes multi-user controls and integrations.

Starling, however, restricts account access to directors, which can be limiting for larger teams.

**Verdict:**
Monzo Pro or Revolut Grow are better for limited companies that need shared access and spending controls.

Check our [business account for Limited companies](https://anna.money/business-account/limited-companies/) for comparison.

### ⚡ Best for international business

If your business trades across borders, Revolut wins hands down. Its built-in multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates, and international transfers make it ideal for global freelancers or exporters.

Starling offers a limited EUR account and SWIFT transfers (USD account permanently closed April 2026), while Monzo relies on Wise for international payments (and only via Pro).

**Verdict:**
Revolut is the strongest choice for international payments and currency flexibility.

## Who can open an account?

All three focus on small UK businesses, but the details differ slightly.

## Eligibility criteria

| Requirement | Starling | Monzo | Revolut |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Accepted business types** | Sole traders, limited companies | Sole traders, limited companies | Limited companies, freelancers |
| **PSC requirements** | All must live in the UK | At least one listed on Companies House | Must be registered business entity |
| **Industry exclusions** | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| **Verification process** | ID, video, business docs | In-app verification | Online KYC & business docs |
| **Coverage** | UK only | UK only | UK and EU |

**Verdict:**
Starling and Monzo are ideal for UK-based businesses, while Revolut covers international entities but with stricter verification.

## Pricing and fees

Money matters. Starling and Monzo both start with free tiers, while Revolut’s business plans are paid from £10/month, with higher tiers unlocking additional tools.

### Starling pricing

One free plan includes most features. Optional **Business Toolkit** for £7/month adds VAT tracking, invoicing, and tax tools.

### Monzo pricing

Free “Lite” for basics, or **Pro (£9/month)** for invoicing, multi-user access, and accounting integrations.

### Revolut pricing

Basic £10/month, Grow £30/month, Scale £90+/month – higher allowances and features at each tier.

## Starling vs Monzo vs Revolut fees

| Fee type | Starling | Monzo Lite / Pro | Revolut Basic / Grow |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Monthly fee** | £0 | £0 / £9 | £10 / £30 |
| **UK transfers** | Free | Free | Free |
| **Cash deposits** | 0.7% (min £3) via Post Office | £1 per deposit via PayPoint or Post Office | ❌ |
| **International payments** | 0.4% + £5.50 (SWIFT) | Pro (and Team) only | Low FX rates |
| **Overdraft** | Up to £50,000 | Sole traders only, up to £3,000 (if eligible) | ❌ |
| **Cheque deposits** | Free | Free | ❌ |
| **Multi-user access** | Directors only | Pro only | Paid plans |
| **Card fees** | Free debit | Virtual cards in Pro | Free metal/virtual (paid tiers) |

**Verdict:**
Starling offers the clearest, most affordable setup for UK use; Revolut’s paid plans make sense mainly for companies trading internationally.

## Features comparison

| Category | Starling | Monzo Lite / Pro | Revolut Basic / Grow |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Payments (UK)** | Faster Payments, Direct Debits | Same | Same |
| **Cash handling** | Post Office, 0.7% fee | £1 per deposit via PayPoint / Post Office | ❌ |
| **Cards** | One per director | Virtual & expense (Pro) Team adds employee expense cards with controls. | Virtual + metal (Grow) |
| **Invoicing** | Toolkit only | Pro only | Included (Grow) |
| **Integrations** | Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent | Pro only | Xero, Zapier, Slack |
| **Overdraft & lending** | Up to £50k | Sole traders only, up to £3k if eligible | ❌ |
| **FX & currencies** | EUR | Pro via Wise; incoming FX converted to GBP with 1% fee (cap £1,000) | 35+ currencies; FX allowance £1 000 (Basic) / £15 000 (Grow) / £60 000 (Scale) |
| **App/web access** | Web + app | App only | Web + app |
| **Support** | 24/7 phone, chat, email | In-app only | In-app chat |

**Verdict:**
Starling’s free account is most feature-complete. Monzo offers simplicity with paid extras. Revolut provides strong global tools and FSCS protection up to £120,000.

## App and user experience

### Interface

Monzo and Revolut both offer sleek, colourful apps with consumer-style design, while Starling’s interface is cleaner and more traditional.

#### **Monzo**

[App Store](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/monzo-bank-mobile-banking/id1052238659) / [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.uk.getmondo&hl=en_GB)

![monzo_app.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/anna-website-cms-prod/monzo_app_3c791fd0b5/monzo_app_3c791fd0b5.png)

*Source: App store*

#### **Starling**

[App Store](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/starling-mobile-banking/id956806430) / [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.starlingbank.android&hl=en_GB)

![starling_app.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/anna-website-cms-prod/starling_app_3c3e57be88/starling_app_3c3e57be88.png)

*Source: App store*

#### **Revolut**

[App Store](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/revolut-business/id1436969262) / [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.revolut.business&hl=en_GB)

![Revolut Business_app.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/anna-website-cms-prod/Revolut_Business_app_8a4f7733f3/Revolut_Business_app_8a4f7733f3.png)

*Source: App store*

### Web access and exports

Starling and Revolut offer full web dashboards for business management, while Monzo remains largely mobile-first.

### Onboarding speed

All three allow fast sign-up through the app. Starling supports the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) for easy migration.

**Verdict:**
Monzo and Revolut win for app design, Starling for stability and traditional reliability.

## Customer support and reviews

## Support channels

| Support feature | Starling | Monzo | Revolut |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **In-app chat** | ✅ 24/7 | ✅ urgent 24/7; non-urgent 7am–8pm | ✅ 24/7 chat & in-app support |
| **Phone support** | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ phone support may not be universally available on lower tiers |
| **Email support** | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| **Trustpilot rating** | 4.3 (47k+ reviews) | 4.6 (72k+) | 4.7 (450k+) |
| **Common complaints** | Limited user access | Account freezes | Slow support |

**Verdict:**
Starling offers the strongest, most responsive customer service – especially by phone.

## Security and trust

### FSCS protection

Starling, Monzo, and Revolut are all fully licensed UK banks, protecting funds up to £120,000 under FSCS. Revolut received its UK banking licence in March 2026.

### Fraud prevention and controls

All three offer SCA, biometrics, and instant card freezes.

### Reputation

Starling, Revolut and Monzo are FCA-regulated banks with established UK credibility.

**Verdict:**
All three – Starling, Monzo, and Revolut – are fully licensed UK banks offering FSCS protection up to £120,000.

## Which is best for your business?

- **Freelancers and sole traders:** Starling – easy setup, no fees, full UK coverage.
- **Limited companies:** Monzo Pro – great for team access and shared controls.
- **International traders:** Revolut – unbeatable for multi-currency and FX.
- **Cash-based businesses:** Starling – Post Office deposits and overdrafts.
- **Tech-forward entrepreneurs:** Monzo or Revolut for sleek app experience.

## Alternatives to consider

### ANNA – your business account and admin sidekick

Here’s where we do things differently.

ANNA isn’t just a business account – it’s your admin assistant in your pocket. You get smart financial tools plus human support around the clock.

- Create and send invoices in seconds
- Capture receipts and auto-categorise expenses
- File VAT and Corporation Tax automatically
- Add your team, not just co-directors
- 4 free SWIFT payments a month on the Big Business plan
- Real humans, 24/7, on every plan

And yes – ANNA starts at **£0/month**.

**If you’re tired of juggling multiple apps or paying to unlock basic tools,** [**ANNA**](https://anna.money/business-account/)**’s the simpler, smarter choice.**

### Other options

**Wise Business** – best for holding and receiving foreign currencies.
[How to open Wise business account →](https://anna.money/blog/guides/how-to-open-wise-business-account/)

**Tide** – quick setup, strong for startups and sole traders. 
[How to open Tide business account →](https://anna.money/blog/guides/how-to-open-tide-business-account-online/)

**Mettle by NatWest** – solid free account backed by a major bank, though limited in features. 
[How to open Mettle business account →](https://anna.money/blog/guides/how-to-open-mettle-bank-business-account/)

## Verdict: Starling vs Monzo vs Revolut

| Need | Best option |
| --- | --- |
| **Free and reliable everyday use** | Starling |
| **Team access and modern UX** | Monzo Pro |
| **Multi-currency and global focus** | Revolut |
| **Automation and admin support** | ANNA |

Whichever you choose, your business account should do more than hold money. Whether you value simple domestic banking, international reach, or built-in admin tools, there’s a clear winner for every kind of business.

***Disclaimer:** All info accurate as of September 2026. Always check official websites for the latest details.*

**Open an ANNA business account** Open a business account with ANNA and start sending and accepting payments today [Open business account](https://anna.money/business-account/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=starling-vs-monzo-vs-revolut)