Comments on my Starling Bank account

[Tonybvi]

A few weeks ago I posted about using Starling Bank as a substitute for my N & P current account which is being closed. I used N & P mainly for overseas ATM cash withdrawals as there are no fees. Starling is a no fee bank as well which also pays a small amount of interest. So how has Starling been? In a word - excellent.

I downloaded the app and immediately got a reply stating I would receive a code within 2 weeks to enable me to start the registration process. I actually received the code within 4 hours. Registration was simplicity itself which involved scanning a few documents and making a short video of yourself for security purposes, and within 2 hours the account was active.
Over the past few weeks I have tried just about every banking activity, using small amounts at first to ensure all was as promised. I even phoned their help desk on a couple of occasions with fictitious issues and was impressed with the prompt and knowledgeable replies.
Some of the novelties to me with this new type of challenger bank is that immediately any transaction is made (withdrawal, deposit, contactless purchase, online purchase, debit card purchase, cash withdrawal, etc) a message is sent to my iPhone and iPad giving details of the transaction. This is received within seconds and is a great security message if the card is used without your knowledge. I also like the fact that if you lose your card you can instantly deactivate it yourself but if you then find it again you simply reactivate the card without having to wait for a replacement.
I like this account so much that today I have closed my N & P account to be replaced by Starling.
Note that Starling is a debit card account only so I still use my Halifax Clarity card as well when overseas.
Hope this helps anybody wondering about losing their N & P account.
Tony

 

[John H]

A few weeks ago I posted about using Starling Bank as a substitute for my N & P current account which is being closed. I used N & P mainly for overseas ATM cash withdrawals as there are no fees. Starling is a no fee bank as well which also pays a small amount of interest. So how has Starling been? In a word - excellent.

I downloaded the app and immediately got a reply stating I would receive a code within 2 weeks to enable me to start the registration process. I actually received the code within 4 hours. Registration was simplicity itself which involved scanning a few documents and making a short video of yourself for security purposes, and within 2 hours the account was active.
Over the past few weeks I have tried just about every banking activity, using small amounts at first to ensure all was as promised. I even phoned their help desk on a couple of occasions with fictitious issues and was impressed with the prompt and knowledgeable replies.
Some of the novelties to me with this new type of challenger bank is that immediately any transaction is made (withdrawal, deposit, contactless purchase, online purchase, debit card purchase, cash withdrawal, etc) a message is sent to my iPhone and iPad giving details of the transaction. This is received within seconds and is a great security message if the card is used without your knowledge. I also like the fact that if you lose your card you can instantly deactivate it yourself but if you then find it again you simply reactivate the card without having to wait for a replacement.
I like this account so much that today I have closed my N & P account to be replaced by Starling.
Note that Starling is a debit card account only so I still use my Halifax Clarity card as well when overseas.
Hope this helps anybody wondering about losing their N & P account.
Tony

Sounds good - what rate of exchange do they give?

 

[Tonybvi]

Sounds good - what rate of exchange do they give?

MasterCard foreign exchange rates (same as the N&P debit card). As with all banks your money is protected up to £85k under the financial compensation scheme.
Tony