Is Barclays or Starling Bank better for your small business?
Below we look at both Barclays and Starling Bank reviews on Trustpilot along with their App reviews from Apple and Google.
We then look at typical fees, business savings rates, foreign currency options and a whole bunch of other account features to help you make up your mind.


Barclays vs Starling Bank Trustpilot Reviews
Barclays | Starling Bank | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 1.4 | 4.3 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 8% | 76% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 86% | 11% |
Total Number of Reviews | 9,859 | 38,869 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.barclays.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/starlingbank.com
Barclays vs Starling Bank App Reviews
Barclays | Starling Bank | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.9 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 1,700,000 | 477,500 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.5 |
Number of Android Reviews | 506,000 | 114,000 |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/barclays/id536248734
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/starling-bank-mobile-banking/id956806430
Barclays vs Starling Bank Account Fees & Charges
Barclays | Starling Bank | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | 12 Months | No Limit |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | £8.50 | No |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £8.50 | No |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | Free (up to 500 per month; 35p after) | Free |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | 60p per £100/Free | 0.70% |
Cheques (in/out) | 60p each/60p each | Free |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £15 | £20 |
SEPA Payments Cost | 35p | No |
Barclays vs Starling Bank Business Savings Rates
Barclays | Starling Bank | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Instant access, Fixed-term Treasury Reserve Accounts | None |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 1.51% | NA |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 1.96% | NA |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1 | No |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
Barclays vs Starling Bank Account Opening Times
Barclays | Starling Bank | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | Up to 7 Working Days | 1 to 5 Working days |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | Yes |
Barclays vs Starling Bank Features & Account Types


Barclays | Starling Bank | |
Business Current Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Savings Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Credit Card | Yes, via Barclaycard | No |
Business Overdraft | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Startups | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Charities | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Sole Traders | Yes | Yes |
Joint Business Accounts Available | Yes | Yes |
Card Type | Mastercard | Mastercard |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | Yes |
Branch Locations | UK-wide | None, but can use post office locations for some services |
Barclays vs Starling Bank Customer Support Options
Barclays | Starling Bank | |
Phone Support Available | Yes | Yes |
Email Support Available | Yes | Yes |
App Based Support | Yes | Yes |
Web Based Support | Yes | Yes |
In person Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
Barclays vs Starling Bank Foreign Currency Accounts
Barclays | Starling Bank | |
US Dollar (USD) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Euro (EUR) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Other Currencies Available: |
|
|
Other Business Services From Barclays and Starling Bank


Barclays | Starling Bank | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | Yes | No |
Invoice Financing | Yes | No |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes, via Barclaycard | Yes |
Card Machines | Yes, via Barclaycard | Yes |
Free Accounting Software | Yes, FreshBooks | No |
Barclays vs Starling Bank Banking Basics
Barclays | Starling Bank | |
Bank Type | High Street | Challenger |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 122702 | 730166 |
Website | Barclays Website | Starling Bank Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does Barclays or Starling Bank have better customer reviews?
Barclays scores 1.4 out of 5 based 9,859 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 8% are 5-star and 86% are 1-star.
Whereas, Starling Bank scores 4.3 out of 5 based 38,869 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 76% are 5-star and 11% are 1-star.
Does Barclays or Starling Bank have a better App?
Barclays’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 1,700,000 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 506,000 reviews.
In comparison, Starling Bank’s iPhone App is rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 477,500 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 114,000 reviews.
Does Barclays or Starling Bank have better business savings rates?
Barclays offers the following types of business savings accounts: Instant access, Fixed-term Treasury Reserve Accounts with interest rates ranging from 1.51% to 1.96%. (AER)
In contrast, Starling Bank offers None accounts with interest rates ranging from NA to NA (AER).
See Other Comparisons:Barclays vs Shawbrook Bank
Barclays vs RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland)
Barclays vs Wise
Barclays vs Revolut Business
Barclays vs Danske Bank UK
For other business bank accounts see our guide here.