Is Starling Bank or HSBC Kinetic better for your small business?
Below we look at both Starling Bank and HSBC Kinetic 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.


Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic Trustpilot Reviews
Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 4.3 | 1.9 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 76% | 0% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 11% | 100% |
Total Number of Reviews | 38,869 | 13 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/starlingbank.com
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/hsbckinetic.co.uk
Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic App Reviews
Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.9 | 4.8 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 477,500 | 15,000 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.5 | 4.7 |
Number of Android Reviews | 114,000 | 4,000 |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/starling-bank-mobile-banking/id956806430
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hsbc-kinetic/id1457310350
Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic Account Fees & Charges
Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | No Limit | 12 Months |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | No | £6.50 |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | No | £6.50 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | Free | Free |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | 0.70% | 1.10% |
Cheques (in/out) | Free | 50p per cheque |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £20 | £17 |
SEPA Payments Cost | No | 24p |
Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic Business Savings Rates
Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | None | Instant access, 30+ day, 60+ day |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | NA | 1.94% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | NA | 2.02% |
Minimum Savings Amount | No | No |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic Account Opening Times
Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | 1 to 5 Working days | 48 hours |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | Yes |
Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic Features & Account Types


Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
Business Current Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Savings Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Credit Card | No | Yes |
Business Overdraft | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Startups | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Charities | Yes | No |
Accounts For Sole Traders | Yes | Yes |
Joint Business Accounts Available | Yes | No |
Card Type | Mastercard | Visa |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | No |
Branch Locations | None, but can use post office locations for some services | Can use HSBC branches for some services |
Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic Customer Support Options
Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
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 | No |
Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic Foreign Currency Accounts
Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
US Dollar (USD) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Euro (EUR) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Other Currencies Available: |
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Other Business Services From Starling Bank and HSBC Kinetic


Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | No | No |
Invoice Financing | No | No |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes | Yes |
Card Machines | Yes | No |
Free Accounting Software | No | No |
Starling Bank vs HSBC Kinetic Banking Basics
Starling Bank | HSBC Kinetic | |
Bank Type | Challenger | High Street/Challenger |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 730166 | 765112 |
Website | Starling Bank Website | HSBC Kinetic Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does Starling Bank or HSBC Kinetic have better customer reviews?
Starling Bank scores 4.3 out of 5 based 38,869 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 76% are 5-star and 11% are 1-star.
Whereas, HSBC Kinetic scores 1.9 out of 5 based 13 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 0% are 5-star and 100% are 1-star.
Does Starling Bank or HSBC Kinetic have a better App?
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.
In comparison, HSBC Kinetic’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 15,000 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 4,000 reviews.
Does Starling Bank or HSBC Kinetic have better business savings rates?
Starling Bank offers the following types of business savings accounts: None with interest rates ranging from NA to NA. (AER)
In contrast, HSBC Kinetic offers Instant access, 30+ day, 60+ day accounts with interest rates ranging from 1.94% to 2.02% (AER).
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For other business bank accounts see our guide here.