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


Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank Trustpilot Reviews
Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 4.3 | 1.5 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 76% | 8% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 11% | 86% |
Total Number of Reviews | 38,869 | 114 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/starlingbank.com
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ulsterbank.co.uk
Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank App Reviews
Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.9 | 4.8 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 477,500 | 15,700 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.5 | 4.1 |
Number of Android Reviews | 114,000 | 15,000 |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/starling-bank-mobile-banking/id956806430
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ulster-bank-ni-mobile-banking/id469523324
Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank Account Fees & Charges
Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | No Limit | 24 Months |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | No | £8 |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | No | £12 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | Free | 43p |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | 0.70% | 70p per £100 |
Cheques (in/out) | Free | 40p |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £20 | £18.75 |
SEPA Payments Cost | No | €0.51 |
Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank Business Savings Rates
Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | None | Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | NA | 1.46% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | NA | 1.92% |
Minimum Savings Amount | No | No |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank Account Opening Times
Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | 1 to 5 Working days | 24 working hours |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | Yes |
Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank Features & Account Types


Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
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 | 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 | None, but can use post office locations for some services | Northern Ireland Only |
Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank Customer Support Options
Starling Bank | Ulster 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 |
Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank Foreign Currency Accounts
Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
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 Ulster Bank


Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | No | No |
Invoice Financing | No | Yes |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes | Yes |
Card Machines | Yes | Yes |
Free Accounting Software | No | Yes |
Starling Bank vs Ulster Bank Banking Basics
Starling Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Bank Type | Challenger | High Street |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 730166 | NA |
Website | Starling Bank Website | Ulster Bank Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does Starling Bank or Ulster Bank 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, Ulster Bank scores 1.5 out of 5 based 114 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 8% are 5-star and 86% are 1-star.
Does Starling Bank or Ulster Bank 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, Ulster Bank’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 15,700 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.1 out of 5 based on 15,000 reviews.
Does Starling Bank or Ulster Bank 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, Ulster Bank offers Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts accounts with interest rates ranging from 1.46% to 1.92% (AER).
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For other business bank accounts see our guide here.