Starling Bank is a UK-based digital bank known for its sleek mobile app, zero monthly fees, and real-time spending insights. It offers current accounts, business accounts, and tools that make managing money simple and intuitive. Despite its success in the UK, Starling Bank is not available in Canada, which leaves Canadian users looking for similar modern banking options. Fortunately, there are several Starling Bank alternatives in Canada that offer comparable features like no-fee accounts, smart budgeting, and international spending tools. Keep reading to discover the best digital banks and fintech apps designed for Canadians seeking smarter banking.
What is Starling Bank?
Starling Bank is a fully licensed UK-based digital bank that’s revolutionized mobile banking with a focus on flexibility, simplicity, and control. Founded in 2014 by former banking executives, Starling operates entirely online, eliminating the need for physical branches. The bank provides both personal and business accounts, complete with smart tools such as real-time transaction notifications, categorized spending insights, and in-app savings features like “Spaces” for budgeting goals.
Starling also offers competitive perks like no monthly account fees, international fee-free card usage, and seamless integration with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Customers receive a Starling Bank card (a Mastercard debit), which supports contactless and chip payments globally.
Although the bank is widely praised in the UK for its award-winning customer service and agile fintech approach, Starling Bank Canada does not currently exist. As such, Canadians looking for a similar digital banking experience must consider alternative homegrown or international fintech options.
Is Starling Bank Available in Canada?
Starling Bank, a UK-based digital bank renowned for its mobile-first approach and fee-free international spending, is not available in Canada. Currently, Starling’s services are exclusive to UK residents, and Canadian users cannot open accounts or access its features. However, Canadians can send money to Starling Bank accounts in the UK through international money transfer services like Remitly, which offers competitive exchange rates and low fees for such transactions.
For Canadians seeking similar digital banking experiences, several homegrown alternatives offer comparable features such as no-fee accounts, user-friendly mobile apps, and integrated money management tools. Exploring these Starling Bank alternatives in Canada can provide you with modern banking solutions tailored to your needs.
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6 Starling Bank Alternatives in Canada
Although Starling Bank offers a seamless digital banking experience in the UK, it is not available in Canada, leaving users in search of similar services. While Starling focuses on mobile-first banking with low fees and smart budgeting tools, Canadians currently cannot access its features, such as the Starling Bank card or real-time financial insights. Additionally, some users note that Starling’s international transfer services may include indirect costs via exchange rate markups. Fortunately, several Starling Bank alternatives in Canada provide similar benefits—such as no-fee accounts, strong mobile apps, and international transfer capabilities—tailored to Canadian users.
OFX
Overview:
OFX is a trusted international money transfer service ideal for Canadians making large or regular overseas payments. Unlike banks and some digital wallets, OFX does not charge transfer fees and offers competitive currency exchange rates. With over 20 years in operation, it serves both individuals and businesses needing to move money globally. While it lacks a full-service banking app like Starling, OFX specializes in secure, high-value transfers with 24/7 customer support and tailored solutions for business clients.
Key Features:
- No transfer fees
- Available 24/7
- Business and personal accounts
Fees:
No flat fees; FX markup between 0.4%–1.5%
Why Choose OFX?
Great for large international transfers with better rates and lower costs than traditional banks.
CurrencyFair
Overview:
CurrencyFair is a peer-to-peer money transfer service that enables Canadians to send funds abroad at competitive exchange rates. What sets it apart is its marketplace feature, where users can match exchange rates with other customers, often beating traditional market rates. Though not a full banking solution, CurrencyFair supports multiple currencies and is especially useful for freelancers, expats, and small businesses. Transfers are secure, fast, and more affordable than many banks or other apps with hidden fees.
Key Features:
- Peer-to-peer exchange marketplace
- Supports 20+ currencies
- Transparent pricing
Fees:
Fixed fee of around $4; FX margin ~0.4%
Why Choose CurrencyFair?
Best for peer-to-peer transfers with customizable exchange rates and low flat fees.
EQ Bank
Overview:
EQ Bank is a Canadian digital bank offering a high-interest savings account with zero monthly fees and international transfers powered by Wise. Unlike Starling, EQ Bank is fully tailored to Canadians, providing a hybrid savings/chequing experience that’s completely online. Customers benefit from real mid-market rates, easy domestic banking, and access to mobile tools for budgeting and transfers. It’s one of the few banks in Canada that combines local banking functionality with global payment capabilities.
Key Features:
- Wise-powered global transfers
- High-interest hybrid account
- No monthly fees
Fees:
No monthly or transfer fees; FX markup via Wise (~0.35%–1.5%)
Why Choose EQ Bank?
Ideal for users seeking a Canadian-based, all-in-one banking and money transfer solution.
Simplii Financial
Overview:
Backed by CIBC, Simplii Financial provides a no-fee digital banking experience with an integrated Global Money Transfer service to over 130 countries. It’s one of the few major Canadian digital banks that offers fee-free international transfers, though exchange rates include a markup. While not as mobile-focused as Starling, Simplii’s app provides robust banking features including bill payments, e-Transfers, and international remittances—all in one place.
Key Features:
- Free international transfers
- No monthly account fees
- Backed by a major Canadian bank
Fees:
No transfer fees; FX margin applies
Why Choose Simplii?
Perfect for those who want simple banking with built-in global transfer features.
Wise
Overview:
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a global fintech favorite for transparent international transfers and mid-market exchange rates. Unlike Starling, which may hide margins in its rates, Wise shows users the exact amount the recipient will get. Wise also offers a multi-currency account and a debit card, allowing you to hold, spend, and convert between 50+ currencies. Transfers are fast, secure, and cost-effective—perfect for freelancers, digital nomads, and anyone with cross-border financial needs.
Key Features:
- Real exchange rates
- Multi-currency account
- International debit card
Fees:
0.35%–1.5% depending on currency and method
Why Choose Wise?
Top choice for Canadians who want clear, affordable, and efficient international payments.
KOHO
Overview:
KOHO is a Canadian fintech that blends prepaid spending with financial wellness tools. It doesn’t offer global transfers directly, but users can pair KOHO with Wise or PayPal for cross-border needs. KOHO focuses on cashback rewards, real-time budgeting, and optional features like credit building. It offers free and premium tiers, with KOHO Extra providing perks such as waived foreign exchange fees—making it a useful tool for Canadians who travel or spend internationally.
Key Features:
- Cashback on purchases
- Prepaid Visa card
- Real-time budgeting
Fees:
Free plan available; KOHO Extra is $9/month
Why Choose KOHO?
A solid alternative for Canadians who want to manage daily spending with digital ease. Great when paired with a dedicated transfer service.
Comparing the Best Starling Bank Alternatives for Canadians
While Starling Bank is admired in the UK for its mobile-first approach and low-fee structure, Canadians still don’t have access to its services. Thankfully, a number of Starling Bank alternatives in Canada offer similar benefits, including digital-first experiences, international transfers, no-fee accounts, and built-in budgeting tools. Whether you’re seeking a smarter way to manage your money, send funds abroad, or earn interest while banking digitally, these Canadian-friendly platforms deliver exceptional value. The table below will help you compare these leading options based on their key strengths, transfer costs, and additional features.
| Alternative Name | Best For | Cost to Send Money in Canada | Cost to Send Money to the U.S. | Extra Perks |
| OFX | Large international transfers | Free | No fee; ~0.5%–1.5% FX markup | 24/7 support, tailored business tools |
| CurrencyFair | Peer-to-peer exchange savings | ~$4 flat fee | ~$4 + ~0.4% FX margin | Custom exchange rate matching, great for freelancers |
| EQ Bank | High-interest + international sending | Free | ~0.35%–1.5% via Wise | Wise integration, high interest, no monthly fees |
| Simplii Financial | Digital banking + free global transfers | Free | Free; FX rate markup | Built-in global transfer system, backed by CIBC |
| Wise | Transparent global payments | ~0.5% average | ~0.35%–1.5% depending on route | Multi-currency account, debit card, mid-market rates |
| KOHO | Daily spending + budgeting | Free | ~1.5% FX (waived on KOHO Extra) | Cashback, budgeting app, credit building tools |
FAQ
Can I send money from Starling Bank to Canada?
Yes, you can send money from Starling Bank to Canada, but it’s done via Starling’s international payment partners, often involving exchange rate markups and third-party processing fees. While it’s possible, the process isn’t as cost-effective or seamless as with platforms like Wise or OFX, which offer better transparency and faster transfer speeds. If you need to frequently send money to Canada, a dedicated international transfer provider may offer a better user experience and lower fees overall.
Why can’t I open a Starling Bank account in Canada?
You can’t open a Starling Bank account in Canada because Starling is currently regulated and licensed only within the United Kingdom. It does not have a Canadian banking license or support infrastructure to serve Canadian residents. Regulatory differences, licensing costs, and the presence of local competition are key reasons why Starling Bank Canada doesn’t yet exist. Canadians interested in similar digital banking experiences should explore local fintech options like EQ Bank, KOHO, or Wise.
