Is Starling really free to use abroad?

Yes. Starling charges zero foreign transaction fees and zero ATM fees anywhere in the world, with no monthly limit on withdrawals. The only 'cost' is the small gap between the Mastercard rate and the true mid-market rate, typically 0.1–0.3%.

Is Starling available outside the UK?

Starling is only available to UK residents. If you're based outside the UK, look at Wise, Revolut, or your country's equivalent (e.g. Up or ING for Australians, Charles Schwab for Americans).

How does Starling compare to Monzo for travel?

Both are excellent. Starling edges ahead for travel because it has truly unlimited free ATM withdrawals globally. Monzo free plan caps ATM use at £200/month abroad — above that, fees apply. Starling wins for heavy cash users.

Debit · Mastercard9/10

Starling Bank Card

Name: Starling Bank Card Review — Forex Fees, ATM Costs & Verdict
Item: Starling Bank Card
Rating: 9
Author: Aayush Jain

Reviewed by Aayush JainUpdated May 2026

A full UK bank account with zero fees on spending and ATM withdrawals anywhere in the world.

Visit Starling Bank

Forex fee

None

ATM fee

Free*

Monthly fee

Free

Network

Mastercard

Available in

ATM detail: No ATM fees anywhere in the world, no monthly limit.

Our verdict

For UK travellers, Starling is the best all-round travel card. Zero forex fees, zero ATM fees, no limits, no monthly charge, and full FSCS protection. It uses the Mastercard rate rather than the pure mid-market rate — typically 0.1–0.3% off — but for the simplicity and the unlimited ATM access, it's hard to beat.