Travel · Card comparison
Starling Bank Card vs Wise Card
UK travellers comparing Starling and Wise
Starling Bank Card
Forex fee
None
ATM fee
Free*
Score
9/10
Wise CardWinner
Forex fee
None
ATM fee
Free*
Score
9.2/10
Wise Card wins — UK travellers comparing Starling and Wise
Category
Starling Bank Card
Wise Card
Forex fee
None
None
Exchange rate
Mastercard rate
True mid-market
ATM free tier
Unlimited globally
£200/month
Multi-currency
GBP primary
40+ currencies
Current account
Yes — full UK bank
E-money account
FSCS protection
Yes (£85k)
No (safeguarded)
Verdict
Wise wins on exchange rate (true mid-market vs Mastercard) and multi-currency functionality. Starling wins as a full UK current account with FSCS protection, unlimited free ATMs, and no account management needed. Many UK travellers use both: Starling as their primary bank, Wise for international spending and currency holding.
Frequently asked questions
Starling Bank Card
A full UK bank account with zero fees on spending and ATM withdrawals anywhere in the world.
Forex feeNone
ATMFree*
MonthlyFree
Score9/10
Winner
Wise Card
Mid-market rate with transparent fees — one of the lowest true costs for spending abroad.
Forex feeNone
ATMFree*
MonthlyFree (one-time £7 delivery fee)
Score9.2/10