Remitly vs Starling Bank: Which Money Transfer Service is Better in 2025?

Introduction

International money transfers can be complex due to high fees, slow delivery, hidden charges, and poor user experience. This guide compares Remitly vs Starling Bank, focusing on the features that matter most for senders. Users looking for a fast, low-cost option may also consider Panda Remit. For more information on remittances, see Investopedia's guide on money transfers.

Remitly vs Starling Bank – Overview

Remitly, founded in 2011 in the U.S., is a specialist in international remittances, offering bank deposits, cash pickups, and mobile wallet transfers. Its primary audience is individuals sending money abroad.

Starling Bank, founded in 2014 in the U.K., is a digital bank providing personal and business accounts, budgeting tools, and international money transfers through its app.

Similarities

• Mobile apps for seamless transfers

• Debit card support

• International transfer capabilities

Differences

Panda Remit is another option for fast and cost-effective international transfers.

Remitly vs Starling Bank: Fees and Costs

Remitly's fees depend on transfer amount, destination, and speed. Economy transfers are slower but cheaper; Express transfers cost more but are faster. Starling Bank charges minimal fees for standard international transfers but may add costs for instant transfers.

For detailed fee comparison, see NerdWallet.

Panda Remit offers competitive fees for international transfers.

Remitly vs Starling Bank: Exchange Rates

Remitly typically applies a small markup on the mid-market exchange rate. Starling Bank offers competitive rates for major currencies, with slight markups for less common currencies.

Panda Remit maintains rates close to mid-market, offering good value.

Remitly vs Starling Bank: Speed and Convenience

Remitly offers Express transfers (minutes) and Economy transfers (1–3 business days). Starling Bank transfers within the U.K. and SEPA zone are often instant; other international transfers may take longer. Both apps provide user-friendly interfaces and transfer tracking.

For a detailed speed guide, see Monito.

Panda Remit is a fast alternative for cross-border transfers.

Remitly vs Starling Bank: Safety and Security

Both Remitly and Starling Bank are regulated, provide encryption, fraud protection, and identity verification. Panda Remit is also a licensed and secure transfer option.

Remitly vs Starling Bank: Global Coverage

Remitly supports over 100 countries across Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Starling Bank's international transfer capabilities are growing but focused on major currencies. For global remittance data, see World Bank Remittance Data.

Remitly vs Starling Bank: Which One is Better?

Remitly is ideal for users sending money abroad with flexible delivery options and competitive fees. Starling Bank is suited for digital banking users seeking integrated transfer services. Users prioritizing speed and low fees should consider Panda Remit.

Conclusion

In the Remitly vs Starling Bank comparison, both services offer unique advantages. Remitly excels at cross-border remittances with varied delivery options, while Starling Bank provides a full-featured digital banking experience with convenient transfer services.

Panda Remit offers:

• High exchange rates & low fees

• Flexible payment methods (POLi, PayID, bank card, e-transfer, etc.)

• Coverage of 40+ currencies

• Fast, all-online transfers

For additional insights and tips, see Forbes Advisor. Comparing fees, speed, and convenience helps users choose the best solution for their international money transfers.