# Starling vs a verification app

The clearest difference is rating: Starling at 4.9 against a verification app's 4.0. Starling also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (74% vs 44%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Starling holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starling has 2.8K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of Starling's written reviews are positive against 44% of a verification app's.

Starling ships an update weekly, a verification app every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starling | a verification app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starling-mobile-banking/id956806430/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-verification-app/id1591015848/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.8K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **73.8% of reviews** | 43.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 529 MB | 115 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [STARLING BANK LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/956806429) | [Koenig & Bauer Vision & Protection](https://appshunter.io/developer/1835650524) |

## What reviewers say

### Starling

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starling-mobile-banking/id956806430)

Manage personal, business, and joint finances with a seamless mobile banking experience. Enjoy fee-free international transactions, advanced budgeting tools, and secure, human support.  It offers features for individuals, families, and businesses, making banking simple and satisfying.

**Highlights:** Fee-free overseas spending and ATM withdrawals, Virtual 'Spaces' for saving and budgeting, Real-time payment notifications and spending insights, Automated bill management, Seamless international money transfers, Digital cheque deposits, 24/7 in-app human support

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use app
- 🚀 Instant transactions
- 🔒 Secure banking
- 💡 Useful features like Spaces
- 👍 Excellent customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and freezes
- 🔒 Overly strict security measures
- 💰 Fees for cash deposits
- 🚫 Inability to open certain account types
- 🚫 Declined payments with no explanation

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues after phone updates
- Inability to record video for verification
- App crashes on certain devices
- Delayed or failed money transfers

**Requested features**

- Joint account cards with different designs
- Ability to set up automatic transfers to savings
- More customization options for Spaces
- Integration with password managers
- Showing pending payments in balance


### a verification app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-verification-app/id1591015848)

Easily verify the authenticity of protected products and currency with guided instructions and automatic recognition. Get fast verification status or opt for manual assistance for added peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Guided verification process, Automatic product recognition, Fast verification results, Manual verification option, Supports Euro banknotes, Verifies specific activated products

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starling free?

Starling is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is a verification app free?

a verification app is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Starling or a verification app?

Starling is rated higher. Starling averages 4.9 out of 5 from 2.8K ratings, while a verification app averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Starling or a verification app have ads?

Neither Starling nor a verification app shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starling or a verification app?

Starling ships an update weekly, and a verification app every 2 months. Most recently, Starling was updated on October 25, 2026 and a verification app on October 19, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*