Starling is the top-ranked personal and business current account provider in the UK, according to a nationwide survey carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

For the study, thousands of consumers and small businesses were asked how likely they would be to recommend their provider to a friend, relative, or other business.

It also explored the quality of online and mobile provision, branch and overdraft services and, for small businesses, the quality of the relationship management they receive.

Monzo was in joint first place for personal current accounts, while first direct came in third.

Royal Bank of Scotland was in last place (16th), closely followed by Virgin Money (15th), and TSB (14th).

Starling was also the top-ranked bank for business accounts, while Monzo came in second place, and Handelsbanken third.

The Co-operative Bank was named worse current account provider (15th), followed by Virgin Money and HSBC UK, who were joint second to last (13th).

After an investigation into the retail banking sector, the CMA made it compulsory for all banks to take part in these surveys, so "customers get the full picture".

Banks must display their ranking prominently both in branch and on their websites and apps.

“As the rising cost of living bites, it’s important that people and businesses have the information they need to manage their money and make savings,” said Adam Land, senior director, CMA. “These results show how banks are treating their customers at a time when many are feeling the pinch.”

Land added: “When times are tough you find out who’s fighting your corner and if your bank doesn’t match up to the competition – you can vote with your feet and make a switch.”

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