As the new year unfolds, many Britons are focusing on financial resolutions. While daily fitness and hydration goals are common, a new banking feature suggests that a simple, consistent money habit could significantly boost your savings.
The Power of a Daily Financial Glance
Digital banks are increasingly promoting tools designed to build savings effortlessly. Following the success of Monzo's viral '1p savings challenge' in 2025, which can accumulate £667 in a year, Starling Bank has now entered the arena with its own innovative feature. Launched in January 2026, Starling's 'Last Digit Widget' claims it can help the average user save approximately £1,600 a year.
The mechanism is straightforward. Customers are encouraged to open their banking app and check their current account balance every single day. They then transfer the last digit of that balance—whether in pounds or pence—into a dedicated savings space called the Last Digit Widget. For instance, if your balance is £150.75, you could move 5p or £5. If it's £82.68, you'd transfer 8p or £8.
Why Daily Checking Makes a Difference
This new feature is grounded in data from Starling's own research. The bank found that 43% of Britons who check their balance daily save money more frequently than those who don't. On average, daily checkers put money aside at least every two months. This compares to every three months for weekly checkers and only once a year for those who check monthly.
The impact on total savings is substantial. According to the bank, daily balance checkers have £18,243 saved on average, which is 6% more than individuals who review their finances less than once a month.
Beyond building a nest egg, regular monitoring has another critical benefit: spotting unnecessary outgoings. Financial expert Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert consistently advises people to scrutinise their accounts for 'pointless payments'. He highlights that recurring direct debits and subscriptions are often 'passive transactions' that drain funds unnoticed.
Overcoming Barriers to Regular Checking
Despite the advantages, many people avoid daily balance checks. Starling's study revealed that 51% prefer to keep a rough mental budget instead. For others, automation is a factor, with 34% stating their bank handles bill payments automatically. A further 14% simply forget to check, while financial anxiety deters 7% of non-daily checkers.
For Starling customers keen to try the challenge, the Last Digit Widget is located in the 'Spaces' section of the mobile app. There is no formal sign-up; participation begins with the first daily transfer. iOS users can add the widget to their phone's home screen for quicker access and reminders, helping to track their running savings total.
As 2026 begins, this tool underscores a potent financial principle: small, consistent actions, driven by greater awareness of your money, can lead to significant annual savings.
