Starling Business Account Review 2025: Pros, Cons & What To Use Instead

Well-rounded for everyday business banking but limited flexibility for businesses with international needs.

Starling offers a cost-effective, digital-first business account with a well-designed app and no monthly fees. It’s a strong choice for UK-based sole traders and small companies that primarily operate in GBP. But if your business handles multiple currencies or needs broader access control, you may find it restrictive.

What stood out to me is how well Starling covers the core features most small businesses care about: fast onboarding, real-time payment notifications, accounting integrations, and a clean mobile interface. No fees on UK payments and card spending abroad also give it an edge over some high-street banks.

That said, there are limitations. EUR and USD accounts are no longer available to new applicants, which means you can’t hold or receive funds in foreign currencies—something to keep in mind if your business works across borders. Access is also limited to directors only, so there’s no way to add your bookkeeper or finance assistant to the account.

If your business is registered in the UK, works mostly in GBP, and values a modern app experience, Starling is a practical option worth considering. But if you need to operate internationally or want more control over team access, you might want to consider other alternatives.

Key Highlights

• No monthly fee or minimum balance required
• The “Spaces” feature helps set aside money for tax, rent, or other expenses
• Free UK bank transfers and no fees on card spending abroad.
• Direct integration with Xero, FreeAgent, and QuickBooks.
• 24/7 in-app live chat support.

The Starling business account is designed for simplicity, with a set of tools to help small businesses manage everyday finances from their phones or desktops.

Core features include free UK payments, real-time notifications, mobile cheque deposits and cash deposits at Post Office branches. Businesses can also capture receipts, categorise spending automatically, and set up recurring or scheduled payments. The “Spaces” feature lets users set aside money for things like tax, payroll, or overheads—helpful for keeping business finances organised.

Starling integrates directly with Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent for easy bookkeeping. For more advanced needs, the optional Business Toolkit (£7/month) adds invoicing, VAT tracking, tax estimates, and the ability to submit MTD VAT returns.

International payments are supported in 35 countries, covering most of Europe as well as key markets like the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. However, Starling’s euro and US dollar accounts are not available to new applicants, which means new users are limited to GBP only. This means you will be charged both transfer and conversion fees for each international transaction.

Multi-director access is available but limited to directors registered with Companies House. Access for accountants or non-director team members is not currently supported.

As a fully regulated UK bank, Starling offers Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection—your funds are covered up to £85,000, providing peace of mind for UK business owners.

Our Verdict: 7/10

Starling gets the essentials right. It provides the tools that most small businesses need to manage their finances, without a monthly fee. The integrated accounting features and payment options are genuinely useful.

But if you regularly deal with foreign currencies, the lack of EUR and USD accounts for new users could be a drawback. And since access is limited to company directors, it might not work for teams that need shared access. For UK-focused businesses, though, it does the job well.

Starling Bank business account comes with no monthly account fee, and it’s free to open an account.

Most everyday banking tasks are free. UK payments via Faster Payments, Direct Debits, and Standing Orders are included at no cost. So are ATM withdrawals within the UK, receiving GBP payments (domestic or international), and spending on your debit card—whether in GBP or a foreign currency (using Mastercard®’s exchange rate with no added markup).

However, some fees apply for specific services.

Starling’s optional Business Toolkit add-on costs £7/month and includes invoicing, VAT tracking, tax estimates, and MTD submissions. A Bulk Payments add-on is also available at £7/month (VAT exempt).

For the most up-to-date pricing information, please refer to Starling Bank’s fee schedule. 

Our Verdict: 8/10

Starling takes a straightforward approach to pricing, which many small business owners will appreciate. The absence of a monthly fee and the clarity around additional charges make it easier to assess whether the account fits your operating needs.

While it’s not the cheapest option for handling cash or international payments, the overall structure is transparent and competitive, especially for businesses with predictable, UK-based activity.

Starling offers 24/7 customer support, which sets it apart from many high street banks that often rely on automated systems. With Starling, you can speak to a real person around the clock.

The fastest way to get help is through the in-app live chat, where users can send a message or start a conversation with a support agent. Phone support is also available at 020 7930 4450, along with email support via help@starlingbank.com—giving you multiple channels to choose from.

For urgent matters like fraud, Starling recommends contacting them through the app or by phone.

Accessibility is also considered—customers can request information in alternative formats such as large print, braille, or audio.

Our Verdict: 9/10

Round-the-clock support and in-app messaging give Starling a clear edge over banks with limited hours or slower response times. The availability of phone and email contact adds flexibility and accessibility considerations are a welcome touch.

That said, the lack of physical branches may be a drawback for those who prefer face-to-face assistance or are less familiar with digital banking platforms.

Starling reviews each application on a case-by-case basis, but in general, you're eligible if:

• You’re a UK-based sole trader, Limited Company, or LLP registered at Companies House
• All Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) are UK residents and individuals—not corporate entities
• All directors who need account access are also UK residents
• Your business isn’t a holding company, dissolved, in liquidation, or operating in a restricted sector

Starling does not currently support:

• General partnerships, charities not structured as limited companies
• Businesses involved in gambling, adult entertainment, used vehicle sales, financial services, or cash-intensive activities
• Companies with overseas PSCs or holding companies.

The application itself is fully digital and handled through the Starling app. It’s generally quick to complete. You’ll need a valid photo ID—like a passport or UK driving licence—and evidence of trading activity, such as signed contracts, licences, or registration documents. Depending on your business type, Starling may ask for more information after you apply.

Our Verdict: 8/10

Starling keeps the application process simple for most UK-based businesses, with a fully digital setup and clear documentation requirements. That said, eligibility is quite narrow. If your business has overseas ownership or doesn’t fit the typical sole trader or limited company model, you may find it difficult to qualify. It’s a smooth experience—for those who fit the mould.

Trustpilot: 4.3/5 (based on 44,060 reviews)

Starling earns strong feedback for its app—fast, intuitive, and full of features that make managing money easy. The 24/7 in-app support also gets praise, especially for resolving routine queries quickly.

Some reviews mention declined applications or account closures. While frustrating, this is fairly common in the industry and is usually tied to compliance requirements. For most standard businesses and individuals, it’s not something to worry about.

Overall, Starling offers a reliable experience—especially for those looking for a straightforward, digital-first account.

Statrys is a licensed payment service provider in Hong Kong, offering business accounts for businesses registered in Hong Kong, Singapore and the British Virgin Islands. 

Statrys lets you hold funds in 11 major currencies and send local payments in 12 currencies, including USD, AUD, GBP, EUR, and SGD. These can help you save more from conversions and simplify cross-border transactions.

You can also issue multiple prepaid Mastercard® cards for your team, with custom spending controls to keep budgets on track.

Every Statyrs business account comes with a dedicated account manager who can be reached through multiple channels, including phone, WhatsApp and WeChat—so you get the support you need whenever you need it.