Starling Business Account Review: Features, Fees & Alternatives [2026]

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Opening a Starling business bank account is free, and there’s no monthly fee to keep it running.

The biggest advantage is that everyday banking within the UK is free, which keeps routine business payments simple and predictable. Fees mostly apply when you send money overseas or convert currencies. For businesses that operate mainly online and within the UK, Starling is a good option.

Below are key fees that you should know.

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

As a fully regulated UK bank, deposits with Starling are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), covering up to £120,000.

Starling’s business current account is built for SMEs, combining everyday banking with tools that simplify payments and expense management.

Getting Paid and Making Payments

Starling supports free everyday UK transfers, including Faster Payments, direct debits, and standing orders, so routine business payments stay simple. And if you regularly pay staff or suppliers, the optional Bulk Payments add-on (+£7/month) lets you send multiple payments in one go.

You can also send and receive international payments across 34 countries, with fees shown before you confirm a transfer.

If you handle physical payments, you can deposit cheques through the app and add cash at Post Office branches.

Debit Card

Starling’s debit card works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay, so you can pay with your phone or a wearable, as well as the physical card. Spending alerts and card controls help you monitor activity in real time. The physical card can also be used at ATMs whenever you need cash.

Expense Management Tools

Starling includes tools to help businesses keep track of spending. Transactions are automatically sorted into categories, and receipts can be captured in the app to reduce paperwork.

You can set aside money in subaccounts called “Spaces” to plan for taxes, payroll, or upcoming expenses. The Bills Manager feature takes this a step further by automatically paying direct debits and standing orders from that Space, making it easier to separate bills from everyday spending.

For bookkeeping, Starling connects with software like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent to help you simplify accounting and close your books faster.

The account application process is entirely online via mobile app, and you can complete it within 10 minutes.

Anyone listed on Companies House as both a director and a Person with Significant Control (PSC) can apply on behalf of the business. 

You’ll need your phone and a valid photo ID like a passport or UK driving licence. In addition, you’ll need to submit evidence of your business activity, such as signed contracts and registration documents, to confirm the nature of your business.

As part of the process, the applicant must invite the other PSCs to join the application by providing their mobile number and email address, with their permission. Starling will then contact them to confirm details.

According to Starling Bank, they typically start working on the application within 24 hours after submission. However, the estimated approval timeline is not publicly available on the website.

Who Can Apply?

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 higher-risk industry, such as gambling, adult entertainment, used vehicle sales, and financial services.
• Companies with overseas PSCs or holding companies.

Starling is rated 4.1 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 45,613 reviews, with feedback split between very positive and very negative experiences.

What users like:

• Easy-to-use app and everyday banking
  Many users say Starling’s mobile app is user-friendly. Routine tasks like bank transfers, budgeting, and tracking spending are quick to manage, especially compared to traditional high-street banks.
• Spaces and budgeting tools
  The “Spaces” feature is frequently highlighted as a standout tool. Customers like being able to set money aside for specific goals, which helps them stay organised and in control of their finances.
• Helpful fraud protection
  Several reviews praise proactive fraud monitoring. Some customers shared experiences where staff intervened quickly to stop suspicious transactions.

Common complaints:

• Customer service inconsistencies during disputes
  While many praise customer support, others describe delays or rigid processes during disputes, international transfers, or onboarding checks, particularly when accounts are under review.
• Account restrictions or closures without clear explanations
  A few customers say their accounts were declined or restricted, with limited detail provided. However, financial service providers are often legally limited in what they can share during regulatory checks, so this can happen across the industry.

Statrys is a licensed payment service provider, offering solutions tailored for businesses registered in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

With a Statrys business account,  you can

• Hold and manage 11 major currencies
• Send local payments in 12 currencies, including GBP, USD, HKD, EUR, CNY, and SGD. These can help you save more from conversions and simplify cross-border transactions.
• Send and receive money to and from over 100 countries

Our FX rates are based on the mid-market exchange rate, with fees starting from 0.1%

Every Statrys business account comes with a dedicated account manager who can be reached via phone, email, WhatsApp, and WeChat, so you get the support you need from someone who knows your business.