Starling Bank is open for business, both for limited companies and sole traders. We’ve been voted Best Business Banking Provider at the Smart Money People Awards two years running. And there are no monthly fees for our app-based business accounts.
How do I open a Starling business account?
Business owners, freelancers and contractors can apply for a Starling business account by downloading the app onto their smartphone and following the onscreen instructions. The Starling app is available on the Apple Store, Google Play Store and Huawei Store.
To apply, you’ll need:
A smartphone and signal
Valid photo ID e.g. passport or driving licence
A selfie video to verify your identity
A few minutes of your time. If you have documents which confirm the nature of your business to hand this will be easier, for example agreements and contracts (dated and signed). Find out more about the documents you need.
For our business current account you’ll also need to be a limited liability partnership (LLP) or owner of a limited company, registered on Companies House.
Then it’s over to our team to approve your details and open your account.
I’m a sole trader, what else do I need to know?
If you’re applying for a sole trader account and you have a personal current account, the process is even quicker. Limited companies are not eligible for this type of account.
What’s the difference between a sole trader account and a limited company account?
Our sole trader account is for anyone who is self-employed or side hustling. Our limited company account is for owners of limited companies or people part of a limited liability partnership (LLP) registered on Companies House.
The features of the business accounts are very similar and neither have monthly fees.
What happens if my account application is accepted?
Once your account is open, we’ll send you a notification to your phone and you can add your new Starling card straight into your digital wallet, meaning that you can start using the account before your physical card pops through the post. Your navy debit card should take 5-7 working days to arrive once your account has been verified and opened.
If you already have a Starling account, you can apply for your new business account by tapping ‘Get another Starling account’ in the menu of your app.
Can more than one person access a Starling business account?
Yes. Starling business accounts are available to limited companies where multiple ‘persons with significant control’ (PSCs), who are also directors of the company, need access to the account.
A PSC is usually someone who owns 25% or more shares of a business and/or 25%+ of the voting rights.
For example, if you’re a married couple and are both directors, and you’re listed on Companies House as PSCs, you can both have access to the business account. One of you needs to apply for the account and the other will need to add a few details.
Once everything has been verified, you’ll both have access to the account through the Starling app and receive debit cards. Both of you will also receive real-time notifications whenever money moves in or out of the business account so you’ll always be kept in the loop.
Can I apply online for a business account?
No. To apply for a Starling account, you need to download the app and follow the instructions on your smartphone.
Once your account is open, you’ll have the option to bank either from your app or from your laptop, using Online Banking.
How will I know when my Starling business account is open?
When our team has processed your application for a Starling business account, we’ll send a real-time notification to your phone. We’ll also follow up with an email welcoming you to Starling.
Can I switch my business banking to Starling from another bank?
Yes. Once your new business account is open, you can switch to Starling by tapping the green plus symbol (+) next to your account balance and, depending on which mobile operating system your phone has, tapping ‘Move it all to Starling’ or ‘Switch to Starling’.
Starling is part of the Current Account Switching Scheme (CASS), meaning that your balance, direct debits, standing orders and list of payees will all be transferred from your previous bank account to your Starling account within seven days.
Can I still apply for a Bounce Back Loan?
No. The Bounce Back Loan Scheme ended on 31 March 2021 and we are no longer able to accept Bounce Back Loan applications.
What is Pay As You Grow?
Pay As You Grow options offer ways to help manage your Bounce Back Loans repayments, if you are struggling. These include the possibility of extending a term to 10 years and taking repayment holidays. You can explore the options available on our Pay As You Grow pages.
What features are included in a Starling business account?
Our business accounts have been designed to make managing your money safe, simple and straightforward. That’s why we’ve included the following features:
No monthly fees
Protection up to £85,000 from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
24/7 customer support
Ability to set up payees and make payments through the app or Online Banking
Cash deposits through the Post Office
Cheque deposits through the app
Saving Spaces to help you set money aside for tax or new equipment
Integrations with online accounting software (Xero, FreeAgent and QuickBooks)
Real-time notifications
Ability to photograph receipts and attach them to transactions
Automatic organisation of outgoings, according to HMRC categories
Card controls to lock your card if lost or stolen
Are there additional features available for my business account?
Yes. Freelancers, self-employed and small businesses looking for help with bookkeeping can sign up to our Business Toolkit, which costs £7 per month. You can see the full list of Toolkit features on our website.
You’ll get all the features of our standard account, but with extra bells and whistles for accounting and VAT. The Toolkit is available exclusively on online banking
Article updated: 17 January 2024.
