Starling business
accounts eligibility
Starling business
accounts eligibility
Thinking of joining us? Great!
First, you’ll need to check if you’re eligible for our business current account or sole trader account.
Running your own business is full of ups, downs and occasional surprises, and not all banks understand that – but we do. Starling’s business accounts are flexible and designed to make life easier, with no monthly fees.
Am I eligible?
We review every business on a case-by-case basis so we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to open an account. But generally, you’re eligible if:
You’re a company limited by shares (Limited Company) or limited liability partnership (LLP) registered at Companies House. General partnerships or charities that aren’t registered as a limited company aren’t supported.
All persons of significant control (PSC) of your Limited Company or LLP are individuals and are residents of the United Kingdom (i.e. no corporate shareholders).
You don’t own, manage or run your business through a separately incorporated legal entity.
All directors and limited partners with access to the account are residents of the United Kingdom. Each director with access is an authorised individual (and must provide reasonable written evidence of such authority promptly on request).
The business isn’t a holding company or engaged in any activities outlined in the “industries we don’t support section” below.
The business is not dissolved, in liquidation, or subject to any action of administration, receivership, winding up or any other insolvency proceeding.
You and all persons connected to your business (such as shareholders, directors and limited partners) meet our standard Anti-money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), fraud and credit checks and processes.
The person applying on your behalf must be over 18 and both a PSC and a director or limited partner as applicable.
You do not already have a business current account with Starling for the same business.
You do not use your account or our services to hold and/or carry out transactions with Client Money.
Industries we don’t currently support
Certain industries have higher risks, and unfortunately at this time we don’t support everyone. We are currently unable to offer a current account to customers connected with certain business activities, including the following:
Businesses that regularly make significant cash deposits, see below for more details.
Businesses carrying out banking, credit, and other financial services.
Businesses that hold client money, such as accountants and solicitors.
Defence or weapons (including manufacturing and/or distribution of weapons, explosives or armaments).
Gambling or betting (including the establishment or operation of lotteries or competitions).
Activities undertaken by unregistered or unregulated charities.
Dealing in antiques, art, watches, precious metals or precious stones.
Dating or escort services.
Sale of used vehicles.
Pornography or adult entertainment.
Distribution of non-licensed drugs (including Cannabidiol/CBD).
Political parties.
Mining and commodities.
Cash limits
For businesses that deal in large amounts of cash, please note:
The business current account cash deposit limit is £5,000 a day and £100,000 a calendar year.
All deposits are subject to a £3 or 0.7% charge (whichever is higher) on the total deposit value. The minimum deposit amount in a single transaction is £3.01.
All deposits are subject to a £3 or 0.7% charge (whichever is higher) on the total deposit value. The minimum deposit amount in a single transaction is £3.01.
Find out more
Select one of the links below to find out more about our business account, or our sole trader account.