Free debit card and app for kids

Starling Kite

Help kids manage their pocket money and turn spending into skills, with our free debit card and app for 6 - 15 year olds.

Starling Bank's Kite card features

Say hello to Starling Kite: digital banking for young people aged 6-15.

It’s like a child bank account, but built seamlessly into your account for better visibility and control. Once it’s set up, transfer money into their Kite Space in seconds and help them learn money skills for life.

Kids get their own version of the app, where they can track their spending, start budgeting, and save for goals. You’ll be able to keep an eye on things from your own app, and set limits if you want to. It’s simple, secure and convenient banking for kids. Plus, Kite customers get a free kids meal at the National Trust!

16 or 17? Head over to our teen account.

Easy control
Set up a Kite Space for your child, then ping cash over instantly or set up regular transfers, all from a single app. Plus get a notification the second they spend.

Financial flying lessons
They’ll get their own version of the app, so they can keep an eye on their transactions and get notifications whenever they spend and learn about money management.

Plus unlike some competitors, we don’t charge fees to top up or use your card overseas. To see our full breakdown of rates, fees and charges, check out our fact sheet.

A fully-licensed bank
You’re still the primary account holder, so the money you add to Kite is covered by your account’s FSCS protection up to £85,000.

Apply now

Why Kite’s great for kids

  • Great for pocket money. Our debit card for kids is safer and easier to use than cash – and a simple way for them to learn about grown-up spending and saving. Discover our Make Pocket Money Equal campaign.

  • Great for life lessons. Use the tools in their app to start conversations about money. With instant notifications and access to their balance and transactions, they’ll see exactly where their money goes.

  • Great for the planet. As a branchless, paperless bank that runs mainly on renewable energy, we’re a greener bank for a greener generation. Plus, our Kite debit cards are made from recycled plastic.

  • Great for birthdays and treats. Share a KiteLink with friends and family, and they’ll be able to send money directly to your kid’s Kite Space. Faster and more secure than cash in the post!

It’s fun to use. You don’t have to spend your parents’ money. You can learn how to use your card when you grow up.

Evie, 9, Starling Kite cardholder

Why Kite’s great for you

  • Under one roof. No more switching between apps. You’ll get the full picture and see what they’re spending directly from your app.

  • And under your wing. Get instant payment notifications whenever they spend and full access to their spending history. Our children’s debit cards also come with spending control limits.

  • Safety. Contactless beats cash for peace of mind. Lock the card instantly if it’s lost or stolen and get money over to them wherever they are.

  • Easy family banking. Switch seamlessly between your personal account, joint account, and your children’s Kite space. Both parents can manage Kite at the same time too.

Check out our blog post on Kite.

The feature that lets us lock and secure the card if it’s lost or stolen, gives us extra confidence that we know her money is safe.

Davina, parent of Starling Kite cardholder

Apply now

Features of our kid’s bank card

  • Set daily spending limits
  • Top up the card with a tap or set up regular transfers from your own account
  • Set where it can be used; in shops, online or at cash machines
  • Download their own version of the app, to give them access to their balance and transaction list, plus instant notifications whenever they spend
  • 24/7 UK customer support
  • Instant card locking
  • Monthly spending breakdowns
  • No fees overseas
  • KiteLink: allow family and friends to send money to your kid’s Kite Space with a unique payment link.

  • Joint account? You’ll both get notifications whenever spending happens on the account

Apply now

How to get a Kite debit card and app for kids

Already have a Starling account? Just follow these steps to add Kite to your account:

Step 1

Open the Starling app and go to the personal or joint account you want the Kite card to be connected to. Tap on ‘Spaces’.

Step 2

Next tap on ‘Kite Space’ and follow the steps. Give us some personal details and take a picture of your child’s ID. This can be a UK birth or adoption certificate, a residence permit or any valid passport.

Step 3

That’s it! Once we’ve approved your application, your Kite card will be winging its way to you shortly.

Open app

New to Starling? To get Kite, you’ll need our award-winning current account first. This is because your child’s card is linked to a Space within your current account. Kite is not a separate children’s account.

It only takes a few minutes to apply, and it’s done entirely from your phone. Then, just follow the steps above.

Apply for a current account

Here’s just some of the good stuff you can expect from your own free Starling account:

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