Download the Starling Bank app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and follow the steps in-app to apply for an account in minutes.
Alternatively, enter your mobile number in the box below and we’ll send you a text with a link to download the app.
Our Privacy Notice sets out how the personal data collected from you will be processed by us.
Our Privacy Notice sets out how the personal data collected from you will be processed by us.
As long as you’re 16 or over, and a resident in the UK only, you’ll be able to apply for a bank account online on your phone (no branch visits here) and in most cases, get an instant decision.
Business? Find out what you need to open a business bank account or a sole trader bank account.
Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Get started by entering your phone number followed by the verification code we’ll send you.
Create an account by telling us who you are; your name, date of birth, email address and current home address.
Verify who you are by recording a short selfie video and taking a photo of your ID.
When we receive your application we’ll carry out some quick checks at a UK Credit Reference Agency. Business and sole trader accounts are subject to eligibility checks, which include looking at credit data and understanding the nature of your business. The option to apply for a sole trader account in the Starling app will only be shown to customers that match our criteria, based on details provided for their personal current account. If you’re approved, you can start enjoying our simple banking with lots of great features. The application process should only take a couple of minutes but the account opening times are variable as we take the time to review each and every application.
Read our article explaining bank accounts.
Once you’re all set up, order your new contactless Mastercard debit card from within the app and it should arrive in 3-5 business days.
If you want to start spending straight away, you can set up your card in your Apple Pay wallet or Google Pay before your physical card arrives in the post. Samsung Pay, Garmin Pay and Fitbit Pay can be setup once your card has arrived.
We also know that sometimes you need a little short term financial help so we’ve created a flexible overdraft in the personal current account. If you’re eligible, this will be available to you as soon as your identity documents have been verified and your account has been opened.
Ready to make the switch? You can painlessly do so with our Current Account Switch Service in-app, which comes with a Current Account Switch Guarantee. No need for any paperwork or bank branch visits. Further details in our help centre.
Our Privacy Notice sets out how the personal data collected from you will be processed by us.
Opening a business or sole trader account at Starling does not guarantee that you will be approved for a loan under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme or any other lending scheme.
When you apply for a current account with us, we’ll carry out some quick checks at a UK Credit Reference Agency. The initial checks leave a soft footprint on your credit file, and the overdraft check leaves a hard credit check footprint. If we need additional proof of address information we’ll get in touch via the app.
Apple Pay and Touch ID are trademarks of Apple Inc.
Android™, Google Pay and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.
The Financial Conduct Authority requires us to share service information about opening an account with us. Read it here.
