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How to open a bank account with Starling

Download the Starling Bank iOS appDownload the Starling Bank Android app

Opening a bank account shouldn’t take weeks. At Starling, we’ve decided to do things a little differently. Open a bank account online using your mobile phone - it’s quick, straightforward and transparent.

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.

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.

Here’s what you need to open a bank account

Personal current account

  • A smartphone (and signal)
  • Valid photo ID such as a passport or UK driving licence
  • About 5 minutes of your time.

Business bank account

  • A smartphone (and signal)
  • Valid photo ID such as a passport or UK driving licence
  • To be self employed or owner of a limited company
  • About 10 minutes of your time.

Joint bank account

  • Both of you need to be Starling personal current account holders
  • Be physically near the person you want to open the account with.

How to open a bank account online on your phone

  1. Step 1 - Download the app

    Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

  2. Step 2 - Enter phone number

    Get started by entering your phone number followed by the verification code we’ll send you.

  3. Step 3 - Enter personal details

    Create an account by telling us who you are; your name, date of birth, email address and current home address.

  4. Step 4 - Send verification video

    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. 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.

Sole Trader current account applications are temporarily closed

Demand for business accounts at Starling is running at record levels. We’d like to serve everyone, but regret to say that we’ll not be opening any new Sole Trader Accounts for the time being. This will enable us to better serve existing Sole Trader customers. We’re sorry to disappoint. We aim to reopen Sole Trader applications as soon as possible.

We remain open for new applications from Limited Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships, where business verification is more automated because some checks can be completed via public registries.


Get started

Download the Starling banking app today.

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.

Download the Starling Bank iOS appDownload the Starling Bank Android app

What’s next?

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.

current account switch guarantee

Screenshot of Starling app card management screen

Take control of your money

Download the Starling app to apply for your bank account now.

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.

Download the Starling Bank iOS appDownload the Starling Bank Android app

Our Privacy Notice sets out how the personal data collected from you will be processed by us.

The small print

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.

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