How to master your Starling account
How to master your Starling account
Whether you’re new to Starling or just need a refresher, we’re here to help you get the most out of your account. This guide covers everything from setting up your account to tracking your spending, with a few expert tips thrown in.
Getting started
First things first: getting to grips with the basics! Click the links below to navigate our handy how-to guide:
Bank wherever, whenever
We do banking a little differently – but we’re still a fully licensed UK bank! Enjoy 24/7 access, with no branch opening or closing hours.
Via the app. Access the app securely wherever you are, for real-time money management.
On a computer. Use many of the great features available in the app, but on the big screen.
24/7 support. If you need us, we’re there. Just get in touch directly from the app via chat, email or phone and our friendly UK based customer service team will lend a hand.
Adding money to your account
To make the most out of the features Starling has to offer, you’ll need to add money to your account. You can do this in a few different ways:
Bank transfer. Transfer money from another account by using your new account details. You can find these by going to the main menu and tapping on the account switcher at the top.
Deposit cash. Once your card is activated, you can deposit and withdraw cash at any one of 11,500 Post Office branches. Not sure where your nearest branch is? Our branch finder will help.
Cheques. Tap ‘Add money’ on the homescreen and then ‘Cheque Deposit’. From there, it’s easy: take a photo, upload it via the app and let us do the rest. Find out more about depositing cheques.
“Make sure you have instant notifications turned on in the app as they are a great way to track your finances in real time! To turn them on select ‘Notifications & Messaging’ from the settings menu.”
Prita Das, Project Manager
Ways to pay
Making payments isn’t exactly a joy. But with Starling, at least it’s simple – and there are a few ways to choose from:
Mobile payments. Choose from Apple Pay, Google Pay plus Garmin Pay and Samsung Pay for fast, contactless payments using your mobile device.
Card payments. Your card will arrive shortly after your account is created. Before you can start using it, you’ll need to make sure it’s activated. Go to the ‘Cards’ section of the app and hit ‘Activate’.
Cash. Withdraw cash from any ATM machine. We won’t charge you a penny, not even when you’re withdrawing cash abroad.
Bank transfer. Paying friends and family is easy, whether they’re a Starling customer or not. Our app allows you to add a new payee, share your bank details or send someone a unique Settle Up link.
“In the Card section of the app you can manage your payment settings by using our Card Controls. You can lock your card if you think it’s lost or stolen, and unlock it once it’s found.”
Emma Willis, Product QA Tester
Track your finances
It’s your account, so you should be in control. Here are just some of the features that give you full transparency of your finances, all in real time.
The Pulse screen. View your current balance (including pending payments) and a breakdown of your spending.
Your transaction feed. Located at the bottom of the app screen, just swipe up to reveal a full breakdown of your most recent transactions, including merchant and category information.
Spending Insights. This feature gives you a comprehensive view of your finances, including a daily or monthly view of money coming in and out of your account.
Bank statements. We don’t send bank statements in the post. Instead, we store them in the app, where they’re available to download. To access them go the main menu in the app and tap ‘Statements’ from the list.
Looking to get even more from your new account?
Our mobile current account is ideal for managing your day-to-day money. But what about rainy days, days abroad, and the days when you just need a bit extra? Here are some of the other banking products we offer:
Overdrafts
With no hidden fees or unfair unarranged charges.
Find out more about overdrafts
Foreign exchange
To 34 countries in 17 currencies at competitive rates.
Find out more about sending money abroad
Current account switching
Total visibility over your money by switching over today.
Find out how to switch
Once you’re up and running with your new account, head over to our features page to find out why we’ve won so many awards.
Looking for help?
Our help centre is designed to be your first port of call whenever you have questions about our products and services. It’s often the quickest way to get the answers you need – from within the app or online.
Visit our help centre