What Starling Bank is, in 2026
Starling is a full UK credit institution (FCA/PRA-authorised, FSCS-protected). It offers current accounts, business accounts, and overdrafts — with a notable SME product that includes book-keeping integrations.
It is UK-only for account-holders; the EU branch closed after Brexit. EU readers should treat Starling as a reference point rather than an available option.
Safety and regulation
UK FSCS covers deposits up to £85,000 — equivalent in kind to an EU DGS but under a separate post-Brexit regime. If you are an EU resident, this does not extend to your deposit if you somehow held a Starling account (you cannot onboard new from the EU).
Hands-on UX
Quiet, polished, no-gimmicks. Spaces, instant notifications, reasonable overdraft terms. The SME product is genuinely best-in-class in the UK.
Who Starling is for
Choose Starling if: you are a UK resident and you want a sober, well-regulated alternative to Monzo or Revolut.
Look elsewhere if: you are in the EU — Starling cannot onboard you.
Premium plans
- Full UK current account
- Instant notifications
- Spaces savings pots
- Overdraft facility (eligible customers)
- Business current account
- Invoicing integration
- Payroll tools
- Multiple team members
- Dedicated euro IBAN for SEPA payments
- 0.4% GBP/EUR conversion fee
- Target2 payment access
- Bridges UK and EU banking