Starling Bank UK debit card: an overview of features, fees, and limits

Looking for a new debit card, or thinking of switching banks? You’ll have a lot of providers to choose from, including both traditional banks and digital money solutions.

One popular option for UK debit cards is Starling Bank. But is it the right choice for you? We’ll run through everything you need to know about the Starling Bank UK debit card here in this guide. This includes features, fees, limits and how to get your hands on a card, plus info on using your card abroad.

And while you’re comparing debit cards, make sure to check out Wise. The Wise debit card is a convenient and low-cost alternative to bank cards, especially if you’re planning to travel. It lets you spend in the local currency in 150+ countries, for low fees and fair exchange rates.

Learn more about the Wise debit card

Starling Bank debit card packages in the UK

Starling Bank offers a debit card as standard when you open one of its current accounts. We’ll look at the features and benefits of these next, so you can choose the right option for you.

But with most of these, you can expect similar features such as:

• Contactless debit card payments
• The option to use your card with digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
• Access to online banking and the Starling Bank mobile banking app
• No account fees.

Starling Bank’s debit cards use the Mastercard payment network, which is accepted worldwide. Interestingly, they’re the first debit cards in the UK to be made from recycled plastic.¹

Starling Bank Current Account

The Starling Bank Current Account is its main everyday account for personal customers. It was even voted Best Current Account Provider 2022 at the British Bank Awards. The account has no monthly fee and is fully digital, so you’ll manage your money via the Starling Bank mobile app.¹

You’ll get a debit card, which can be managed, locked and unlocked through the app. There’s also the option to create virtual cards linked to your ‘Saving Spaces’, along with Connected Cards. These are designed for carers, NHS accredited volunteers or anyone else you trust who’s spending on your behalf at the moment. There’s a small monthly fee for each Connected Card.¹

Other perks of the account include interest on your balance and access to a fixed rate savings account if you need.¹

If you bank as a couple, you can also get a Starling Bank Joint Account with similar features and a linked debit card each.¹

Starling Bank Euro Account

Starling Bank also has a Euro Account, for managing your money in euros. There’s no monthly fee, and you can hold, send and receive euros whenever you need to. It’s designed for people who have friends or family in Europe, along with travellers and international students.²

To open this account, you’ll first need to have a Starling Bank Current Account in GBP. Then you’ll get just one debit card for both accounts. You can switch between EUR and GBP spending with just a tap in the Starling Bank app.²

You can also convert money between accounts, but this does come with a 0.4% fee added to the current exchange rate.²

Starling Kite and Teen Account

Starling Bank also offers debit card packages and accounts for younger customers.

This includes Starling Kite, a debit card and app for children aged 6 to 16 years old. It’s a child bank account linked to your Starling Current Account, where you can transfer money onto their Kite card. In their own version of the app, your child can track spending, managing a budget and set savings goals. There is a monthly fee of £2 per card for this service, which is considered to be an add-on subscription.⁷

For 16 and 17 year olds, there’s the Starling Teen Bank Account. This comes with a Mastercard debit card and app, full of tools to help younger customers manage their money.⁸

How does the Starling Bank debit card work?

The Starling Bank debit card works in just the same way as other UK-issued bank cards. You can spend in shops using contactless payments (maximum of £100 per transaction),⁹ where you simply tap to pay wherever you see the contactless symbol. Alternatively, you can tap in your PIN.

Your debit card can also be used to withdraw cash at ATMs, and for online shopping too.

How to get a new UK-issued debit card from Starling Bank?

To get a new debit card from Starling Bank, you’ll first need to apply online for one of the bank’s current accounts.

Before you apply for a current account, make sure you have the required information and documents to hand. You’re likely to need proof of ID, such as a driving licence or passport, along with proof of address.

Once your account is open, you can order your new Starling Bank debit card from the mobile app. It’ll be posted to your UK address within 5-7 working days.³

If you already have a Starling card but need a replacement (because it’s damaged or lost, for example), you can order a new one in the Starling Bank app. You shouldn’t have to pay for your first replacement card, but after that there’s a fee of £5 per card.⁴

Debit card fees for Starling Bank in the UK

So, how much does it actually cost to use a Starling Bank debit card? You should find it fee-free to use in the UK, but there may be additional charges for using your card abroad.

Let’s take a look at the main Starling Bank debit card fees you need to know about:

Starling Bank is cheaper and more flexible than some banks when it comes to spending overseas. However, when you spend overseas on your card, you’ll be getting Mastercard’s exchange rates. These may be competitive, but they’re still likely to include a mark up on the mid-market exchange rate. This is the one you’ll find on Google or on reputable currency sites.

So even if Starling Bank doesn’t charge a fee for overseas spending or withdrawals, you could still be paying more than you need to.

For a fair exchange rate all the time, check out the Wise debit card. It can be used in 150+ countries, and automatically converts your money to the local currency using the mid-market rate - with no mark-up. There’s only a small transparent fee for the conversion, or it's free if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.

Sign up with Wise

Starling Bank debit card limits in the UK

Starling Bank does have some limits in place covering how much you can spend and withdraw at once, or per day. Let’s take a look:

Debit card limits abroad

Lastly, let’s run through some key considerations about using your Starling Bank card abroad.

You’ll need to check with Starling Bank whether there are any specific limits about withdrawing cash and spending when in another country, or if the UK limits will apply.

One thing to check out is the contactless spending limit in the country you’re visiting. It’s £100 in the UK, but may differ in other countries. So, it’s a good idea to have your debit card PIN memorised.

And of course, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the costs when using your UK-issued debit card in another country. If you choose to pay for something in GBP rather than the local currency, the merchant may charge a fee. Many ATM operators also charge their own fees, even if Starling Bank doesn’t have a fee for overseas cash withdrawals.

After reading this guide, you should have all the info you need to decide if the Starling Bank debit card is right for you.

We’ve looked at the account types which offer a debit card, along with the features and benefits of each. Plus, the fees and limits for using your Starling Bank debit card in the UK and overseas.

If you want a card that has low, transparent fees* for international spending and ATM withdrawals, consider using an alternative like the Wise debit card instead.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 21-Mar-2023