Starling

I have been a personal customer of Starling for over five years, and recently tried to open a business account. Even though I have had a relationship with them for a long while, I was still treated like somebody who had no connection with the bank at all and was put through the whole process. My application was under review for two days, and when I provided all the required certificates and documents simply went 'cancelled'. They didn't even explain why? Just cancelled. And if it was about eligibility, they could just simply tell me that at the very start to not waste my time. This has left me with a very unsatisfactory experience from a bank I once thought gave a good service. Compare this to my experience applying with Monzo, a bank I had no previous relationship with; that was under five minutes for a business account. Given how efficient and easy that was, I will probably be moving my personal account over there as well. I just wanted people to be aware and not waste their time like I did.

Honestly the best bank in the world. Anytime I have an issue with services/ goods/ flights - I can speak to a real HUMAN on the app in 1 minute and they sort out the problem so quickly. They are more reliable than American Express and always so kind and understanding. Also, I can’t remember the last time I’ve ever converted money because using this card abroad is cheaper than any exchange rates! Please never change 💜

I went to open a business account for an established business, however, the app kept saying I already had an account. I had to contact Starling and found out due to applying for a separate business over 6 months that I am unable to return, essentially I am blacklisted until further notice. Not come back in six months or a year, no, you are blacklisted until we say otherwise. As someone who has been in business for over 25 years, this is unbelievable. The customer adviser was not helpful and was not even prepared to take the matter to anyone senior, instead, simply saying she would pass my unhappiness on as feedback. Truly poor service.

I have been with Starling bank business account for over seven years then I get a message telling me they’re going to close my account in eight weeks. Give me time to switch banks. No reason never missed the payment in the seven years with a excellent credit score not good for business

I had high hopes for Starling as a freelancer setting up my first business account, but my experience was frustrating and disappointing. After resolving an issue with my address (which delayed my application several times), I was told by phone that I was simply in a queue for review. But shortly after, the app showed that my application was rejected — with no explanation and no way to reapply or reset anything. I contacted support multiple times, but they confirmed there’s nothing I can do and no manual override possible. I understand that banks have policies, but the lack of flexibility and mixed communication made the process stressful and unprofessional — especially for someone trying to legally and responsibly set up a freelance business. I’ve now moved on to another bank, but I’d advise other freelancers to be cautious and not rely on being able to fix application issues once something goes wrong.

I’ve been a loyal Starling Bank customer for years never had an issue, always sang their praises. But that trust has been completely shattered. Recently, without any clear reason, Starling abruptly froze and then closed my business account, withholding tens of thousands of pounds including customer deposits for equipment. There was no prior warning, no explanation, and most disturbingly, no transparency. The communication since has been vague, evasive, and painfully slow. I’ve received canned responses that tell me nothing. I still have no clear idea what triggered this. The stress and financial strain this has caused is immeasurable. I’ve had to cease operations entirely because I can’t access the funds I need to fulfill orders or pay suppliers. Years of work, ruined overnight. I was warned about this exact scenario by a friend years ago the same thing happened to him. I didn’t believe it would happen to me. But here we are. If you’re considering Starling for business banking, run the other way. What’s the point of a modern, digital bank if it can cripple your business without warning and then go silent when you beg for answers? This has been a shocking, devastating experience, and I would urge any business owner to look elsewhere. Your livelihood is not safe with Starling.

I have been with Starling 3 years, my entire business is international. a few weeks ago someone in the bank decided to stop allowing to to make international payments. No one told me, I found out through 10 days of trying to make important payments and none of them going through. They basically shut down my business operations overnight and did not have the common curtesy to call me and tell me or even apologies. The reason for doing so? They said "we cannot tell you." that's it. Simply the worst customer service I have ever experienced, especially when it is so important, my entire business and livelihood. DO NOT BANK WITH STARLING.

Our best choice of bank in the UK and when travelling. We travel for several months every year. We are able to easily withdraw money in local currency wherever we go. We are informed within a few minutes of our spending and the exchange rate and any costs imposed by foreign bank. When we had a dispute with an airline in Asia, Starling immediately refunded the amount and then successfully pursued the airline for the amount. The facility to put a suspension on the card is very useful when the card has been misplaced but then shows up.