Starling Bank was founded in 2014 and is the first digital bank in the UK, regulated by both the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

As of now, Starling Bank boasts over 3 million customers with total deposits reaching £9 billion. The bank offers a wide range of financial services including deposit accounts, overdrafts, loans, and international transfers.

Key Features of Starling Bank

• Nearby Payments: Allows users to transfer money using Google Nearby without needing the recipient's phone number or bank details.
• Mobile Cheque Deposit: Users can deposit cheques by simply taking a photo with their mobile phones.
• Post Office Deposits and Withdrawals: Offers free deposit services at Post Office branches in the UK, with a daily withdrawal limit of GBP 300.

Types and Features of Starling Bank Accounts

Starling Bank offers a variety of account types to meet different customer needs:

1. Personal Account：

   • Provides up to GBP 85,000 protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
   • 24/7 customer support.
   • Free card transactions and withdrawals overseas.
   • Supports setting up a one-year fixed savings plan with an annual interest rate of up to 3.25%.

2. Joint Account：

   • Suitable for couples or roommates managing shared expenses.
   • Includes budgeting tools to create joint budgets.

3. Euro Account：

   • Allows free transfers between GBP and Euro accounts, with a 0.4% transfer fee.
   • Supports SEPA and Target2 transfers.

4. Teen Account：

   • Designed for 16-17 year-olds, providing a debit card with preferential rates.
   • Supports Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.

When opening a personal, joint, Euro, or teen account with Starling Bank, there are typically no account opening fees. This means users can register and create accounts for free without any charges. Additionally, Starling Bank does not levy monthly maintenance fees on these accounts, allowing users to enjoy basic account services free of charge.

Opening Fees for Starling Bank

While the account opening process itself is free, there may be additional fees associated with using the account, such as:

1. ATM Withdrawal Fees: Within the UK, Starling Bank allows free withdrawals up to GBP 300 per day from ATMs. Any amount exceeding this limit may incur additional charges.
2. International Transfer Fees: Users opting for international transfers through Starling Bank will be subject to a certain remittance fee. The specific rate depends on the destination and amount transferred, typically calculated as a percentage of the transfer amount.
3. Foreign Currency Transaction Fees: Using Starling Bank's debit card for purchases or cash withdrawals abroad may involve foreign currency transaction fees, generally based on a percentage of the transaction amount.
4. Other Service Fees: Apart from the above fees, Starling Bank may also charge additional fees for specific services or requirements, such as certain types of account management fees or fees for premium services.

Starling Bank Account Opening Process and Required Documents

The process of opening an account with Starling Bank is straightforward and can be completed through their official website or mobile app:

Account Opening Process:

1. Account Opening Process：

   • Choose the account type (personal, joint, etc.).
   • Provide personal details including name and contact information.
   • Verify identity with valid ID documents (e.g., passport or driver's license), proof of address, and a video selfie.
   • Credit check may be conducted after identity verification.

2. Required Documents：

   • Valid ID proving you are at least 16 years old, such as a passport.
   • Proof of UK address, like a recent bank statement or utility bill from the last 3 months.
   • Smartphone for verifying your phone number and taking a video selfie.

Starling Bank International Transfer Services

Starling Bank supports international transfers but does not support remittances to China. For remittance services, it is recommended to consider Wise, which offers a straightforward online account opening process and low-cost international transfer services, supporting direct transfers to Alipay and WeChat accounts.

As a leading digital bank in the UK, Starling Bank has gained widespread recognition for its innovative services and convenient user experience. Whether for individual or business customers, Starling Bank's diverse account options and advanced technology platform cater to various financial management needs. For new immigrants or students studying abroad, choosing to open an account with Starling Bank not only offers simplicity and convenience but also provides access to advanced mobile banking services and round-the-clock customer support.