Starling business account: fees, features and catches

Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.

Quick answer

Starling’s business current account had no monthly fee and no charges on UK payments in or out, as of 3 October 2026. It connects to Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent, and you can spend and withdraw abroad with no fees from Starling.

Cash is the main cost: deposits at the Post Office cost 0.7%, with a £3 minimum.

Who it’s for

  • Sole traders and limited companies who mostly get paid electronically
  • Businesses that want accounting feeds without a monthly fee
  • Owners who travel and want no fees from their bank abroad

Who should skip it

These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:

  • You handle a lot of cash — each deposit costs 0.7% (minimum £3), and sole trader deposits are capped at £5,000 a day and £100,000 a year
  • You need branch access or a relationship manager

Fees

ItemDetail
Monthly fee£0
UK payments in and outNo fees
Cash deposits0.7% at the Post Office (minimum £3)
Cash withdrawalsFree, up to six a day, £300 daily total
Spending and withdrawals abroadNo fees from Starling
Accounting softwareXero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent via Starling Marketplace

Figures as of 3 October 2026, from Starling’s business account page.

Eligibility

  • Aged 18 or over and based in the UK
  • Sole traders and limited companies; you may need to show proof of your position in the business

The catch

Free ATM withdrawals are limited to six a day with a total of £300. Cash-heavy businesses may pay more here than with a high-street bank.

Check Starling’s business account terms.

These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.

FAQs

Does Starling charge for a business account?

No monthly fee, as of 3 October 2026. Cash deposits cost 0.7% (minimum £3).

Is a Starling business account FSCS protected?

Starling is a UK-authorised bank. Eligible deposits with a UK-authorised bank are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person, per banking licence (source: FSCS).

Can I pay in cheques?

Yes, Starling says cheques can be paid in free via freepost or in the app.

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Written by Steven — Editor, The Finance Lowdown

Fact checked by Angela — Editorial Reviewer

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