Starling Bank^ makes it easy to use your card overseas. You can pay by card or withdraw cash without paying any fees to Starling. There is no need to tell the bank you are travelling. You just use your card as normal and it will work wherever Mastercard is accepted.
When paying abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency. This ensures you get Mastercard’s real exchange rate with no hidden charges. You will see instant notifications in both the local currency and pounds through the Starling app, helping you keep track of your spending in real time.
ATM withdrawals are also fee-free from Starling. You can withdraw up to £300 a day abroad without extra charges. Some ATM operators might charge their own fee, which is outside of Starling’s control, so it is always good to check before withdrawing.
Using Your Starling Card In The US
You can use your Starling card across the United States just like you would in the UK. There are no extra fees when paying by card. You also get the real Mastercard exchange rate without any added costs.
ATM withdrawals in the US are also free from Starling’s side. However, most ATMs in the US charge their own fee, no matter which UK bank you use. It is common to see charges of three or four dollars per withdrawal, so you might want to minimise how often you withdraw cash.
Always pay in dollars when making purchases. If you choose pounds, you will likely get a worse exchange rate and may face extra charges from the merchant.
How To Deposit Money To Starling Before Travelling
You can deposit cash into your Starling account at any Post Office branch in the UK. You can deposit up to £1,000 per calendar year free of charge. After you pass this limit, a fee of zero point seven percent will be charged on any extra deposits.
This is useful if you want to top up your account before travelling. Simply visit your nearest Post Office with your debit card and the cash you want to deposit.
How To Deposit A Cheque Into Your Starling Account
If you have a cheque to deposit, you can do this through the Starling app without needing to visit a branch. You simply take a photo of the cheque inside the app.
You can read the full guide on Starling’s website here.^
Getting Travel Insurance With Starling Bank
Starling Bank does not provide its own travel insurance. However, you can access travel insurance through Starling’s Marketplace inside the app. This allows you to buy insurance from partner companies like Allianz.
This can be useful if you want to keep your banking and travel insurance in one place but still have the freedom to choose a provider.
How To Open A Starling Account
Opening a Starling account is simple and done completely through your phone. You download the Starling app, provide your personal details and verify your identity with a photo ID and a short video.
Most accounts are opened within minutes. Once set up, you can order your debit card and start using the account immediately for online payments. The physical card usually arrives within a few working days.
Starling is designed to be easy to manage at home or abroad. Knowing how to deposit money, use your card overseas and set up an account means you can avoid most common problems. Keep the app handy when travelling to stay on top of your money.
Always have a backup account just in case something goes wrong abroad. There is nothing worse than being stranded without access to your funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Starling? Here are some quick answers to the most common ones.
Can I freeze and unfreeze my Starling card abroad?
Yes, you can freeze and unfreeze your Starling card instantly from the app, no matter where you are in the world. This helps you stay in control if you misplace your card while travelling.
What happens if my Starling card is stolen abroad?
If your card is stolen, you can freeze it in the app straight away. You can also order a replacement through the app. Depending on where you are, delivery times for a new card will vary, so it is a good idea to have a backup payment option just in case.
Do I need to let Starling know when I am travelling abroad?
No, you do not need to notify Starling before you travel. Your card will work abroad without needing to update the bank, so you can travel spontaneously without worrying about your card being blocked.
