Like a child bank account, but built seamlessly into your award-winning current account for better visibility and control.
Help them understand where their money goes with their own version of the app. All while keeping an eye on things, from yours.
Free debit card and app for kids
Starling Kite
Say hello to Starling Kite: the free debit card and app for young people aged 6-15, connected to your account. Help your kids manage their pocket money and embrace digital banking.
Why Kite’s great for kids and you
Easy control. Set up a Kite Space for your child, then ping cash over instantly or set up regular transfers, all from a single app. Plus get a notification the second they spend.
It's free! Plus unlike some competitors, we don’t charge for transfers or ATM withdrawals.
A fully-licensed bank. You’re still the primary account holder, so the money you add to Kite is covered by your account’s FSCS protection up to £85,000.
Great for pocket money. Safer and easier than cash – and a simple way for them to learn about grown-up spending and saving.
Great for life lessons. With their own version of the app, your kids can receive notifications, start budgeting, track their spending, and save towards goals.
Under your wing. Get the full picture. Instant notifications whenever they spend, plus set spending limits for specific types of transactions.
Safe. Contactless beats cash for peace of mind. Lock the card instantly if it’s lost or stolen and get money over to them wherever they are, directly from your app.
What our customers say matters most
How to get a Starling Kite debit card for kids
First, you’ll need to have a Starling account yourself.
Step 1
Simply click on the button below to start your application and fill in a quick, fuss-free form
Then just follow these steps to add Kite to your account
Step 1
Open the Starling app and go to the personal or joint account you want the Kite card to be connected to. Tap on ‘Spaces’.
Step 2
Next tap on ‘Kite Space’ and follow the steps. Give us some personal details and take a picture of your child’s ID. This can be a UK birth or adoption certificate, a residence permit or any valid passport.
Step 3
That’s it! Once we’ve approved your application, your Kite card will be winging its way to you shortly.
Here’s just some of the good stuff you can expect from your own free Starling account:
No fees overseas from us
Speedy set-up; for you, and your child’s Kite card
Flexible overdrafts and competitive loans
Budgeting tools, like Savings Spaces, Bills Manager and Round-Ups
Clever features, like Instant Payment Notifications and Spending Insights