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Give someone a card to spend on your behalf

What is a Connected card?

If someone’s spending on your behalf at the moment, the Starling Connected card could make life a little easier for everyone.

From friends and family to a neighbour or childminder, it’s an additional debit card you can give to anyone you trust, so they can buy whatever you need; no cash, contact, IOUs or fiddly bank details. The money comes out of a designated Space you’ll set in the app (rather than your main account) and it’s capped at £200, so you’re always in control.

Why it’s helpful

  • Easier spending.
    No more worrying about paying someone back or giving them your bank details.
  • You’re in control.
    Balance running low? Top up your Connected card whenever you want by adding money to your designated Connected space in app.
  • Share your account.
    Give someone a Connected card and they’ll be able to buy the things you need on your behalf.
  • But don’t share everything.
    The other person won’t be able to access your whole account, check the balance, access the app, withdraw at an ATM or shop online. They’ll just be able to spend from one Space of your choosing.

Read our case study on how the Connected Card has helped Starling customer, Toby Mildon.

Who can you connect with?

Some situations call for a joint bank account, but others don’t – and that’s where our Connected card comes in. It’s especially useful for:

  • Carers or childcare workers.
    Who might need to shop on your behalf.
  • NHS accredited volunteers.
    For medical supplies or prescriptions.
  • Anyone you trust.
    Get help with essentials from friends and family.

How does it work?

It’s in the name! The Connected card is connected to your Starling account, or more specifically, a Connected Space in the app that you’ve put money aside in. Once you’ve ordered and activated the card, just pass it over to someone else and they’ll be able to start using it to shop for you (but only with money you’ve designated for it, and up to £200). Plus for extra peace of mind, they’ll never be able to use it at ATMs or for gambling purposes.

It might sound obvious, but you should only give the card to people you trust. By funding the Space and giving them the card and PIN, you’re authorising anything they spend.

How do I activate a Connected card?

Once the card arrives, you’ll need to activate it from the Connected Space in-app before you can use it. Tap 'Activate' and just enter the CVV from the signature strip on the back of the new card when you’re asked.

How to get started

You’ll need a personal current account with Starling in order to get a Connected card. If you already have one, great – keep reading. If you’re new here, start by applying for an account.

Apply for a current account

Open your personal current account in the Starling app and head straight to the Spaces section. Then follow these steps:

Tap ‘New Space’ and then ‘Connected card Space’.

Choose a purpose for your Connected card – shopping, carer or childcare – as well as a PIN.

Your card will arrive at your home address within 5-7 working days.

Once it arrives, you’ll need to activate it. That’s easy: just add the CVV on the back of the card to the connected Space using the app.

Done! Give the card to whoever needs it – be sure to tell them the PIN though.

Check out our blog post on the Connected Card.

Go to Connected Spaces

FAQs

  • Can you have two debit cards for one account?


    Yes. In addition to your regular Starling debit card, you can order a Connected card. It’s capped at a balance of £200 and designed to be used by someone else.

  • Can you add someone to your bank account?


    Yes. By giving someone a Connected card, you’re allowing them to spend money from one of your Spaces. But they can only spend the amount allocated to that Space, up to a maximum of £200. Want to stop them from spending from your account? Just transfer the balance out of your Connected Space.

  • Can I get a card for someone else?


    Yes! That’s precisely what our Connected cards are for. They’re capped at £200 and you can add or withdraw funds from it at any time using the app.

Apply for a Starling current account today and enjoy app-based banking at its best.

Start your application
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