How we’re supporting you
The cost of living crisis is having an impact on all of us. We’ve been listening to our customers to better understand what we can do – and what we can build – to help. Things are constantly changing, so we’ll continue to look at new ways to support you.
Here’s where to start:
Understanding your spending can help you feel in control when things feel uncertain.
So we’ve launched a free, easy-to-use Budget Planner on our website. Within 5-10 minutes, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of your spending habits, expert tips to help you save and a list of useful resources.
With a rising cost of living, it’s never been more important to see your money clearly. We’re making sure you can, with:
Get up close and personal with your spending habits – now customisable by date range with 58 categories. Keep tabs on rising costs and see exactly where your money is going.
Set up a Space for all your essential spending to ring-fence your bills. Is it time to scrap those won’t-be-missed subscriptions? Tally them up in Bills Manager – then decide.
Try the digital ‘envelope method’ by dividing up essential spending into Spaces – that could be petrol or household bills. Consider these virtual money pots a safer, smarter alternative to cash stuffing.
See exactly what you’re spending and what’s left. We notify you instantly everytime you pay for something, giving you a real-time balance – and peace of mind.
Money management made easy. Discover need-to-know app features that could help you get a handle on your finances.
Helping you take control. Worried about rising living costs? We’ve gathered tips from the experts. Heard of the ‘pause before you buy’ approach? How about the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme? Read on for more ideas.
Fixed rate savings. Apply for a Fixed Saver and earn interest on your savings.
Need to talk? We’re all ears – 24/7. Our Customer Service team is here to help you deal with the unexpected and talk through options together.
Money Helper: Free and impartial money advice from the government, offering support over the phone and online.
StepChange: A charity providing expert advice, support and solutions to help manage debt.
Debt Advice Foundation: A national debt advice and education charity offering free and confidential support.
Money Advice Trust: A national charity helping people tackle their debts and manage their money with confidence.
Citizens Advice: Free, confidential advice to help with debt and money worries, benefits, work and legal problems.
In a cost of living squeeze, extra income could make a big difference. Charity Turn2us offers a free benefits calculator, which tells you what you could be entitled to. This could include Universal Credit, state pensions, carer’s allowance or cost of living support.
Turn2us is a national charity that provides practical help to people who are experiencing financial difficulties.
Starling overdrafts. A business overdraft can act like a short-term safety net to help with the cash-flow needs of your business.
Flexible loans. We’ve made it easy to apply for funding if your business needs a boost.
To be eligible for either our overdraft or loan, your business must have been trading for at least two years. Credit, fraud and viability checks will be carried out and your primary business banking must be with Starling. Other criteria apply.
Pay As You Grow. For anyone who’s struggling (or will struggle) to meet their monthly repayments on a Bounce Back Loan, there are ways we can help.
Resources for independent help. There are lots of organisations out there that offer free and impartial debt advice specifically for business owners.
Worried about the future of your business? The first step is talking things through. If you have a Starling loan or overdraft, call us on 0204 506 8350 or email us at businesslendingsupport@starlingbank.com
What happens if I miss a repayment? If you miss (or expect to miss) a repayment, get in touch with us and we can come up with a plan together.
During the financial crisis, scammers are coming up with new ways of committing fraud, including email, text and social media scams. Recent examples include a message alerting social media users to a discounted energy bill or a council tax rebate.
Your Starling account is protected by powerful, industry-leading security features. But if you notice something suspicious, or think you may have been the victim of fraud, get in touch with our customer service team as soon as you can.
What does fraud look like in a cost of living crisis? Read up on the scams to watch out for. You can also find more on how to stay safe with the national campaign, Take Five.
