Starling Bank has become one of the UK’s most popular digital‑only banks, with over 4 million customers and a reputation for excellent service, fee‑free overseas spending, and easy‑to‑use app. If you’re a Starling customer, you might have wondered: does Starling Bank have a referral program in 2026? The short answer is yes — but the details, bonus amounts, and eligibility rules change frequently. This guide covers everything you need to know about the current Starling Bank referral offer, how to refer friends, how to earn your bonus, and how it compares to other UK bank referral schemes.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Does Starling Bank Have a Referral Program in 2026?
- 2. How the Starling Bank Referral Program Works
- 3. Current Referral Bonus: Amount, Requirements & Payout
- 4. Starling vs Other UK Bank Referral Programs
- 5. Strategies to Successfully Refer Friends
- 6. Common Reasons Referral Bonuses Don’t Pay Out
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions
- 8. Final Thoughts
Does Starling Bank Have a Referral Program in 2026?
Yes, Starling Bank operates a referral program — though it isn’t always running year‑round. In 2026, Starling has brought back its popular “Refer a Friend” promotion, offering both the referrer and the new customer a cash bonus after certain conditions are met.
✅ Current status (February 2026):
- Program active: Yes, as of February 2026, the referral program is live.
- Bonus for referrer: £50 (paid into your Starling account).
- Bonus for friend: £50 (paid after they meet requirements).
- End date: Typically offered for a limited time; check the app for the latest end date.
The referral link is available directly inside the Starling Bank app under the “Refer a friend” section. If you don’t see it, the promotion may have temporarily ended — but historically, Starling runs these campaigns several times a year.
How the Starling Bank Referral Program Works
Referral mechanics are simple, but you and your friend must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a step‑by‑step breakdown:
Generate your unique referral link
Open the Starling app, go to the “Refer a friend” section (usually under “Account” or “Rewards”), and tap “Invite a friend”. Your personal referral link is created instantly.
Share the link with someone who isn’t yet a Starling customer
Your friend must be a new customer — they cannot have held a Starling personal or business account before. They also need to be a UK resident aged 16 or over.
Friend signs up and meets the qualifying criteria
After clicking your link, your friend downloads the app, completes identity verification, and opens a personal current account. To trigger the bonus, they usually need to deposit a minimum amount (typically £500) and make at least five card transactions within 30 days of account opening.
Both receive the cash bonus
Once your friend fulfills the requirements, both accounts are credited with £50 each within 14 days. The money appears directly in your Starling balance, with no extra steps.
Current Referral Bonus: Amount, Requirements & Payout Timeline
As of early 2026, the standard offer is £50 for you and £50 for your friend. However, Starling sometimes runs limited‑time boosted offers (e.g., £75 each) during peak seasons. Always check the exact terms in your app.
📋 Typical requirements (2026):
- Friend must be new to Starling — no previous or joint accounts.
- Deposit at least £500 into the new account within 30 days of opening. (This can be a transfer from another bank, salary, or savings.)
- Make 5+ card transactions (contactless, chip & PIN, or online purchases) within the same 30‑day period. Contactless payments under £100 count.
- Account must remain open and in good standing until the bonus is paid. Closing the account early voids the reward.
Payout timeline: Bonuses are usually credited within 14 working days after your friend completes the requirements. You’ll receive a notification in the app when the money arrives.
Starling vs Other UK Bank Referral Programs (2026)
How does Starling’s offer stack up against competitors? Here’s a comparison of the most popular UK bank referral bonuses as of February 2026:
| Bank | Referrer Bonus | Friend’s Bonus | Key Requirements | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starling | £50 | £50 | Deposit £500 + 5 transactions in 30 days | Within 14 days |
| Monzo | £50 | £50 | Deposit £500 + make a payment (often via direct debit or card) | Up to 30 days |
| Chase UK | £50 | £50 | Deposit £1,500 in first 30 days + 3 card transactions | Within 60 days |
| NatWest / RBS | £100–£150 | £100–£150 | Often requires switching using Current Account Switch Service | 30–60 days |
| Barclays | £20 | £20 | Deposit £800 + 3 direct debits within 60 days | Within 60 days |
| Lloyds / Halifax | £75–£150 | £75–£150 | Switch using CASS + deposit £1,500–£2,000 | 30 days |
Starling’s offer is among the simplest and fastest, with a moderate deposit requirement and no need to switch your entire banking relationship. It’s particularly attractive for existing customers who want to earn easy cash by inviting friends or family.
Strategies to Successfully Refer Friends (Without Being Annoying)
Earning referral bonuses is simple, but you need to share your link effectively. Here are proven strategies:
Target people who already use digital banks
High conversionFriends already comfortable with Monzo, Revolut, or other challenger banks are more likely to open a Starling account. They appreciate the fee‑free foreign spending and “spaces” feature.
Share your link in context
Natural touchWhen someone mentions they’re looking for a new bank, travelling abroad, or frustrated with high overseas fees, mention Starling and send your link. It feels like helpful advice, not spam.
Use social media carefully
Wider reachPost your referral link on your personal social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) with a brief explanation of the bonus. Make sure to comply with platform rules and add #ad if required. Friends of friends may also take up the offer.
Remind friends to complete the steps
Follow‑upMany people sign up but forget to deposit or transact enough. A friendly reminder after a couple of weeks can ensure both of you get the bonus.
Common Reasons Referral Bonuses Don’t Pay Out
⚠️ Avoid these mistakes:
- Friend already had a Starling account: The bonus only applies to completely new customers. Even a joint account or a business account counts as existing.
- Using a different link: Your friend must sign up via your unique referral link — using someone else’s or a public link won’t attribute the referral to you.
- Not meeting the deposit/transaction threshold: Depositing £499 instead of £500, or making only 4 transactions, will disqualify the bonus. Confirm exact figures in the app.
- Closing the account too soon: If your friend closes the account before the bonus is paid, it’s forfeited.
- Referral fraud attempts: Referring yourself, using fake identities, or creating multiple accounts will result in no bonus and possible account closure.
💰 Starling Referral Earnings Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, any existing Starling personal current account holder can refer friends. Business account holders may also be eligible — check the app for details.
No. The referred friend must never have held any Starling account (personal, joint, or business). The bonus is for new customers only.
Starling usually does not cap the number of referrals, but the promotion may have a total budget, so it’s best to refer early. Some past campaigns limited to 10 referrals per person — check the terms in your app.
In the UK, cashback and referral bonuses from bank accounts are generally not taxable if they are personal (not business) and infrequent. However, if you refer many people and it resembles a trade, HMRC may view it as income. Most individuals are safe, but keep records.
First, check that they met all requirements (deposit, transactions, time limit). If they did, contact Starling support via in‑app chat. Provide the friend’s name and approximate date they signed up. Support can usually resolve within a few days.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Starling’s Referral Program?
Starling Bank’s referral program is one of the most straightforward and rewarding among UK digital banks. With a £50 bonus for you and £50 for your friend, it’s an easy way to earn extra cash while helping someone discover a great banking app. The requirements (deposit £500 and make 5 transactions) are achievable for most people, especially if they’re planning to use Starling as their main account.
Remember to always check the latest terms inside your app, as bonuses can change. And if you’re referring multiple friends, keep track of who has completed the steps so you can gently remind them. With a little effort, you could easily earn £200–£300 or more in 2026 just by sharing your link.
💡 Key takeaways:
- Starling’s referral program is active in February 2026, offering £50/£50.
- Your friend must deposit £500 and make 5 transactions within 30 days.
- Share your link naturally, and remind friends to complete the steps.
- Compare with Monzo, Chase, and others to decide which bank to recommend.