Starling Bank introduces second card for self-isolating customers

Protected by a PIN and with a balance limit of £200, the new Starling Bank Connected card is secure and only permits users to spend in-store and not online

Starling Bank is introducing the option of a second card for its customers who are self-isolating during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Protected by a PIN and with a balance limit of £200, the new Starling Bank Connected card is secure and only permits users to spend in-store and not online.

Funds are stored within a dedicated space, separate from their main account. This gives the account holder control over their money when they are unable to visit the shops themselves.

Personal account customers can apply for a Connected card on their Starling Bank app, and the card will be delivered to their registered address in three to five working days.

Anne Boden, founder and chief executive officer of Starling Bank, said: “We know that getting in groceries and other essential items is a challenge for those who are self-isolating during the coronavirus emergency. So we came up with a solution to help our customers pay for supplies bought for them by trusted friends and neighbours without the hassle of transferring money or handling cash.”

“Together with mobile cheque deposits, which we launched earlier this week, we’re working hard to help our customers at this difficult time.”

Starling Bank has set up a Covid-19 hub for its customers, offering advice on money management and updates on what the challenger bank is doing to help.

The challenger bank recently set up cheque depositing through its app and confirmed it had “robust measures” in place to ensure that it can continue providing 24/7 customer support via chat or in-app.

Image: Starling Bank

Mark Dugdale