Starling Kite Prepaid Card
ATM and Cash
Topups
Overall
A free kids debit card and app for ages 6 to 15, linked to a Space inside a parent’s Starling current account. Parents top up from their Starling app, set daily spend and controls, get instant notifications, and can block online or ATM use. Purchases and cash withdrawals are fee-free in the UK and abroad from Starling’s side. Funds sit in the adult’s account and are FSCS protected up to £85,000.
Fees and FX
ATM and Cash
Topups
Overall
Initial Viewpoint
Best for Starling families who want a simple, bank-backed kids card with zero monthly cost, strong controls and app access for the child. Not ideal if you do not bank with Starling, since a parent must hold a Starling personal or joint account to set up Kite.
Highlights
- Free monthly plan. No fees for purchases, top ups or cash withdrawals from Starling’s side.
- Age 6–15 with a debit card in the child’s name and a kid-friendly app view.
- No overseas fees plus free ATM withdrawals abroad from Starling’s side.
Cautions
- Parent or guardian must already have a Starling personal or joint account.
- Mobile wallets are not supported on Kite. You cannot add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Overview
What it is
A Mastercard debit card for kids that spends from a ring-fenced Kite Space inside the adult’s Starling account. Parents move money in the app and set limits; kids can view balance and transactions in a simplified app.
Who it's for
UK families who already bank with Starling and want fee-free spending, instant controls, and a bank-account set-up with FSCS protection on the parent account.
Key Facts
Issuer:
Starling Bank.
Network:
Mastercard.
Funding and protection:
Money sits in a Kite Space within the adult’s Starling current account; deposits are FSCS protected up to £85,000.
Age:
6 to 15, with child app access when enabled by the adult.
Wallets:
Mobile wallets are not supported for Kite.
Pricing & Fees
Fee Type
Amount
Notes
Monthly plan
£0
No subscription fee.
UK purchases
Free
No Starling fee.
UK ATM withdrawals
Free
No Starling fee. Some ATMs may surcharge.
Overseas card spend
Free
Starling adds no FX fees. Mastercard rate applies.
Overseas ATM withdrawals
Free
Starling adds no fee. Local ATM may charge.
Top ups to Kite Space
Free
Top up from parent Starling account.
FX & ATM Details
FX conversion
Starling adds no extra fees for purchases or ATM withdrawals. Use local currency to avoid DCC.
ATM usage
Kite ATM withdrawals are capped at £100 per day. Adults can toggle ATM access on or off.
Topups & Payments
Method
Fee or Limit
Notes
Transfer from parent Starling account
Free
Move money to Kite Space in app.
KiteLink from friends and family
Free
Pay to the child’s Kite Space by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay via a shared link.
Applying for the Starling Kite Prepaid Card
Eligibility
You must hold a Starling personal or joint account. Kids must be 6 to 15.
Steps to apply
Optional: give your child app access via Kite Space → Manage Space → Set up an app.
– In the Starling app go to Spaces and choose Kite Space.
– Provide your child’s details and photo ID such as a birth certificate, passport or residence permit.
– Order the card from the app and set controls. Delivery is typically 5 to 7 working days.
Limits & KYC
Topic
Detail
Age
6 to 15. Kite users move to teen account at 16 if desired.
Daily spend limit
£0.01 to £500. Set by the parent in app.
ATM withdrawals
£100 per day. Toggle on or off in app.
Contactless per tap
Up to £100. Parent can set a lower limit per card or Space.
Contactless running total
£300 before PIN reset required. Anti-fraud cumulative cap.
Kite Space balance cap
£5,000. Maximum held in the child’s Space.
KYC for child
Photo ID may be requested. Child ID evidence during setup.
App & Features
Feature
Detail
Real-time alerts
Adult gets instant notifications for every spend and top up.
Parental controls
Set daily spend. Block online or ATM payments.
Child app access
Kid-friendly app view to see balance and transactions.
Contactless controls
Adjust contactless limit for the Kite card in app.
KiteLink
Share a link so others can send pocket money to the Kite Space.
Merchant blocks
Gambling and betting merchants are blocked.
Who It's For
Best for
Starling households seeking a free kids card with bank-level protections on the parent account and robust controls in one app.
Not ideal for
Families who do not bank with Starling or who want the child to use Apple Pay or Google Pay on their own device.
Pros & Cons
Pros
-
Free monthly plan with no Starling fees for purchases, top ups or ATM use.
-
Strong parental controls and instant alerts, with optional child app access.
-
Money sits in the adult’s Starling account with FSCS protection.
Cons
-
Parent must have a Starling account to set up Kite.
-
No Apple Pay or Google Pay for the child’s card.
Alternatives to Consider
GoHenry
Families who want education features and fine-grained controls
HyperJar
Families wanting budgeting focus and card-only travel spend
NatWest Rooster
NatWest families using the free offer and wanting granular controls
Ratings
Category
Score 1 to 5
Weight
Notes
Fees and value
Free monthly plan and no Starling fees for UK or overseas use.
ATM and FX
Fee-free from issuer side. £100 daily ATM limit for Kite.
Controls and features
Daily spend limit, online and ATM toggles, child app access. No mobile wallet support.
Top ups and funding
Free top ups from parent account. KiteLink for family and friends.
Support and trust
UK bank, FSCS on adult account deposits.
Compliance & Methodology
Regulatory
Kite is a Space inside the adult’s Starling Bank current account. The child’s card spends from that Space. Deposits in the adult account are FSCS protected up to £85,000.
Data sources
Starling product page, Help Centre and legal terms. Verified 7 Nov 2025.
Editorial policy
Independent, fact‑checked comparison. Click here for editorial guidelines.
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