Starling Bank
PRA-authorised UK challenger bank. Starling no longer offers its own business loans: according to iwoca (September 2026), the loan an eligible Starling business customer sees in the Starling app or online banking comes from iwoca. Starling is therefore a banking choice rather than a lender in its own right, and the loan terms, checks and decision are iwoca's.
Quick verdict
- Product: Business banking; loans shown in the Starling app are provided by iwoca.
- Ticket band: Set by iwoca (Starling doesn't offer its own business loans).
- Pricing: Set by iwoca.
- iwoca, which provides the loans, says it uses a soft search at quote stage, which other lenders cannot see on your credit file.
At a glance
Starling Bank, at a glance
- Legal entity
- Starling Bank Limited
- Companies House
- 09092149
- Founded
- 2014
- Product
- Business banking; loans shown in the Starling app are provided by iwoca
- Ticket range
- Set by iwoca (Starling doesn't offer its own business loans)
- Decision time
- Set by iwoca
- Ltd-only
- Yes
Where Starling Bank is strong
- Loan offers can appear inside the existing Starling business app for eligible customers.
- PRA and FCA authorised; FSCS-protected deposits.
- iwoca, the lender behind the in-app loans, says it only runs soft credit checks when you apply.
Watch-outs, and when another lender may suit better
- Starling doesn't lend its own business loans, so there's no Starling rate or criteria to compare.
- The in-app route is for Starling business customers only; others can apply to iwoca directly.
Best fit applicants
- Existing Starling business customers who want to see an iwoca offer inside their banking app
Where Starling Bank is the wrong fit
- Borrowers banking elsewhere
- Borrowers looking for a bank term loan from Starling itself
If declined by Starling Bank
If your application to Starling Bank is declined, ask the lender for the reason in writing. Some alternatives are named in the watch-outs section above. See also our guide to why lenders decline, by reason.
Other lenders we list
- 365 Business Finance, Merchant cash advance (revenue-based finance)
- Aldermore, Asset finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages
- Allica Bank, SME term loan, asset finance + commercial mortgage
- Bizcap, Specialist post-decline / fast cash
How we rate Starling Bank
This review is FundBiz's own editorial assessment, scored against a published framework. See our methodology for how we rate each lender.
FAQ
What can I borrow through Starling Bank?
Starling Bank offers business banking; loans shown in the starling app are provided by iwoca. Ticket range: Set by iwoca (Starling doesn't offer its own business loans). Typical rate: Set by iwoca.
How long does Starling Bank take to decide?
Set by iwoca iwoca says checking eligibility uses a soft search, so it does not affect your credit score.
Who is Starling Bank the best fit for?
First on the list: Existing Starling business customers who want to see an iwoca offer inside their banking app. The full list is under Best fit applicants above.
When might another lender suit better than Starling Bank?
First on the list: Borrowers banking elsewhere. The other cases are under Where Starling Bank is the wrong fit above.
Send an enquiry
Tell us what you need in 2 minutes. FundBiz is not a lender and does not run a credit check. We pass your enquiry to a business finance broker, who will contact you about your options. For limited companies, LLPs and partnerships with four or more partners.
Send an enquiry →Official site: Starling Bank
Last updated: . By Adam Parker. FundBiz is owned and operated by Best Business Loans Ltd, directed by Oliver Mackman.