Create virtual debit cards linked to budgets you've created, and only ever spend as much as you plan to.
Virtual cards work just like normal debit cards, but they're linked to Spaces. You can create them for free as part of our personal and joint current accounts.
When you spend, we'll take the money from your chosen Space instead of your main balance. Paying for fuel? Do it from your 'Car Costs' Space. On holiday with your partner? You can both spend directly from your carefully budgeted – and shared – 'Weekend Break' Space.
Create a virtual card, and we'll give you a unique card number, CVV number and expiry date linked only to the Space.
Need to stick to a budget? Let's say you're making home improvements. Set money aside in a 'DIY' Space, and use your virtual card every time you buy materials.
One look at your Space shows what you've spent, and what's left. When the money in your Space is used up, your virtual card will decline (until you top the Space up) instead of dipping into your main balance.
It's ideal for holidays, retail therapy, a night out or, well, anything you can think of really.
When you're shopping online, using a virtual card keeps your main card details secret. If there's a data breach at a retailer, you can delete the virtual card in seconds — no need to cancel your main card.
You can also create a one-time virtual card for purchases on sites you don't entirely trust. Use it once, delete it, and move on.
Attach a virtual card to your 'Subscriptions' Space. Every Netflix, Spotify, gym, and streaming payment comes out of that one pot. If you want to cancel, just delete the virtual card — no more awkward calls or hidden renewals.
With joint accounts, you and your partner can each have your own virtual card linked to the same Space. Shared expenses, separate cards, full transparency.
Open your Starling account in minutes.
Apply now