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.
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.
ptc. Rating: ⭐ 4.6 / 5
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.
Methodology: Starling product and help pages, legal terms. Checked 7 Nov 2025.
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.
Last updated: 07 Nov 2025
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 | 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 Starling Kite
Eligibility
You must hold a Starling personal or joint account. Kids must be 6 to 15.
Steps to apply
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
| Item | Limit or rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (and who it’s not)
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.
How it compares
At a glance: Kite offers bank-backed safety, zero monthly cost and fee-free UK and overseas use from Starling’s side. It lacks mobile wallet support for the child’s card and requires a Starling parent account.
| Feature | Starling Kite | Typical youth bank account | Other prepaid card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | £0 | Usually £0 | Varies by brand |
| FX and overseas ATM | Fee-free from issuer side | Varies by bank | Varies by brand |
| Wallets | Not supported | Varies by bank | Often Apple Pay or Google Pay from 13 |
| Controls | Strong parent controls in app | Basic controls | Varies by brand |
| Protection | FSCS via adult account | FSCS | Safeguarded e-money, not FSCS |
Alternatives
| Product | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| HyperJar | Families wanting budgeting focus and card-only travel spend |
Ratings
| Category | Score 1 to 5 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees and value | 5 | Free monthly plan and no Starling fees for UK or overseas use. |
| ATM and FX | 5 | Fee-free from issuer side. £100 daily ATM limit for Kite. |
| Controls and features | 4 | Daily spend limit, online and ATM toggles, child app access. No mobile wallet support. |
| Top ups and funding | 4 | Free top ups from parent account. KiteLink for family and friends. |
| Support and trust | 5 | UK bank, FSCS on adult account deposits. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Starling Kite Prepaid Card
Can my child use the card abroad?
Yes. Starling adds no fees on overseas use and ATM withdrawals. Local ATMs may surcharge and the Kite ATM limit is £100 per day.
Can the Kite card be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
No. Mobile wallets are not supported for Kite.
How long does delivery take?
Cards typically arrive in 5 to 7 working days after approval.
What ID is needed for my child?
Starling may request child photo ID such as a birth certificate, passport or residence permit during setup.
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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