Declined by Starling?
There’s another way.
Starling Bank Alternative
Starling’s eligibility criteria doesn’t work for everyone. Suits Me® is built to be more accessible — no credit check, no CIFAS barrier, no UK credit history needed. Open your account in minutes.
No credit check · No CIFAS barrier · Takes around 3 minutes
Trusted by thousands of customers
Accounts opened across the UK
Starling Bank Alternative
Starling’s eligibility criteria doesn’t work for everyone. Suits Me® is built to be more accessible — no credit check, no CIFAS barrier, no UK credit history needed. Open your account in minutes.
No credit check · No CIFAS barrier · Takes around 3 minutes
Trusted by thousands of customers
Accounts opened across the UK
ℹ️ Starling Bank runs a soft credit check and has eligibility criteria that doesn’t suit everyone. If you’ve been declined, have bad credit, CIFAS markers, or are new to the UK — Suits Me® may be able to help, with no credit check required.
Who we help
Suits Me® is built for people Starling may not be able to help
Whether you’ve been declined, have a difficult credit history, or are just starting out in the UK — we have an account for you.
Declined by Starling
Starling may decline applicants who don’t meet their eligibility criteria. Suits Me® doesn’t run credit checks — so a rejection from Starling won’t affect your application with us.
Bad credit or CIFAS markers
A poor credit history or CIFAS marker makes it difficult to open a Starling account. Suits Me® welcomes customers with bad credit, defaults, CCJs, or CIFAS markers.
New to the UK
No UK credit history means Starling may decline you. Suits Me® doesn’t require any UK credit history — making it one of the easiest accounts to open when you first arrive.
The challenge with Starling
Why Starling isn’t right for everyone
Starling is a great account — but it’s designed for people with a clean financial history. If that’s not you, here’s what you’re up against.
Soft credit check at application
Starling runs a soft credit check when you apply. While this won’t leave a mark on your credit file, a thin or troubled credit history can still affect the outcome of your application.
CIFAS markers mean rejection
If you have a CIFAS marker on your record — even an incorrect one — Starling is very unlikely to approve your application.
No UK credit history? Likely declined
New arrivals to the UK typically have no credit footprint — which can trigger a Starling decline before they’ve even had a chance to build one.
Strict eligibility criteria
Starling’s eligibility requirements go beyond just credit — address history, ID verification standards, and residency status can all be barriers.
Cashback & rewards locked to upgrades
Cashback and discount features aren’t available on Starling’s standard account — you need to upgrade to access them.
English-only customer support
Starling’s support is in English only. If English isn’t your first language, getting help with your account can be a real challenge.
The Alternative
Everything Starling offers — and more
Suits Me® is a fully featured personal account built for everyday life. No credit check. No CIFAS barrier. Cashback and discounts included on every plan.
No credit check — ever
We don’t run credit checks. Your financial history won’t affect your application with Suits Me®.
UK account number & sort code
Receive wages, benefits, pension, or any other payment directly into your account.
Free contactless Mastercard®
Pay in stores, online, and at ATMs — accepted in over 30 million places worldwide.
Direct Debits included as standard
Set up rent, utilities, and bills on Direct Debit — included on all plans.
Instant cashback on all accounts
Earn money back at Argos, Asda, IKEA, Sainsbury’s, and hundreds more — no upgrade needed.
Exclusive discounts on all accounts
Access hundreds of partner discounts from day one — available on every Suits Me® plan.
Multilingual support in 15+ languages
Our UK-based team speaks over 15 languages. Get help by phone, chat, email, or video call.
Mobile app & real-time notifications
Manage your account, freeze your card, and track spending from your phone — 24 hours a day.
Free Mastercard® included · Account details issued same day · No credit check
Side by side
Suits Me® vs Starling Bank
| Account feature | Starling | Suits Me® |
|---|---|---|
| Open online in just 3 minutes | ✓ | ✓ |
| No credit check required | ✗ | ✓ |
| Accepts bad credit & CIFAS markers | ✗ | ✓ |
| No UK credit history needed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Instant cashback on all accounts | ✗ | ✓ |
| Discounts included on all accounts | ✗ | ✓ |
| Direct Debits included as standard | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multilingual UK customer service | ✗ | ✓ |
| Free contactless debit card | ✓ | ✓ |
| UK account number & sort code | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app with real-time notifications | ✓ | ✓ |
| International ATM withdrawals | ✓ | ✓ |
*Subject to AML regulatory requirements
How to get started
Open your Suits Me® account in 5 simple steps
Choose your account
1
Pick from Essential, Premium, or Premium Plus — all include cashback and discounts.
Enter your details
2
Complete your application online in around 3 minutes. No credit check involved.
Verify your ID
3
Upload a photo ID and a selfie. We work with the ID you have.
Get your account details
4
Your UK sort code and account number arrive the same day. Your card follows by post.
Download the app
5
Manage everything from your phone — spending, transfers, cashback, and more.
What customers say
Trusted by thousands of people across the UK
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"Suits me was quick, efficient, and easy to use. Through financial problems out of my control I was refused an account everywhere but Suits Me — I was accepted in minutes."
Marc, Suits Me® customer · Verified Trustpilot review
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"What a great account — got my card straight away, easy set up. I struggled getting a card for my wages and this was by far the best. Highly recommend."
Keith, Suits Me® customer · Verified Trustpilot review
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"This was my last chance and I am glad to have an account. Suits Me is a life saver — easy to use, reliable, and the customer service team genuinely care."
Michael, Suits Me® customer · Verified Trustpilot review
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a Suits Me® account if I’ve been rejected by Starling?
Yes. Suits Me® does not carry out credit checks as part of our application process. A rejection from Starling — for any reason — will not affect your Suits Me® application.
Does Suits Me® accept people with bad credit or CIFAS markers?
Yes. We understand that financial difficulties can happen to anyone. Bad credit, missed payments, defaults, CCJs, or a CIFAS marker will not prevent you from opening a Suits Me® account.
I’m new to the UK with no credit history — can I still apply?
Absolutely. We don’t require a UK credit history. Many customers open their Suits Me® account within days of arriving in the UK. Our multilingual team can support you in over 15 languages to help you get set up.
Is cashback really included on all plans?
Yes. Unlike Starling, Suits Me® includes instant cashback and exclusive discounts on every plan — no upgrade required.
Is Suits Me® a bank account?
Suits Me® is an personal account, not a bank account. However, it works like a bank account for everyday use — you get a UK sort code and account number, a Mastercard® debit card, Direct Debits, and a full mobile app.
How long does it take to open an account?
Around 3 minutes online. Once your identity is verified you’ll receive your UK account details the same day. Your Mastercard® will arrive by first class post, usually within a few days.
What ID do I need to apply?
We try to work with the ID you have. A passport or driving licence is ideal, but we can often accept other forms. Speak to our team if you’re unsure — we’re here to help.
Related situations
Dealing with other financial challenges too?
Suits Me® supports people in a wide range of difficult financial situations — not just those declined by Starling.
Related page
Account for bad credit
If a poor credit history is making it hard to open an account elsewhere, find out how Suits Me® can help.
Related page
Pockit alternative
Comparing Suits Me® with Pockit? See why thousands have chosen Suits Me® for more features and better value.
Ready for an account
that’s built for you?
Join thousands of people who use Suits Me® as their everyday account. No credit check. No CIFAS barrier. Open in minutes.
Free Mastercard® included · Account details issued same day · KYC & AML checks completed on all applications · Suits Me account fees apply — see our fee schedule for full details