Starling Bank’s Faster Payments limit is up to £1,000,000 per transaction — well above Monzo’s default £10,000 and higher than most UK digital banks. Starling also offers CHAPS at £20 per payment for transfers above this limit or when same-day guaranteed settlement is required.
For most UK bank transfers — paying rent, buying a car, sending money to family — Starling’s limits are more than adequate. This page is part of the Starling Bank UK complete guide, which covers all Starling features, fees, limits, and account types.
Starling Transfer Limits — Key Facts
| Transfer type | Limit | Fee | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faster Payments | Up to £1,000,000 per transaction | Free | Seconds, 24/7 |
| CHAPS | No practical upper limit | £20 per payment | Same working day |
| International | Available in-app | 0.4% conversion fee | Same day, subject to currency |
| Standing orders | Subject to Faster Payments rules | Free | As scheduled |
| Direct debits | Set by the company taking the payment | Free | As scheduled |
Faster Payments — Up to £1,000,000
Starling processes personal account payments via the Faster Payments scheme, the UK’s standard payment rail for everyday bank transfers. Starling’s own guidance confirms that any payment over £1,000,000 needs to be sent via CHAPS instead — meaning Faster Payments covers amounts up to that threshold.
This is exceptionally high by digital bank standards:
| Bank | Faster Payments limit |
|---|---|
| Starling | Up to £1,000,000 |
| Monzo | £10,000 (default) |
| Other UK banks | Varies — confirm current limits directly, as these change and differ by account type |
Faster Payments arrive within seconds in most cases, at any time of day, any day of the year. There is no fee. For a full breakdown of what Starling charges across all features, see Starling ATM Withdrawal Limit and the Starling Bank Review 2026.
CHAPS — For Very Large Transfers
Starling supports CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) for transfers that exceed the Faster Payments limit or where the recipient bank requires a CHAPS payment.
| Detail | CHAPS |
|---|---|
| Minimum amount | Any amount |
| Upper limit | None (in practice) |
| Fee | £20 per payment |
| Speed | Same working day (if submitted before the cut-off time) |
| Availability | Monday–Friday, banking hours |
CHAPS is typically used for:
- Property completions — solicitors require CHAPS for the final payment on a house purchase
- Very large business payments — above the Faster Payments limit
- Time-critical high-value transfers where same-day guaranteed delivery is required
Practical example: Completing on a £425,000 property purchase with a £100,000 deposit? Both amounts are comfortably within Starling’s £1,000,000 Faster Payments limit, but your solicitor may still require CHAPS for guaranteed same-day, irreversible delivery. Cost: £20. Arrives: same working day.
International Transfers
Starling offers international payments within the app, using a live exchange rate plus a 0.4% conversion fee, shown before you confirm. Confirm current coverage and pricing in the app for your destination country, as international payment terms can vary by currency and change over time.
Receiving international payments into a Starling account is possible — provide your IBAN and SWIFT/BIC details, available in the app under Account details.
Your Payment Limits
Starling sets payment limits, visible in the app under Payments or Account settings. These may be different from the scheme-level maximum described above.
If you need to send more than your current limit:
- Open in-app chat
- Tell Starling you need a temporary increase for a specific payment
- Starling may request evidence (e.g. a solicitor letter for a property purchase)
- Once approved, limits are adjusted — usually same day
Starling vs Monzo — Transfer Comparison
| Bank | Faster Payments limit | CHAPS | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starling | £1,000,000 | ✅ Yes (£20) | ✅ Yes (0.4% conversion fee) |
| Monzo | £10,000 (default) | Confirm Monzo’s current terms | Confirm Monzo’s current terms |
Confirm Monzo’s and other providers’ current limits directly, as these change independently of Starling’s. Starling’s £1,000,000 limit and CHAPS availability make it a strong digital bank option for large transfers — relevant for anyone buying a property, moving pension funds, or making large business payments.