The specialist bank is using Google Nearby technology to allow its customers to securely apply for a joint account in five minutes by sitting next to each other with their phones, as Starling looks to eradicate the need for a visit to a bank branch.

Joint account customers will be able to manage their money from the same app as their personal account and track spending with real-time updates attributed to each person.

Customers making an application should tap the ‘find your other half’ prompt within the app and the technology uses a combination of Bluetooth and WiFi to find the other device, so they can confirm the connection.

Joint account customers will receive a new Starling Bank card.

Anne Boden, CEO at Starling Bank (pictured above), said that joint accounts were notoriously difficult to set up and cancel.

“However, our new technology removes the pain of setting up a joint account by letting our customers do it from the comfort of their own home.

“We are using technology to take the stress and inconvenience out of banking and empower individuals – and now couples – to take control of their finances. 

“Following hot on the heels of the launch of the UK’s first app-only business bank business account, our joint account is the next step towards transforming the banking industry for customers.”