A good business bank account is essential for running your business effectively, whether you’re a sole trader or a large established firm. Here you can see which are the best free and paid-for accounts, and which are best for aspects such as online and app banking or invoicing. We also look at accounts that suit businesses of different sizes. We also have a guide on the best business bank account currently available.
A business bank account is simply a bank account designed for business transactions. Business bank accounts work in a similar way to personal bank accounts but can help businesses keep track of business income and expenses.
You can use your business bank account to send and receive money, helping you to pay staff wages and receive client payments, and you can set up standing orders and direct debits to pay your bills. Business bank accounts can also offer a range of additional features you won’t find with a personal account, such as the option to carry out transactions in foreign currencies or the ability to integrate with accounting software.
If you run a limited company, you will be required to use a business bank account. If you’re a sole trader, there’s no such requirement, but it can still make a lot of sense to open one and keep your business transactions separate from your own.
When comparing business bank accounts, there are a number of factors you’ll need to consider:
Many business bank accounts can be opened online. Otherwise you can pop into your local bank branch (if there is one). You will usually need to provide details about your business, including its registered address and contact details. If you’re a limited company, you’ll need to provide details of your company’s registration at Companies House.
Additionally, you will usually need to provide proof of ID for all company directors, such as a passport, as well as proof of address, such as a utility bill.
Unlike with most personal current accounts, many business accounts come with costs attached, which can range from a monthly fee simply for having the account, to a charge for paying in a cheque.
We outline the main types of business account costs below – bear these in mind when you’re looking at a bank’s pricing structure or an account’s terms and conditions:
Whether you are a freelancer or have a side hustle, it could be a good idea to create a separate bank account to manage your finances. It’s not a legal requirement, but you might find it easier to track your cash flow and calculate your end-of-year taxes.
There are lots of business bank accounts designed for the self-employed. Some are free, while others charge a monthly fee. You should also think about what services you might need. For example, do you want your account to link to accounting software such as QuickBooks and Zero, or do you need invoicing support?
Take a look at our guide on the best business bank accounts for the self-employed.
Once you’ve researched and chosen which business account you’d like to go for, you’ll need to apply to that banking provider to open it. Many applications can now be done online or through a mobile app (especially given the growing number of digital-only accounts), although some banks with a branch network might ask you to visit in person.
Every business bank account will have a slightly different application process, but here is a general list of information and documents that you should have to hand:
Not every banking provider will ask you for all of this documentation, and on the flip side, there may be some who request even more detailed information about your business and its finances.
Most business bank account providers will also carry out some kind of credit check on you, although there are a few that will let you open an account without one (but be aware these products tend to come with higher usage fees). For more information on opening a business account without a credit check, check out our guide to opening a business account with a bad credit score. You can also check your credit score here.
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There are many reasons why it pays to open a business bank account. But when comparing them, it’s important to check the eligibility criteria carefully to be sure you qualify, and also check the fees so you don’t get caught out. On top of this, you’ll want to check what perks come with the account, such as invoicing tools or cashback, so that you can be confident of picking the best account for your business.
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