Best joint business bank accounts in the UK 2026

Discover how a joint business bank account works and why you might want to open one in a business partnership.

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Matthew Boyle

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Some business bank accounts allow you to open an account together with someone else and other accounts allow you to add additional users once the account is up and running. Compare accounts below and learn the advantages and disadvantages of using a joint business bank account.

Latest reviews of joint business accounts

Zempler Bank Business Extra

Zempler Bank Business Extra

8.7 Great
Account fee£9 per month
Arranged overdraft
Requires credit check
Read review
No annual or monthly fee when you apply using the Finder link.

The Zempler business account can easily be opened online. You'll need to provide some details about your business and, if you're asked to provide ID documents, you'll need to do this for both you and your business partner. The Zempler business account has 3 different pricing plans, one of which is free, and you'll receive a contactless Mastercard once your account is up and running. The account offers accounting integrations, including Xero, Quickbooks and Sage, and you'll be able to create invoices and categorise spending automatically. If you opt for a paid-for plan you can also benefit from cashback on your spending.

You can have your Card One Money business account up and running on the same day you apply, with no credit checks to worry about. The account offers online and mobile access 24/7, and you will be able to manage and pay bills, invoices and wages with ease. You can also pay in cash and cheques and add 4 additional cards for your employees to use for business expenses. Note that the account has a monthly fee plus a one-off application fee. Most card transactions will also incur a fee.

HSBC Small Business Banking Account

HSBC Small Business Banking Account

9.9 Excellent
Account feeFree
Arranged overdraft
Requires credit check
Read review
No monthly account fee and free UK digital banking* More info

This account is ideal for small enterprises and offers 12 months of free business banking for startups or switchers. You can also apply for an overdraft on the account and you can request Visa business debit cards for you and your employees. What's more, you can sync your account with Sage for invoicing, tax and VAT purposes and you'll be able to manage your banking transactions on the go via the mobile app. The account also enables you to carry out international payments (for a fee) and you can request accounts in various foreign currencies too.

Starling Business Current Account

Starling Business Current Account

9.7 Excellent
Account feeFree
Arranged overdraft
Requires credit check

This business bank account from Starling has no monthly fee and no UK payment charges. It's easy to apply for the account via the app and you'll benefit from free ATM withdrawals, no fees abroad, integration with accounting software such as QuickBooks, FreeAgent and Xero, automated business spending categorisation, receipt capture, and international payments. Your money will also be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and you'll have free 24/7 UK support via the app, phone or email. Accounts can also be customised with add-ons, if you're happy to pay a monthly fee. This includes the Business Toolkit which helps you create and send invoices, calculate tax, record your VAT and submit your VAT return, a Euro business account for exchanging and holding euros, and a US dollar business account for holding, sending and receiving US dollars.

Countingup Business Bank Account (Limited Company)

Countingup Business Bank Account (Limited Company)

6.4 Standard
Account feeVaries
Arranged overdraft
Requires credit check
Go to site Read review
Free bookkeeping and HMRC tax filing.

The CountingUp business account has built-in accounting software that automates bookkeeping and taxes, making it easier to run your business. You can open an account in a matter of minutes and your first 3 months of using the account are free of charge. After that, depending on how much you pay into your account, there are 3 different pricing plans available. This can change from month to month, so if your business has a quieter month, your fee may go down, but if you have a better month and lots of money is paid into your account, your fee will increase. All plans offer automated categorisation, instant notifications, receipt capture, invoicing and billing, profit and loss statistics, tax estimates and the option to share your finances with your accountant. Cash can be paid into the account via the Post Office or PayPoint.

What is a joint business bank account and why open one?

This is a business bank account that more than one person can open and manage jointly. The maximum number of account holders is usually between 2 and 4, depending on the bank.

When you open a joint business account, all account holders will be able to make deposits, debit card transactions and withdraw cash at ATMs. They will also be able to set up direct debits and standing orders.

You’ll need all account holders to provide personal details when opening an account, and you may require permission from all of them to close it or switch to a new account.

It is far more convenient and cost-effective – for tax and accounting reasons – when all company funds are funnelled through one account, and that’s why most partnerships opt for a joint business bank account.

Can I open a business account that offers access to services for my employees?

Some business accounts allow you to grant a level of access to some employees, even if they aren’t an official account holder. This comes with its own set of risks though.

It might also be possible to order multiple debit cards or prepaid cards to be used on the same business account. Many business owners take this route instead, although think carefully about this, as you may be charged a one-off or even a monthly fee per card.

What do I need to open a joint business bank account?

To open a joint business bank account you’ll need to provide the following:

  • Proof of ID for all account holders. For example, a passport or driving licence.
  • Proof of address for all account holders. For example, a utility bill or bank statement.
  • Your business details. Including your company’s registered address and contact details. If you’re a limited company, you’ll also need details of your company’s registration at Companies House and possibly your tax and VAT registration details. Some banks will also require a projected yearly turnover.

Can two business partners open a joint business account?

Yes they can. Setting up a business account together can make it much easier to manage your business finances and both partners will have equal access to the account.

However, it’s vital that you and your business partner trust each other. Because you will both have equal access to the money held in the account, one business partner could choose to withdraw all the funds without the other partner’s permission.

Keep in mind too that if you open a joint account, you and your partner will be financially linked. This means if one of you has a poor credit score, it could negatively affect the other partner’s record too.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • It's incredibly convenient to allow all business owners access to the same account.
  • You may be able to order several debit cards for employees to use.

Cons

  • You'll need to be able to trust other account holders to use company money wisely.
  • All account holders may need to sign off on closing or switching the account.

Alternatives to joint business accounts

Depending on your business needs, you could simply opt to open a standard business account with a single signatory. This way you could delegate all financial tasks like paying invoices, staff salaries and company tax payments to one individual. All banks that offer joint business accounts will also offer the ability to open a regular ‘sole’ business account.

If your business trades with customers in other currencies, like euros, then you may want to open a business account for making and receiving payments in that currency. This is a service that’s typically offered by the raft of newer digital challenger banks, like Starling. These accounts will usually charge a monthly account maintenance fee, so take some time to research the product’s terms and conditions before signing up.

If your business is a small side hustle and you haven’t registered a limited company for these activities, you could open a sole trader bank account.

Bottom line

If your business has multiple owners, it can make a lot of sense to open a joint business bank account. Most business bank account providers allow you to add multiple account holders, so there is plenty of choice available.

However, do your research first before choosing your account provider to be sure it’s the right account for your business. As with sole business accounts, fees and charges will vary between banks.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Our “Best for” picks highlight top options in specific categories based on our independent evaluation (see our full methodology), while “Promoted” tags indicate sponsored placements. Selected products may not suit everyone. We track selected market offers, which may not cover every product. Products are listed in no particular order unless specified, and inclusion or ordering may be influenced by popularity or commercial agreements. Most comparison table data is provided by Defaqto or sourced directly from providers. Always evaluate your own circumstances and consider independent advice before making major financial decisions.
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Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

Matthew's expertise
Matthew has written 210 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage
  • Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features
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