{"id":181192,"date":"2019-03-25T12:25:30","date_gmt":"2019-03-25T12:25:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?page_id=181192"},"modified":"2026-04-07T10:44:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T09:44:56","slug":"business-banking","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking","title":{"rendered":"Compare business bank accounts"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>What is a business bank account?<\/h3><p>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 they help businesses keep track of business income and expenses. <\/p><p>You can use your business bank account to send and receive money, helping you to pay staff wages and receive client payments. You can also set up standing orders and direct debits to pay your bills. Business bank accounts offer a range of extra features you won\u2019t typically find with a personal account, such as the option to carry out transactions in foreign currencies or the ability to integrate with accounting software.<\/p><p>If you run a limited company, you\u2019ll be required to use a business bank account. If you\u2019re a sole trader, there\u2019s no such requirement, but it can still make a lot of sense to open one and keep your business transactions separate from your own. <\/p><h3>How do I compare business bank accounts?<\/h3><p>These are some of the key factors you\u2019ll need to consider:<\/p><ul><li><strong>Fees.<\/strong> Some business bank accounts will charge a monthly fee for using the account. Others will charge for everyday banking transactions. Some might even charge for both, so be sure to check carefully. In some instances, fees will be waived for the first year or so which can be useful if your business is just starting out. <\/li><li><strong>Transaction limits.<\/strong> Some banks might limit how much money you can transfer in one transaction, so if you\u2019re likely to be regularly transferring large sums, check if the limit is sufficient.<\/li><li><strong>Overdraft facility.<\/strong> If you\u2019d like to have an overdraft on your business bank account, look for an account that offers one and check how much interest it charges.<\/li><li><strong>Account management.<\/strong> Consider whether you\u2019re happy to manage your business account online or via an app, or whether you\u2019d prefer to have a bank branch to pop into. You might require this if you need to pay cash into the account, for example.<\/li><li><strong>Additional features.<\/strong> Some business bank accounts can integrate with accounting software or help you create invoices, so if these features are important to you, make sure they\u2019re included. Some accounts might also pay interest on credit balances or give you cashback.<\/li><li><strong>International transactions.<\/strong> If you regularly carry out business overseas, look for a business account that charges low fees for doing so. Similarly, check whether your bank card charges for foreign transactions. <\/li><li><strong>Customer support.<\/strong> Check how you can contact your chosen provider and whether customer support is available 24\/7.<\/li><li><strong>Eligibility<\/strong>. Before applying for a business account, make sure your business is eligible. Your business will usually need to be registered and trading in the UK, but some banks might also require that your business has been trading for a set time or has a minimum annual turnover.<\/li><li><strong>Related financial services.<\/strong> If you think you might need a business loan or credit card in the future, check whether the provider offers these options.<\/li><\/ul><article class=\"luna-card luna-card--alt\">\n<div class=\"luna-card__block\">\n<h4>What you should know - Making Tax Digital (MTD)<\/h4>\n<p>If you're a sole trader with a qualifying income of more than \u00a350,000 a year, you'll need to sign up for Making Tax Digital (MTD) from 6 April 2026. Under the new rules, instead of sending one tax return each year, you'll need to submit quarterly tax updates to HMRC and a year-end final declaration. You'll also be required to use MTD-compatible software to keep digital records and make your submissions. Certain business account providers, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/tide-review\">Tide<\/a> and others, offer free Making Tax Digital software.<\/p>\n\n<p>The government has introduced MTD in an effort to streamline the tax process, reduce the risk of errors and give businesses a clearer idea of how much tax they will need to pay, giving them longer to prepare and save.<\/p>\n\n<p>MTD is being rolled out in phases, meaning sole traders with a qualifying income of more than \u00a330,000 will be affected from April 2027 and those with an income of more than \u00a320,000 must sign up from April 2028. We have written a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/making-tax-digital-sole-traders\">detailed guide<\/a> if you want to have more information on the topic. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article><h3>What do I need to open a business bank account?<\/h3><p>Many business bank accounts can be opened online. Otherwise you can pop into your local bank branch (if there is one). You\u2019ll usually need to provide details about your business, including its registered address and contact details. If you\u2019re a limited company, you\u2019ll need to provide details of your company\u2019s registration at Companies House. Incidentally, if you still need to register with Companies House, it hiked up the cost of doing so in May 2024 to more than quadruple the previous price in some cases.<\/p><p>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. <\/p><h3>Business bank account fees explained<\/h3><p>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.<\/p><p>We outline the main types of business account costs below \u2013 bear these in mind when you\u2019re looking at a bank\u2019s pricing structure or an account\u2019s terms and conditions:<\/p><ul class=\"luna-accordionGroup accordionGroup\"><li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n    <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n      <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion0000000000\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#accordion0000000000\">\n        <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">Monthly or annual account fee<\/span>\n        <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"accordion0000000000\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n    <div class=\"accordionContent\"><p>This is a flat fee for having and using your business account \u2013 it\u2019s usually charged monthly but sometimes it\u2019s an annual fee.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n    <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n      <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion0000000001\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#accordion0000000001\">\n        <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">Electronic payments (in or out)<\/span>\n        <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"accordion0000000001\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n    <div class=\"accordionContent\"><p>This includes things such as direct debits and standing orders, as well as Faster Payments bank transfers made to other individuals or companies (which you might set up or make through online, mobile or telephone banking). Some business accounts don\u2019t charge for these types of payments, while others will give you a set allowance per month or charge you for each one.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n    <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n      <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion0000000002\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#accordion0000000002\">\n        <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">Cash or cheque payments (in or out)<\/span>\n        <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"accordion0000000002\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n    <div class=\"accordionContent\"><p>When you deposit or take out cash at a bank branch (or at a Post Office, if your bank supports that service), you might be charged a flat fee or a percentage fee for any cash and coins you deposit or money you withdraw over the counter. Some banks have a set fee for depositing a cheque and also charge when a cheque you\u2019ve written to someone else is paid into their account.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n    <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n      <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion0000000003\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#accordion0000000003\">\n        <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">International payments<\/span>\n        <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"accordion0000000003\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n    <div class=\"accordionContent\"><p>This could include any purchases or cash withdrawals made using your card abroad (non-sterling transactions). But there are also usually fees for making an international payment \u2013 such as a SEPA payment or SWIFT payment \u2013 from your bank account to one based overseas. Some providers will also charge you for receiving an international payment into your account.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n    <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n      <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion0000000004\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#accordion0000000004\">\n        <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">Additional services<\/span>\n        <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"accordion0000000004\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n    <div class=\"accordionContent\"><p>There are some services you might use occasionally that incur a special charge, such as making a CHAPS payment (this is a high-value payment that is cleared on the same day) or issuing a banker\u2019s cheque. Some business accounts also offer optional services e.g. a VAT calculation and submission service, which you can expect to pay extra for if you sign up.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li><\/ul><h3>Business bank accounts for the self-employed<\/h3><p>Whether you\u2019re a freelancer or have a side hustle, it could be a good idea to create a separate bank account to manage your finances. It\u2019s not a legal requirement, but you might find it easier to track your cash flow and calculate your end-of-year taxes. Check out our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/bank-accounts-for-freelancers\">best business bank accounts for freelancers<\/a>. <\/p><p>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 Xero, or do you need invoicing support? <\/p><p>Take a look at our guide on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/self-employed-business-bank-accounts\">best business bank accounts for the self-employed<\/a>. <\/p><h3>How can I apply for a business account?<\/h3><p>Once you\u2019ve researched and chosen which business account you\u2019d like to go for, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p><p>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:<\/p><ul class=\"list-1 has-margin-bottom\"><li>Your business name and address<\/li><li>Your own personal details and contact information<\/li><li>A form of ID<\/li><li>Proof of address<\/li><li>Estimated business turnover<\/li><li>Personal banking\/financial statements<\/li><li>Companies House registration number, if you\u2019re a limited company<\/li><\/ul><p>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.<\/p><p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/opening-a-business-account-with-a-bad-credit-score\">opening a business account with a bad credit score<\/a>.<\/p><h3 id=\"customersatisfaction\">Best business banks for customer satisfaction in 2026<\/h3><p>Our customer satisfaction awards are decided by the only votes that really matter \u2013 yours. We asked customers of major business banking providers to tell us about their experiences. Now, we can reveal the top rated UK banks \u2013 the Customer Satisfaction champions. Learn more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/finderawards\/business-banking-customer-satisfaction-awards\">about the awards here, including our ratings methodology<\/a>.<\/p><table class=\"luna-table customer-satisfaction\" id=\"customer-satisfaction\"><thead class=\"luna-table__header\"><tr><th scope=\"col\" class=\"u-1\/5@s\">Brand<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Customers who\u2019d recommend<\/th><th scope=\"col\" class=\"is-hidden is-visible@m\">Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody class=\"luna-table__body\"><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"starling\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/starling-business-account\">Starling Bank<\/a><\/th><td>100%<\/td><td>Extremely easy to set up and use, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/starling-business-account\">Starling Bank<\/a> is praised for its straightforward app. Reviewers value the helpful features for managing payments efficiently.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"revolut\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/revolut-business-review\">Revolut Business<\/a><\/th><td>97%<\/td><td>This trusted brand is known for its efficient platform and excellent customer service. Reviewers find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/revolut-business-review\">Revolut Business<\/a> easy to set up and manage daily transactions.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"rbs\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/rbs-business-accounts-review\">Royal Bank of Scotland<\/a><\/th><td>90%<\/td><td>Approachable and knowledgeable, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/rbs-business-accounts-review\">Royal Bank of Scotland<\/a> is highly regarded for its business expertise. Customers appreciate the approachable staff and reliable service.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"monzo\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/monzo-business-account-review\">Monzo Business<\/a><\/th><td>90%<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/monzo-business-account-review\">Monzo Business<\/a> earns praise for its simple setup process and innovative online tools. Users find the mobile app easy to navigate for managing business pots.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"virginmoney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/virgin-money-business-bank-account\">Virgin Money<\/a><\/th><td>90%<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/virgin-money-business-bank-account\">Virgin Money<\/a> is a reliable choice that offers a personalised service tailored to business needs. Customers value the high standards of reliability.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"wallester\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/wallester-review\">Wallester<\/a><\/th><td>90%<\/td><td>Trusted and reliable, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/wallester-review\">Wallester<\/a> provides a comprehensive platform that meets the diverse needs of businesses. Users describe the service as smooth and beneficial.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"mettle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/mettle-app-review\">Mettle<\/a><\/th><td>90%<\/td><td>The free access to FreeAgent accounting software makes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/mettle-app-review\">Mettle<\/a> a standout choice. Reviewers love the simple app and the quick account opening process.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"airwallex\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/airwallex-business-account-review\">Airwallex<\/a><\/th><td>87%<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/airwallex-business-account-review\">Airwallex<\/a> is described as a trustworthy provider with an easy-to-use interface. Businesses appreciate the reliable service and platform navigation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"hsbc\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/hsbc-business-banking-review\">HSBC<\/a><\/th><td>80%<\/td><td>Often cited as a reputable brand, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/hsbc-business-banking-review\">HSBC<\/a> provides beneficial services and excellent customer support. Many users value the bank\u2019s transparency.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"allica\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/allica-business-bank-account-review\">Allica Bank<\/a><\/th><td>80%<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/allica-business-bank-account-review\">Allica Bank<\/a> is valued for being an easy and reliable choice for business owners. Customers highlight the helpful support and variety of features.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"thecooperativebank\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/co-op-business-banking-review\">The Co-operative Bank<\/a><\/th><td>80%<\/td><td>Known for its ethical values and friendly staff, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/co-op-business-banking-review\">The Co-operative Bank<\/a> provides a flexible service and reliable process.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"tide\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/tide-review\">Tide<\/a><\/th><td>80%<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/tide-review\">Tide<\/a> is highlighted as a reliable brand that is well-suited for startups. Multiple users praise the efficient service and the easy-to-navigate app.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"natwest\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/natwest-business-banking-review\">NatWest<\/a><\/th><td>77%<\/td><td>Reputable and professional, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/natwest-business-banking-review\">NatWest<\/a> is praised for offering a reliable and efficient service with easy transactions.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"zempler\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/zempler-business-review\">Zempler Bank<\/a><\/th><td>77%<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/zempler-business-review\">Zempler Bank<\/a> is noted for its low fees and effective mobile app. Reviewers value the quick onboarding process and straightforward management.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"lloyds\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/lloyds-business-accounts\">Lloyds Bank<\/a><\/th><td>73%<\/td><td>Long-established <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/lloyds-business-accounts\">Lloyds Bank<\/a> is a trusted provider that makes transactions feel seamless through its reliable service.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"countingup\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/countingup-review\">CountingUp<\/a><\/th><td>73%<\/td><td>Fast and reliable, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/countingup-review\">CountingUp<\/a> is highlighted for its premium customer care and easy-to-manage current account.<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" data-brand=\"barclays\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/barclays-business-accounts\">Barclays<\/a><\/th><td>70%<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/barclays-business-accounts\">Barclays<\/a> is seen as a supportive brand that looks after customers well. Reviewers value the brand\u2019s integrity and reliable service.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><div><ul class=\"luna-accordionGroup accordionGroup\"><li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n    <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n      <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion0000000005\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#accordion0000000005\">\n        <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">Customer satisfaction scores methodology<\/span>\n        <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n          <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"accordion0000000005\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n    <div class=\"accordionContent\">We asked people who\u2019d used a business bank account within the previous 12 months to rate their satisfaction with the service they received and whether they\u2019d recommend the provider to a friend. Our independent survey of 510 business banking customers was carried out in February 2026.<p>We have shown the percentage recommended score in the table above and used these ratings to decide the winners of our awards. Where there was a draw on the \u201cwould recommend percentage\u201d, we used the overall rating out of 5 as a tie-breaker.<\/p><p>The customer satisfaction champions were decided by their recommendation scores (the percentage of survey respondents who would recommend the brand to a friend). Any brand which had at least 90% of customers recommend them has been recognised with a customer satisfaction champion award.<\/p><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/li><\/ul><h3>Pros and cons of a business bank account<\/h3><div class=\"fin-pros-cons\">\n            <div class=\"fin-pros-cons__section\">\n            <h4 class=\"fin-pros-cons__heading\">Pros<\/h4>\n            <ul class=\"icon-list icon-list--check-circle\">\n                                    <li>Can help you to keep personal and business finances separate, making it easier to file your tax return<\/li>\n                                    <li>You could benefit from perks such as accounting integrations or cashback<\/li>\n                                    <li>Some accounts enable you to carry out foreign transactions<\/li>\n                                    <li>It can help you build a business credit rating<\/li>\n                                    <li>If your money is held with a UK-authorised bank or building society, it will be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)<\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    \n            <div class=\"fin-pros-cons__section\">\n            <h4 class=\"fin-pros-cons__heading\">Cons<\/h4>\n            <ul class=\"icon-list icon-list--x-circle\">\n                                    <li>You might have to pay monthly and\/or transaction fees<\/li>\n                                    <li>Having a business account as well as a personal bank account means twice the banking admin<\/li>\n                                    <li>If your account comes with a prepaid card, this won\u2019t be protected by the FSCS \u2013 it\u2019ll be covered under e-money regulations instead<\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<h3>Bottom line<\/h3><p>There are many reasons why it pays to open a business bank account. But when comparing them, it\u2019s important to check the eligibility criteria carefully to be sure you qualify, and also check the fees so you don\u2019t get caught out. On top of this, you\u2019ll 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. It\u2019s also important to be aware of the customer service that the bank offers. We have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/best-banks-for-business-bank-accounts\">scored a number of business banks on this guide<\/a>. <\/p><h3>Frequently asked questions<\/h3><ul class=\"luna-accordionGroup accordionGroup\">\n\t<li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n        <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n            <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-builder-0000000000\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#faq-builder-0000000000\">\n                <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">How long does it take to open a business bank account?<\/span>\n                <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n                    <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"faq-builder-0000000000\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n        <div class=\"accordionContent\">\n            <div>\n                <p>Many online business bank accounts can be opened within a day or 2. But if you\u2019re opening an account with a high street bank, it could take between 1 and 4 weeks as the bank will need to carry out various identity and business checks. <\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n        <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n            <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-builder-0000000001\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#faq-builder-0000000001\">\n                <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">Can I open a business bank account if I have bad credit?<\/span>\n                <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n                    <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"faq-builder-0000000001\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n        <div class=\"accordionContent\">\n            <div>\n                <p>If you have bad credit, your banking options will be more restricted. But the good news is a number of online or app-based providers don\u2019t require a credit check as part of their application process. These include Zempler, Tide and Card One Money.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n    <div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n        <h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n            <button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-builder-0000000002\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#faq-builder-0000000002\">\n                <span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">Can I use a personal account instead of a business bank account?<\/span>\n                <svg class=\"luna-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-accordion-icon=\"show\"><\/use>\n                    <use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-accordion-icon=\"hide\" class=\"is-hidden\"><\/use>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/h4>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"faq-builder-0000000002\" data-accordion=\"details\">\n        <div class=\"accordionContent\">\n            <div>\n                <p>If you\u2019re a sole trader, there\u2019s nothing really stopping you from using your personal bank account for business purposes. However, some banks won\u2019t like this and could close your account, while it can also make it harder to keep your personal and business finances separate. <\/p><p>Limited companies are required to open a business account as the business is a separate legal entity.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n<article id=\"business-plan\" class=\"luna-card luna-card--alt\">\n<div class=\"luna-card__block has-margin-xsmall\">\n<div class=\"u-grid u-grid--alignMiddle\">\n<div class=\"u-grid__col u-1\/3@s text-center u-grid__col--orderLast@s\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/how-to-make-a-business-plan.png\" width=\"200\" alt=\"Business plan pdf download front cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/how-to-make-a-business-plan.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/how-to-make-a-business-plan.png?fit=360 360w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/how-to-make-a-business-plan.png?fit=600 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"u-grid__col u-2\/3@s u-grid__col--orderFirst@s\">\n<h4>If you're setting up a business, a business plan is vital to your success.<\/h4>\n<p>Use our free business plan toolkit including a walk-through guide, business plan template and example business plan.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: fit-content;\">\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/11\/how_to_make_a_business_plan_v6.pdf\" class=\"luna-button luna-button--success luna-button--large luna-button--fluid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download toolkit<\/a>\n<div class=\"has-padding-top-xsmall\">All the content may be republished with a link to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking#business-plan\"><strong>this page<\/strong><\/a>\n<p><a class=\"text-x-small\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/media\">Press enquiries<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n<article class=\"luna-card luna-card--alt\"><div class=\"luna-card__block has-padding-small\">We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms \"best\", \"top\", \"cheap\" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/terms-of-use\" class=\"fin-text-navy\">terms of use<\/a>. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Defaqto. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.<\/div><\/article><div id=\"sources\" style=\"position: relative;\"><h3 style=\"position: absolute; width: 1px; height: 1px; padding: 0; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0,0,0,0); white-space: nowrap; border: 0;\">Sources<\/h3>\n<div id=\"lazy0000000003\"><\/div>\n<script type=\"application\/json\" id=\"lazyloaded-assets-json-lazy0000000003\" class=\"lazyloaded-assets-json\">{\"critical-scripts\":[],\"scripts\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.finder.com\\\/parent-theme\\\/shortcodes\\\/article-source\\\/prod\\\/article-source.de087a0da9824e407767.js\"],\"styles\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.finder.com\\\/parent-theme\\\/shortcodes\\\/article-source\\\/prod\\\/article-source.87684078d471e76125dd.css\"]}<\/script><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Compare the features and fees of business bank accounts in the UK, to find the best one to manage your company finances.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":645,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-nb-table-with-filters.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"tags":[3464],"class_list":["post-181192","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","tag-business-banking"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.9 (Yoast SEO v24.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Compare business bank accounts in the UK 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Compare the business bank accounts in the UK for your company. Compare rates, features and pros and cons of the top providers.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Compare business bank accounts\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Compare the business bank accounts in the UK for your company. Compare rates, features and pros and cons of the top providers.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Finder UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/findercomuk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@findercomUK\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\",\"name\":\"Compare business bank accounts in the UK 2026\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2019-03-25T12:25:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-12T14:17:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"Compare the business bank accounts in the UK for your company. Compare rates, features and pros and cons of the top providers.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\"]}],\"reviewedBy\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/531b4649d053a94fb7388e896df73218\"},\"lastReviewed\":\"2026-03-12T14:17:45\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"UK\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Business banking\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/\",\"name\":\"Finder UK\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Finder\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/Finder-Logo-696x696-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/Finder-Logo-696x696-1.png\",\"width\":1392,\"height\":1392,\"caption\":\"Finder\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/findercomuk\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/findercomUK\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/finder\/\",\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finder_(website)\"],\"description\":\"Every month more than 2 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare everything from bank accounts, personal loans, investing platforms and much more.\",\"email\":\"heythere@finder.com\",\"legalName\":\"Finder\",\"foundingDate\":\"2006-01-01\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"51\",\"maxValue\":\"200\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/6e9b3b28e793c7edc2d6b6d9229eee48\",\"name\":\"Kate Steere\",\"description\":\"Kate Steere is a deputy editor at Finder, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency and banking. She has previously written for The Motley Fool UK and Fitch Solutions, where she covered a wide range of personal finance topics and kept a close eye on market trends. Kate has a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History from the University of East Anglia. When not working, she can usually be found curled up with a good book or heading out for a run.\",\"jobTitle\":\"Money expert\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/author\/kateanderson\",\"knowsAbout\":[{\"@type\":\"Thing\",\"name\":\"Fintech\"},{\"@type\":\"Thing\",\"name\":\"Banking\"},{\"@type\":\"Thing\",\"name\":\"Cryptocurrency\"},{\"@type\":\"Thing\",\"name\":\"Mortgages\"},{\"@type\":\"Thing\",\"name\":\"Payments\"}],\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\/6e9b3b28e793c7edc2d6b6d9229eee48\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/KateSteereF1_Finder_600x600.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/KateSteereF1_Finder_600x600.png\",\"caption\":\"Kate Steere\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/531b4649d053a94fb7388e896df73218\",\"name\":\"Rachel Wait\",\"description\":\"Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time.\",\"jobTitle\":\"Writer\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/author\/rachelwait\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/rachelwait?lang=en\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rachel-wait-00463013\/\",\"https:\/\/muckrack.com\/rachel-wait\"],\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\/531b4649d053a94fb7388e896df73218\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/RachelWaitF1_Supplied_600x600.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/RachelWaitF1_Supplied_600x600.png\",\"caption\":\"Rachel Wait\"},\"worksFor\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Finder\"}},{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\"},\"author\":[{\"name\":\"Matthew Boyle\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/52bc07212c35752f0a3345e22921fe37\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/6e9b3b28e793c7edc2d6b6d9229eee48\"}],\"headline\":\"Compare business bank accounts\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-03-25T12:25:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-12T14:17:45+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\"},\"wordCount\":2562,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\"},\"inLanguage\":{\"@type\":\"Language\",\"name\":\"English\",\"alternateName\":\"en\"},\"citation\":[{\"@type\":\"CreativeWork\",\"name\":\"Business banking service quality - Great Britain 2023 (BVA BDRC)\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bva-bdrc.com\/products\/business-banking-service-quality-great-britain\/\"},{\"@type\":\"CreativeWork\",\"name\":\"Finder Business Banking Customer Satisfaction Awards 2023\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/finder-business-banking-customer-satisfaction-awards-2023\"}],\"commentCount\":0},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/52bc07212c35752f0a3345e22921fe37\",\"name\":\"Matthew Boyle\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/MattBoyleF1_Finder_600x600.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/MattBoyleF1_Finder_600x600.png\",\"caption\":\"Matthew Boyle\"},\"description\":\"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.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Matthew08411738\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mattboyle3\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/author\/mattboyle\",\"jobTitle\":\"Publisher\",\"knowsAbout\":[{\"@type\":\"Thing\",\"name\":\"Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage\"},{\"@type\":\"Thing\",\"name\":\"Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features\"},{\"@type\":\"Thing\",\"name\":\"Publishing easy-to-understand guides\"}],\"worksFor\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Finder\"}},{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"name\":\"Frequently Asked Questions\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does it take to open a business bank account?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"\\r\\rMany online business bank accounts can be opened within a day or 2. But if you\u2019re opening an account with a high street bank, it could take between 1 and 4 weeks as the bank will need to carry out various identity and business checks. \\r\\r\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I open a business bank account if I have bad credit?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"\\r\\rIf you have bad credit, your banking options will be more restricted. But the good news is a number of online or app-based providers don\u2019t require a credit check as part of their application process. These include Zempler, Tide and Card One Money.\\r\\r\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can I use a personal account instead of a business bank account?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"\\r\\rIf you\u2019re a sole trader, there\u2019s nothing really stopping you from using your personal bank account for business purposes. However, some banks won\u2019t like this and could close your account, while it can also make it harder to keep your personal and business finances separate. \\r\\rLimited companies are required to open a business account as the business is a separate legal entity.\\r\\r\"}}]}]}<\/script>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-12T14:17:45+00:00\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Compare business bank accounts in the UK 2026","description":"Compare the business bank accounts in the UK for your company. Compare rates, features and pros and cons of the top providers.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Compare business bank accounts","og_description":"Compare the business bank accounts in the UK for your company. Compare rates, features and pros and cons of the top providers.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking","og_site_name":"Finder UK","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/findercomuk","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@findercomUK","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"13 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking","name":"Compare business bank accounts in the UK 2026","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#website"},"datePublished":"2019-03-25T12:25:30+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-12T14:17:45+00:00","description":"Compare the business bank accounts in the UK for your company. Compare rates, features and pros and cons of the top providers.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking"]}],"reviewedBy":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/531b4649d053a94fb7388e896df73218"},"lastReviewed":"2026-03-12T14:17:45"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"UK","item":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Business banking"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/","name":"Finder UK","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization","name":"Finder","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/Finder-Logo-696x696-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/Finder-Logo-696x696-1.png","width":1392,"height":1392,"caption":"Finder"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/findercomuk","https:\/\/x.com\/findercomUK","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/finder\/","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finder_(website)"],"description":"Every month more than 2 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare everything from bank accounts, personal loans, investing platforms and much more.","email":"heythere@finder.com","legalName":"Finder","foundingDate":"2006-01-01","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"51","maxValue":"200"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/6e9b3b28e793c7edc2d6b6d9229eee48","name":"Kate Steere","description":"Kate Steere is a deputy editor at Finder, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency and banking. She has previously written for The Motley Fool UK and Fitch Solutions, where she covered a wide range of personal finance topics and kept a close eye on market trends. Kate has a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History from the University of East Anglia. When not working, she can usually be found curled up with a good book or heading out for a run.","jobTitle":"Money expert","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/author\/kateanderson","knowsAbout":[{"@type":"Thing","name":"Fintech"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"Banking"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"Cryptocurrency"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"Mortgages"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"Payments"}],"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\/6e9b3b28e793c7edc2d6b6d9229eee48","url":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/KateSteereF1_Finder_600x600.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/KateSteereF1_Finder_600x600.png","caption":"Kate Steere"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/531b4649d053a94fb7388e896df73218","name":"Rachel Wait","description":"Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time.","jobTitle":"Writer","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/author\/rachelwait","sameAs":["https:\/\/twitter.com\/rachelwait?lang=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rachel-wait-00463013\/","https:\/\/muckrack.com\/rachel-wait"],"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\/531b4649d053a94fb7388e896df73218","url":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/RachelWaitF1_Supplied_600x600.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/RachelWaitF1_Supplied_600x600.png","caption":"Rachel Wait"},"worksFor":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization","name":"Finder"}},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking"},"author":[{"name":"Matthew Boyle","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/52bc07212c35752f0a3345e22921fe37"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/6e9b3b28e793c7edc2d6b6d9229eee48"}],"headline":"Compare business bank accounts","datePublished":"2019-03-25T12:25:30+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-12T14:17:45+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking"},"wordCount":2562,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization"},"inLanguage":{"@type":"Language","name":"English","alternateName":"en"},"citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Business banking service quality - Great Britain 2023 (BVA BDRC)","url":"https:\/\/www.bva-bdrc.com\/products\/business-banking-service-quality-great-britain\/"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Finder Business Banking Customer Satisfaction Awards 2023","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/finder-business-banking-customer-satisfaction-awards-2023"}],"commentCount":0},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/52bc07212c35752f0a3345e22921fe37","name":"Matthew Boyle","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/MattBoyleF1_Finder_600x600.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/12\/MattBoyleF1_Finder_600x600.png","caption":"Matthew Boyle"},"description":"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.","sameAs":["https:\/\/twitter.com\/Matthew08411738","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mattboyle3\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/author\/mattboyle","jobTitle":"Publisher","knowsAbout":[{"@type":"Thing","name":"Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features"},{"@type":"Thing","name":"Publishing easy-to-understand guides"}],"worksFor":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization","name":"Finder"}},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","name":"Frequently Asked Questions","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does it take to open a business bank account?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"\r\rMany online business bank accounts can be opened within a day or 2. But if you\u2019re opening an account with a high street bank, it could take between 1 and 4 weeks as the bank will need to carry out various identity and business checks. \r\r"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I open a business bank account if I have bad credit?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"\r\rIf you have bad credit, your banking options will be more restricted. But the good news is a number of online or app-based providers don\u2019t require a credit check as part of their application process. These include Zempler, Tide and Card One Money.\r\r"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I use a personal account instead of a business bank account?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"\r\rIf you\u2019re a sole trader, there\u2019s nothing really stopping you from using your personal bank account for business purposes. However, some banks won\u2019t like this and could close your account, while it can also make it harder to keep your personal and business finances separate. \r\rLimited companies are required to open a business account as the business is a separate legal entity.\r\r"}}]}]},"article_modified_time":"2026-03-12T14:17:45+00:00"},"custom_fields":{"_wp_page_template":["page-nb-table-with-filters.php"],"_content_type":["niche-content\/comparison\/niche-homepage"],"_masthead_variant":["{\"id\":\"beta-widget\",\"showFeaturedImage\":false,\"presetId\":\"shortcode\",\"shouldUsePrimaryCTAFieldName\":false,\"shouldUseSecondaryCTAFieldName\":false,\"primaryCTA\":null,\"secondaryCTA\":null,\"widgetShortcode\":\"[partial id=\\\"ukfsa-business-masthead\\\"]\",\"widgetHeading\":\"\",\"widgetStats\":\"\",\"hasPrioritizedWidget\":false,\"hasMaximizedWidget\":false,\"shouldUseOverrideCTALabel\":false,\"overrideCTA\":null,\"cleanTopPicks\":\"\",\"tilesMenuId\":\"\"}"],"_masthead_subheading":["{\"text\":\"Want to avoid fees? Integrate with accounting software? Compare business bank and e-money accounts to find the best.\"}"]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/181192"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/645"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=181192"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/181192\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":575679,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/181192\/revisions\/575679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=181192"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=181192"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}