Starling Business Account UK Starling Bank
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: £0/month
- Free Transactions: Unlimited free
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 15% (arranged)
- Key Feature: No monthly fee; instant notifications; 24/7 UK support; FSCS £85k
Compare Business Banking in United Kingdom
Live offers across tracked providers in United Kingdom — updated daily from the Giraffy database.
Live offers
21 live offers compared from 21 providers. Updated daily.
Tide Business Account UK Tide
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: £0/month (free plan)
- Free Transactions: 1 free/month (free plan)
- Overdraft Rate: Not offered
- Key Feature: Instant account opening; invoicing tools; integrations with Xero & FreeAgent
Monzo Business Pro UK Monzo Business
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: £5/month (Pro)
- Free Transactions: Unlimited free (Pro)
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 19% (arranged)
- Key Feature: Tax pots; Xero/FreeAgent sync; instant payments; FSCS £85k
Revolut Business UK Revolut
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: £0/month (free plan)
- Free Transactions: 5 free/month (free plan)
- Overdraft Rate: Not offered
- Key Feature: Multi-currency; FX at interbank rate; virtual cards; global transfers
HSBC Kinetic Business UK HSBC UK
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: £6.50/month (after 12 months free)
- Free Transactions: Unlimited digital transfers
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 14.9% (arranged)
- Key Feature: Branch + phone + app access; overdraft facility; FSCS £85k
Lloyds Business Current Lloyds Bank
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: Free 12mo; then £8.50/mo
- Free Transactions: Free electronic
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 9.7%
- Key Feature: 28mo free for startups
NatWest Business NatWest
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: Free 18mo; then £8/mo
- Free Transactions: Free digital
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 9.9%
- Key Feature: Relationship manager option
Santander Business Santander UK
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: Free 18mo; then £7.50/mo
- Free Transactions: 50 free/mo
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 9.5%
- Key Feature: 1|2|3 Business Card cashback
Virgin Money Business Virgin Money
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: Free 25mo; then £6.50/mo
- Free Transactions: Free unlimited digital
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 9.7%
- Key Feature: 25 months free for startups
Barclays Business Barclays
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: £8.50/mo
- Free Transactions: Free digital
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 10.25%
- Key Feature: Smart Investor integration
Nationwide Business Nationwide
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: Free 12mo; then £6/mo
- Free Transactions: Free electronic
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 9.5%
- Key Feature: Mutual — member owned
Co-op Business Co-operative Bank
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: Free 30mo; then £7/mo
- Free Transactions: Free electronic
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 9.7%
- Key Feature: Ethical policy — no fossil fuels
Metro Bank Business Metro Bank
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: From £5/mo
- Free Transactions: Free electronic
- Overdraft Rate: EAR 9.9%
- Key Feature: 7 days/week in-store support
Mettle Business Mettle
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: Free
- Free Transactions: Unlimited
- Overdraft Rate: No overdraft
- Key Feature: NatWest-backed digital bank
ANNA Money ANNA Money
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: From £14.90/mo
- Free Transactions: Unlimited
- Overdraft Rate: No overdraft
- Key Feature: Accounting automation built in
Counting Up Counting Up
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: From £3/mo
- Free Transactions: Unlimited digital
- Overdraft Rate: No overdraft
- Key Feature: Built-in bookkeeping
Cashplus Business Cashplus
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: £3.99/mo
- Free Transactions: Unlimited
- Overdraft Rate: Prepaid overdraft option
- Key Feature: No credit check required
Soldo Business Soldo
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: From £21/mo
- Free Transactions: Unlimited
- Overdraft Rate: Expense management
- Key Feature: Multi-card expense management
Airwallex UK Airwallex
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: Free
- Free Transactions: Unlimited
- Overdraft Rate: No overdraft
- Key Feature: Multi-currency 130+ countries
Moss Business Moss
Price on request
- Monthly Fee: From £149/mo
- Free Transactions: Unlimited
- Overdraft Rate: Expense cards
- Key Feature: AI receipt scanning
Allica Bank Business Account Allica Bank
Price on request
What is business banking in the UK?
A business bank account keeps a company's money separate from personal finances, which is a legal requirement for limited companies and strongly advisable for sole traders. Accounts provide payments, invoicing, card acceptance, accounting integrations and, often, access to lending and overdrafts. The UK market now spans traditional high-street banks and a wave of app-based challengers.
Choice depends heavily on business type: a freelancer, an e-commerce seller and a growing limited company with staff all have different needs around cash handling, integrations and credit.
How the UK business banking market works
Traditional banks offer branch access, cash and cheque handling and established lending relationships, usually with a monthly fee after any free introductory period. Digital challengers compete on speed, low or no monthly fees, instant account opening and slick accounting integrations, though many charge for cash deposits made via the Post Office.
A key distinction is licensing. Banks are covered by FSCS deposit protection; some fintech providers operate as e-money institutions, which safeguard funds differently, an important point for larger balances.
Leading UK business account providers
Starling Bank offers a fully licensed, fee-free business account with strong app features. Tide and Monzo Business are popular with sole traders and small companies for fast onboarding and bookkeeping tools. Revolut serves businesses with multi-currency needs. The established banks, HSBC UK, Lloyds Bank, NatWest and Santander UK, offer branch networks, relationship managers and broader lending.
How to choose the right account
Fees — compare monthly fees, transaction charges and cash-deposit costs against your usage.
Cash handling — if you take cash, check deposit routes and limits.
Integrations — links to Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent save admin time.
Lending — established banks may suit businesses that will need overdrafts or loans.
What it costs
Costs range from genuinely free digital accounts, funded by card and transaction margins, to monthly fees of a few pounds to £10 or more on the high street after any free period. Add-ons such as cash deposits, faster international payments and premium tiers with more support carry extra charges. Match the fee model to your transaction pattern rather than the headline.
Protections and regulation
Banks are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with eligible business deposits protected by the FSCS up to £85,000 per licence for smaller businesses. E-money providers are FCA-regulated and must safeguard customer funds in segregated accounts, but these are not covered by FSCS, so understand which protection applies before holding large sums.
Common questions
Do sole traders need a business account? Not legally, but it simplifies tax and looks professional; limited companies must keep finances separate.
Are challenger banks safe? Licensed banks like Starling carry FSCS cover; e-money firms safeguard funds differently.
Can I switch easily? The Current Account Switch Service now supports many business accounts.
Can I get an overdraft or loan? Established banks and some challengers offer business overdrafts, credit cards and loans, often subject to trading history and credit checks.
Do I need one to accept card payments? A business account plus a payment provider or integrated card reader lets you take customer card payments cleanly separate from personal money.
Business Banking in United Kingdom — FAQ
What is the best business bank account in United Kingdom?
Giraffy tracks 5 business banking options across Starling Bank,Tide,Monzo Business,Revolut,HSBC UK providers in United Kingdom. Compare by monthly fee, included transactions, international transfer costs, and integration with accounting software to find the right fit for your business.
Do I need a separate business bank account?
Legally you must have a separate business account if you're a limited company. Sole traders can use a personal account, but a dedicated business account simplifies bookkeeping, gives a more professional image, and makes tax returns easier. Most accounting software integrates directly with business accounts.
What documents do I need to open a business bank account?
Requirements in United Kingdom typically include: Certificate of Incorporation (for limited companies), business address proof, director and beneficial owner IDs, and a description of business activities. FCA-regulated banks are required to conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks — digital-first providers often complete this online.
What are typical business bank account fees?
Business accounts usually charge a monthly fee (£5–£40 equivalent) plus per-transaction fees for cash handling and international transfers. Digital-only business banks like Tide, Starling, and Monzo Business offer lower-cost or fee-free entry plans. Traditional banks typically include more cashflow tools and relationship banking.
Can I get a business credit card or overdraft with my account?
Many business bank accounts include access to a business credit card, overdraft facility, or invoice financing. These are subject to a business credit check. Separating business credit from personal credit helps protect your personal score if the business encounters cash flow difficulties.
How long does it take to open a business bank account?
Digital-first providers can open accounts in 24–48 hours. Traditional banks typically take 5–15 working days due to enhanced business due diligence. Having all documents ready (company certificate, director IDs, utility bills) in advance significantly speeds up the process.