Compare FREE business
Bank Accounts
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Compare The Best Business Accounts For Your Business
13 Products Compared
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Monthly Fee
Free -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
5 free per month- 5 free local transfers per month, then 20p thereafter
- International transfers: £5
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Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/OnlineNo cash or cheque facilities
Product Features
- Multi-currency accounts – recieve payments and exchange in 25+ currencies
- Control and monitor team spending with multiple debit and virtual cards, manage permissions and levels of access and more
- Various payment facilities including Tap to Pay on iPhone (fees apply)
- International payments – Send and receive money from 200 countries
Eligibility Criteria
- Available for limited companies, PLCs, LLPs, Partnerships & unlimited companies
- Currently available for companies registered in and with a physical presence within the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, UK and US
International payments – Send and receive money from 200 countries.
Exchange money in 30+ currencies at interbank rates
Exchange money in 30+ currencies at interbank rates
Show More Products From RevolutShow Fewer Products From Revolut
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Monthly Fee
Free*£19 p/month or £0 p/month if you deposit at least £10,000 per month or hold a minimum balance of £10,000. -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
FreeSWIFT payments vary £10-£20 -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online
Product Features
- Open multiple accounts per entity and collect and hold in 20+ currencies
- Free local transfers to 120+ countries and domestic transfers. Access to interbank FX rates and batch transfers
- Multi-currency company and employee cards with zero international fees
- Includes 5 free employee card users and up to 10 company cards
- Online card and local payment method acceptance globally
- Bank feeds sync with Xero. ApprovalMax, WorkflowMax by BlueRock integrations
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Be a sole trader, partner in a partnership, or company
- Your business is registered in the UK. More markets are available with different Airwallex entities. Details can be found on the Airwallex website.
*10% cashback on your first $1,000 USD equivalent in eligible international card spend.
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Monthly Fee
Custom**contact sales for custom pricing -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
FreeSWIFT payments vary £10-£20 -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online
Product Features
- High-volume businesses
- Custom API implementations
- Embedded finance integrations to launch your own financial products
- Dedicated account management support
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Be a sole trader, partner in a partnership, or company
- Your business is registered in the UK. More markets are available with different Airwallex entities. Details can be found on the Airwallex website.
*10% cashback on your first $1,000 USD equivalent in eligible international card spend.
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Monthly Fee
£999 -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
FreeSWIFT payments vary £10-£20 -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online
Product Features
- Everything in Explore & Grow, plus:
- Central management of finances across global entities
- Single sign-on – coming soon
- Netsuite integration including expenses and bills sync
- HRIS platform integrations – coming soon
- Dedicated account manager and onboarding support
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Be a sole trader, partner in a partnership, or company
- Your business is registered in the UK. More markets are available with different Airwallex entities. Details can be found on the Airwallex website.
*10% cashback on your first $1,000 USD equivalent in eligible international card spend.
-
Monthly Fee
£49**One month free trial -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
FreeSWIFT payments vary £10-£20 -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online
Product Features
- Everything in Explore, plus:
- 5 free active spend users and 50 free company cards
- Track cards and reimbursements with Expense Management
- Manage domestic and international bills with Bill Pay
- Automated receipt and bill data extraction and customisable, multi-layer spend approvals
- Xero expenses and bills integration
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Be a sole trader, partner in a partnership, or company
- Your business is registered in the UK. More markets are available with different Airwallex entities. Details can be found on the Airwallex website.
*10% cashback on your first $1,000 USD equivalent in eligible international card spend.
-
Monthly Fee
Free*12 months free, £6.50 per month thereafter* -
Card Purchases
FreeNon-Sterling Transaction fee – 2.99% of the
sterling amount of the transaction, minimum
£3. Cash Fee – 2.99% of the amount advanced,
minimum £3. -
Bank Transfers
Free- Direct Debits & Internal Transfers: Free
- CHAPS: £20 to another HSBC Group bank
account, £30 to a non-HSBC Group bank
account via by phone or in-branch banking.
-
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App
Product Features
- No monthly account fee for the first 12 months, £6.50 thereafter. Other fees and charges apply, subject to eligibility, credit check and T&Cs
- Cashflow and spending insights
- Make payments of up to £25,000 per day in app
- Access great perks and benefits to kick start your business
- Send International Payments to over 150 countries
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a sole trader or a limited company with a sole director who is also the sole shareholder
- Must be a tax resident in the UK but not the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
- Your turnover is up to £6.5m per year
Show More Products From HSBCShow Fewer Products From HSBC
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Monthly Fee
Free -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
Free -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online
Product Features
- Access to the multi-functional Wallester Business platform absolutely free
- Use the Wallester solution for free forever, pay only if you need more cards
- Expense control services and automated reporting
- Cutting-edge API for easy integration
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Be a sole trader, partner in a partnership, or company
Get 300 free virtual cards Free package of 300 virtual cards with zero fees or limitations
Show More Products From WallesterShow Fewer Products From Wallester
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Monthly Fee
FreeNo monthly account fee for the first 12 months, for new customers, then £8.50 per month. T&Cs apply. -
Card Purchases
FreeCharges for some bank transfers and card payments apply. -
Bank Transfers
FreeCharges for some bank transfers and card payments apply. -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online/Branch
Product Features
- No monthly account fee* plus access to discounted services via key partners to help you set up and run your business effectively, worth over £5000**
- A UK-based team of business managers to help you manage and grow your business
- Simple and secure online banking with group payments and cash collection booking tools
Eligibility Criteria
- Businesses with existing Barclays business current accounts aren’t eligible for this offer. After 12 months, you’ll pay £8.50 per month. Fees and charges will apply in line with the business account tariff which may be subject to change.
- Must be over 18, a UK resident and a sole trader or the director of a limited company
- Overdrafts are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history.
*Businesses with existing Barclays business current accounts aren’t eligible for this offer. After 12 months, you’ll pay £8.50 per month. Fees and charges will apply in line with the business account tariff which may be subject to change.
**Terms and conditions apply per partner, see partner website for details
**Terms and conditions apply per partner, see partner website for details
Show More Products From BarclaysShow Fewer Products From Barclays
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Monthly Fee
FreeNo monthly account fee for the first 12 months, for new customers, then £8.50 per month. T&Cs apply. -
Card Purchases
FreeCharges for some bank transfers and card payments apply. -
Bank Transfers
FreeCharges for some bank transfers and card payments apply. -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online/Branch
Product Features
- No monthly account fee* plus access to discounted services via key partners to help you set up and run your business effectively, worth over £5000**
- A UK-based team of business managers to help you manage and grow your business
- Simple and secure online banking with group payments and cash collection booking tools
Eligibility Criteria
- Businesses with existing Barclays business current accounts aren’t eligible for this offer. After 12 months, you’ll pay £8.50 per month. Fees and charges will apply in line with the business account tariff which may be subject to change.
- Your turnover must be between £400,000 and £6.5 million per year
- Must be over 18, a UK resident and a sole trader or the director of a limited company
- Overdrafts are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history.
*Businesses with existing Barclays business current accounts aren’t eligible for this offer. After 12 months, you’ll pay £8.50 per month. Fees and charges will apply in line with the business account tariff which may be subject to change.
**Terms and conditions apply per partner, see partner website for details
**Terms and conditions apply per partner, see partner website for details
-
Monthly Fee
FreeNo monthly account fee for the first 12 months, for new customers, then £8.50 per month. T&Cs apply. -
Card Purchases
FreeCharges for some bank transfers and card payments apply. -
Bank Transfers
FreeCharges for some bank transfers and card payments apply -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online/Branch
Product Features
- No monthly account fee* plus access to discounted services via key partners to help you set up and run your business effectively, worth over £5000**
- A UK-based team of business managers to help you manage and grow your business
- Simple and secure online banking with group payments and cash collection booking tools
Eligibility Criteria
- Businesses with existing Barclays business current accounts aren’t eligible for this offer. After 12 months, you’ll pay £8.50 per month. Fees and charges will apply in line with the business account tariff which may be subject to change.
- Your turnover must be between £1,000 and £400,000 per year
- Must be over 18, a UK resident and a sole trader or the director of a limited company
- Overdrafts are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history.
*Businesses with existing Barclays business current accounts aren’t eligible for this offer. After 12 months, you’ll pay £8.50 per month. Fees and charges will apply in line with the business account tariff which may be subject to change.
**Terms and conditions apply per partner, see partner website for details
**Terms and conditions apply per partner, see partner website for details
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Monthly Fee
FreePlus a one-off card issue fee of £9.95 -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
3 free per month3 free per month, then 30p thereafter -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online- No cheque facilities
- Cash paid in via Post Office (0.5% fee)
Product Features
- 24/7 app and online account facilities
- FSCS protection – up to £85,000
- UK-based customer services team
- Invoicing tools that allow you to create and send invoices easily
Eligibility Criteria
- Available to UK registered companies or UK-based sole traders
- Application made by UK Director
- UK Director 18 years old plus
Show More Products From ZemplerShow Fewer Products From Zempler
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Monthly Fee
Free -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
From 20p- Domestic: 20p per bank transfer
- International: £5 per SWIFT transaction (+1% currency conversion fee)
- Free direct debits
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Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online- No cheque facilities
- Cash accepted via PayPoint (1% commission fee)
Product Features
- 1 debit card included (£3 per extra card) – 1% cashback on selected categories
- Personal payment link for accepting payments online (1% commission)
- Instant invoice generator and savings pots facility (fees apply)
- Landlords / property investors get a free 12 month subscription to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)
- FastTrack to Credit – Boost your credit score and get access to credit after 3 months activity
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a Sole Trader, Director of a Limited Company (and listed on Companies House), or a Partner in a Limited Liability Partnership
- Business must be located within the UK and you also need to have a UK residential address
- Not available to charities
ANNA Business comes with invoice generator tools, HMRC recognised Tax calculator and filing. Automate your bookkeeping with ANNA.
Show More Products From Anna MoneyShow Fewer Products From Anna Money
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Monthly Fee
Free -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
20p -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online- No cheque facilities
- Cash deposits via Post Office (0.5% fee, minimum £2.50) and PayPoint (3% fee)
Product Features
- Create and send invoices for free
- Multi-business – hold up to 5 business accounts
- Automated 30-day cash flow forecasts
Eligibility Criteria
- For registered business account: you must be registered with UK Companies House as a director of that company or partnership
- For sole trader account: you must be a UK based sole trader/freelancer
- For all accounts: you must be aged 18+, have a valid UK phone number and address, and hold compatible device registered to a UK App or Google Play store
*T&Cs apply. Max cashback £150. Spend until 31/12/2024.
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Refine Your Search
- Freelancer Bank Accounts
- Best Business Bank Accounts
- Free Business Bank Accounts
- Joint Business Bank Accounts
- Small Business Bank Accounts
- Sole Trader Business Bank Accounts
- Multi Director Access Business Accounts
- No Credit Check Bank Accounts
- Switcher Business Bank Accounts
- Online Business Bank Accounts
- Bad Credit Business Bank Accounts
- Corporate Business Bank Accounts
- Self Employed Business Bank Accounts
- Start Up Business Bank Accounts
- International Business Bank Accounts
How to compare business bank accounts…
Step One
Understand your requirements
How you do business will effect the type of account you need. How many transactions will you have each month? Do you need to pay in cash? Do you need a local branch?
Step Two
Check eligibility
Most providers have a range of business accounts to suit different types of businesses. Check the eligibility of each account to make sure if suited to your business.
Step Three
Compare the latest deals and offers
There are numerous offers and deals to attract new customers which can be compared with our handy tool above. Always consider the cost of the account once the free period ends
Free Business Bank Accounts in the UK
Navigating the landscape of business banking in the UK can seem daunting, especially with so many options available. For many small businesses, startups, and freelancers, the allure of a free business bank account is significant. But what does “free” truly entail, and how can you make an informed choice? Here’s a guide to help you decode free business bank accounts in the UK.
1. Understanding ‘Free’ Business Banking
Most ‘free’ business bank accounts offer a period during which no monthly maintenance fees are charged. This period can range anywhere from around 6 months to a couple of years. After this fee-free period, standard charges typically apply.
2. Why Opt for a Free Business Bank Account?
- Cost Efficiency: Especially for startups or businesses with limited cash flow, avoiding additional monthly expenses can be beneficial.
- Simplified Banking: Free accounts typically offer basic banking services, making them user-friendly and straightforward for those new to business banking.
- Flexibility: A fee-free introductory period allows businesses to test the waters without the commitment of monthly costs
3. Features to Look Out For
While the primary allure is the absence of fees, there are other essential features to consider:
- Duration of Fee-Free Period: The longer, the better. However, also consider the charges applied after this period.
- Online Banking: Ensure the bank provides a robust online platform for easy financial management.
- Transaction Limits: Some banks might limit the number of free transactions, after which charges may apply.
- Additional Perks: Some free accounts come bundled with perks such as free accounting software trials, business advice, or discounted services.
4. Potential Pitfalls
- Hidden Charges: While the account may be free from monthly maintenance fees, there could be charges for specific services like international transfers, ATM withdrawals, or if you exceed a transaction limit.
- Limited Features: Some free accounts may not offer all the features that a growing business requires, such as extensive international services or integrations with advanced accounting software.
5. Best Practices When Choosing
- Assess Your Needs: Understand your business’s banking needs – the volume of transactions, types of services required, international needs, etc. Read our article on how to choose the right business bank account for your needs.
- Compare Widely: Don’t just opt for the first free account you come across. Compare various offerings to find one that aligns best with your business’s needs.
- Review Feedback: Look for reviews or feedback from other businesses to gauge the quality of service and customer support.
6. Transitioning After the Free Period
Once the fee-free period ends, you’ll be faced with standard charges. It’s crucial to:
- Be Prepared: Mark the end date of your fee-free period and review the standard fees in advance.
- Evaluate Value: If you’re satisfied with the service and feel the fees offer good value, continue with the account. Otherwise, consider switching.
- Switching Accounts: The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes it relatively pain-free to switch business bank accounts in the UK.
7. Digital Banks vs Traditional Banks
In recent years, digital-only providers have emerged as fierce competitors to traditional banks. Many of them offer free business accounts with competitive features. Digital Only platforms often have lower operating costs, translating to extended free periods or lower subsequent fees. However, they lack physical branches which some businesses might prefer.
A free business bank account can be an attractive proposition for UK businesses looking for cost-effective banking solutions. However, it’s essential to delve deeper than just the allure of “free.” Understand the features, be wary of potential hidden costs, and always choose an account that aligns with your business’s present and future needs. With diligent research and a clear understanding of your requirements, you can harness the benefits of free business banking without any unwelcome surprises.
About This Information
Our articles, guides & reviews are provided as generic information only. Any expressed view, product or service mentioned within these does not constitute as financial advice or recommendation by us.
Be mindful that information since publication could be out of date.