Compare FREELANCER
Business Accounts
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Compare The Best Business Accounts For Your Business
19 Products Compared
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Monthly Fee
£9.99 -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
20 free per month20 free per month, then 20p per transfer -
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
- 1 free expense card included
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
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Monthly Fee
£49.99 -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
FreeUnlimited free bank transfers -
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
- 3 free expense cards included
- 0.5% cashback on Tide card spend (T&Cs apply)
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
Dedicated team of account managers
3 FREE Expense Cards for co-workers
Unlimited transfers per month
3 FREE Expense Cards for co-workers
Unlimited transfers per month
-
Monthly Fee
£8.50*12 months free, £8.50 per month thereafter -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
100 electronic payments out free per month***- *UK Bank Transfers out – First 100 electronic payments out free.
- UK Bank Transfers in – Free.
-
Overdraft
Subject to status and credit checks -
Access Methods
Full
Product Features
- Digital banking with no account fee for 12 months*
- Free invoicing and accounting software available to business account holders. T&Cs Apply**
- Bank in whatever way suits your business – online, with our mobile app, over the phone or in branch
- Support from our UK-based relationship team
Eligibility Criteria
- To qualify for this account you need to be a sole trader, partner or company director
- You must have a turnover of less than £25m
- Must be 18 years old or over
- Must not already have a Lloyds Bank business account for this business
- Credit facility: Debit interest is charged monthly and monthly usage or annual fees will apply depending on your credit limit. Unauthorised borrowing charges will apply.
- All lending is subject to status. Security may be required. A guarantee may be required for Limited Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships
*After 12 months, there’s a monthly fee of £8.50. Some fees and transaction charges will apply as soon as the account is open. This offer only applies to the business’s first current account
**You must be registered for Online for Business or Commercial Banking Online. UK based businesses only
***100 electronic payments out free per month, 20p thereafter
**You must be registered for Online for Business or Commercial Banking Online. UK based businesses only
***100 electronic payments out free per month, 20p thereafter
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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
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Monthly Fee
Free -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
Free -
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/OnlineNo cash or cheque facilities
Product Features
- Get a Revolut Pro debit card for your freelance expenses and earn cashback on your spend
- Use your Pro card for business expenses to earn up to 1.2% cashback every time you spend
- Start selling online or in-person or let your customers pick their preference
Eligibility Criteria
- Designed for freelancers, sole traders and contractors
- You must be self-employed (not a company)
- You must have a Revolut Personal account
*Make at least one genuine card transaction of at least £5 or equivalent from your Pro account in the first 30 days of you opening your Revolut Pro account.
Show More Products From Revolut FreelancerShow Fewer Products From Revolut Freelancer
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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
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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
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Monthly Fee
£12.50Plus one-off £55 application fee -
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
From 30p- Direct Debits: 30p
- Faster Payments (next day online): 30p
- Faster Payments (instant online): £7.50
- CHAPS: £30
-
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/OnlinePay in cash and cheques via Barclays branches
Product Features
- No credit checks or signatures required
- Up to 4 additional cards for business use
- UK-based customer support.
- International payments in a range of currencies
Eligibility Criteria
- Available to Limited Companies, Sole Traders and Partnerships
- Your business must be registered in the UK and have an annual turnover of less than £2m
- You must be 18+ and a UK resident. Card One Money need to be able to verify your identity & residency.
- Card One Money is no covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. See product FAQs for more info
Open an account on the same day you apply with no credit checks.
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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
-
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.
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Monthly Fee
£49.90
£49.90 + VAT per month
Or £499 a year +VAT if billed annually
-
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
From free- Domestic: unlimited free transfers
- International: 4 free SWIFT payments per month, then £5 per payment
-
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online- No cheque facilities
- Cash accepted via PayPoint with no fees
Product Features
- Unlimited free debit cards – 1% cashback on selected categories
- Personal payment link for accepting payments online with no fees
- Instant invoice generator and savings pots facility
- 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.
-
Monthly Fee
£14.90- £14.90 + VAT per month
- or £149 + VAT a year if billed annually
-
Card Purchases
Free -
Bank Transfers
50 free per month- Domestic: 50 free per month, then 20p thereafter
- International: 1 free per month, then £5 per SWIFT transaction (+1% currency conversion fee)
- Free direct debits
-
Overdraft
-
Access Methods
App/Online- No cheque facilities
- Cash accepted via PayPoint (£300 per month free, then 1% commission fee)
Product Features
- Up to 5 debit cards included (£3 per extra card) – 1% cashback on selected categories
- Personal payment link for accepting payments online (£200 per month free, then 1% commission fee)
- 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.
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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
Business Bank Accounts for Freelancers
The rise of the gig economy has transformed the working landscape, leading to a surge in the number of freelancers across diverse sectors in the UK. While freelancing offers flexibility and autonomy, it also brings its set of challenges, particularly in financial management. Here’s a guide to help freelancers in the UK navigate the world of business bank accounts.
Why Consider a Business Bank Account?
While freelancers aren’t legally required to have a separate business account, it’s highly recommended. Here’s why:
- Professionalism: Receiving payments in a business account (even under your name) can appear more professional to clients than personal accounts.
- Clear Financial Demarcation: Separate accounts make it easier to differentiate between personal and business expenses, simplifying accounting and tax processes.
- Enhanced Financial Tools: Business accounts often come with tailored features, like invoicing, that can be valuable to freelancers.
Key Features to Look For
- Low Fees: Especially for freelancers just starting, low monthly fees (or none) can be a boon.
- Online Banking: The ability to manage finances, pay bills, and send invoices online is paramount.
- Integration: Look for accounts that can be integrated with accounting or invoicing software you use.
- Overdrafts and Loans: While not essential, it’s good to have an account with options for financial flexibility should you need it.
Setting Up the Account
Setting up a business bank account as a freelancer is relatively straightforward. Most banks will require:
- Proof of identity and address.
- Details of your freelancing services.
- Any business registration details if you’re operating under a business name.
The Tax Implication
Having a clear division between personal and business finances will significantly streamline your tax return process. It’s easier to calculate your income, deductions, and VAT (if applicable). Additionally, if HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ever wishes to inspect your records, having a distinct account will make the process less intrusive and more efficient.
Potential Challenges
- Fees: Some business accounts come with service fees, transaction charges, or both. Ensure you’re clear about these to avoid unexpected costs. Our article on understanding business banking fees can help you avoid confusion.
- Minimum Balance Requirements: Some banks may require a minimum balance, so choose an account that aligns with your cash flow.
Choosing the Right Bank
- Specialised Accounts: Some banks offer accounts tailored specifically for freelancers or sole traders, with features aligned to their needs.
- Bank Reputation: A bank with a robust reputation ensures reliability and is often accompanied by better customer service.
- Additional Services: Look for banks that offer complementary services like business advice, networking events, or access to financial advisors.
Online vs. Traditional Banks
With the rise of digital-only banks, freelancers now have a broader range of choices. Online banks often offer competitive features at lower costs, but they lack physical branches. Weigh the pros and cons based on your preference and needs.
Freelancing in the UK presents a world of opportunities, but it also requires meticulous financial management. While a business bank account isn’t a legal necessity, its benefits far outweigh the effort of setting one up. With clear financial demarcation, streamlined tax processes, and access to tailored banking features, such an account can become a freelancer’s trusted ally. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just embarking on your solo journey, consider diving into the world of business banking to set a solid foundation for your financial future.
Freelancer Business Account FAQs
-
Do I Need A Business Account As A Freelancer?
While not legally required for sole traders, a business bank account is highly recommended. It helps separate personal and business finances, simplifies accounting and tax filing, enhances professionalism when dealing with clients, and can be beneficial for building a credit history for your business.
-
Why Should I Choose A Business Account Over Personal Accounts?
A business bank account offers features tailored to business needs such as higher transaction limits, overdraft facilities, business lending options, and integration with accounting software. It also provides a clearer financial audit trail and can help in establishing credibility with clients and vendors.
-
What Documents Are Required To Open A Business Account As A Freelancer?
Typically, you’ll need proof of identity (such as a passport or driver’s license), proof of address, and details of your business (including your business name and address). Some banks may require additional documents like your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, business plan, or evidence of business activities.
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How Do I Choose The Right Bank Account For Freelancers?
Consider your specific business needs, such as the nature of your transactions, the need for physical banking services vs. online services, integration with existing accounting software, and potential growth or expansion. Compare the fees, features, and customer service ratings of various banks. It’s also wise to consider any additional services that might be beneficial, such as business advice or networking opportunities.
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.