Business eligibility
Check accepted business structures, industries, trading history and residency requirements.
Business account directory
Compare business banking by how you work
Start with your business structure and everyday payment needs, then compare costs, cash access, accounting tools, support and protection. There is no universal best business account.
This directory at a glance
Business providers reviewed
14
Free plan option
4 of 14
Latest rates check
6 October 2026
Independent provider directory
Business account providers to compare
This is an alphabetical comparison set, not a ranking. Commercial relationships never decide which providers appear.
BarclaysBranch-backed business accounts, digital tools and wider lending routes for eligible firms.Trustpilot rating4.1/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 1.51% AERView Barclays Overview Rates checked 6 October 2026
Co-operative BankBusiness account routes from a branch-backed provider with a published ethical policy.Trustpilot rating4.5/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 3.43% AERView Co-Op Bank Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
HSBCBusiness banking across app-led and relationship routes, with wider international services.Trustpilot rating4.8/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 1.41% AERView HSBC Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
Lloyds BankTraditional business accounts with branch access, app banking and borrowing support.Trustpilot rating4.1/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 2.75% AERView Lloyds Bank Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
MonzoFree Lite plan plus paid business accounts with tax, invoicing and bookkeeping tools.Trustpilot rating4.6/5Monthly feeFree planSavingsUp to 3.25% AERView Monzo Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
NatWestBusiness banking for different stages, supported by app tools, branches and wider services.Trustpilot rating1.3/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 1.46% AERView NatWest Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
OakNorthBusiness account with a named banker and multi-company management, for firms above £1m turnover or with £50,000 to deposit.Trustpilot rating4.8/5Monthly feeNot publishedSavingsUp to 4.25% AERView OakNorth Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
RevolutRevolut Business serves companies, while Revolut Pro is a separate freelancer route.Trustpilot rating4.7/5Monthly feeFrom £10SavingsUp to 3.30% AERView Revolut Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
SantanderBusiness accounts with digital access and high-street support for eligible organisations.Trustpilot rating1.2/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 4.00% AERView Santander Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
Starling BankBusiness and sole-trader accounts with no monthly fee and optional accounting tools.Trustpilot rating4.3/5Monthly feeFreeSavingsNo saver on saleView Starling Bank Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
TideBusiness-only platform with ClearBank current accounts, invoicing and payment tools.Trustpilot rating4.4/5Monthly feeFree planSavingsUp to 4.00% introView Tide Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
Virgin MoneyBranch-backed business banking with digital services for eligible UK firms.Trustpilot rating3.1/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavings3.50% AERView Virgin Money Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
WiseInternational receiving details, transfers and currency conversion for businesses.Trustpilot rating4.3/5Monthly feeNo monthly feeSavings3.32% returnView Wise Overview Rates checked 5 October 2026
Zempler BankBusiness-focused accounts with clear tiers and Post Office cash deposits.Trustpilot rating4.5/5Monthly feeFree planSavings0.50% interestView Zempler Bank Overview Rates checked 28 September 2026Costs beyond the headline
Compare the total cost, not just the monthly fee
A free plan may still charge for cash deposits, transfers, extra cards or accounting tools. A paid plan can be better value when its allowances match how the business actually operates.
Business pricing and introductory offers can change. Check the current tariff and eligibility rules before applying.
What matters beyond the plan fee
Business accounts are won or lost on the details — cash handling, team access and international payments can matter more day-to-day than the headline price.
Cash and cheques
Compare deposit routes, transaction charges, limits and cheque-handling arrangements.
Accounting tools
Check integrations, invoices, tax pots, exports and which tools require a paid plan.
Team access
Compare extra cards, user permissions, approval controls and additional-user charges.
International payments
Review supported currencies, exchange margins, transfer fees and receiving details.
Protection and borrowing
Confirm deposit protection and whether credit is available to your business type.
Digital business accounts
Compare app-led accounts for invoicing, tax tools, team spending and international payments.
Explore this comparison →High street business accounts
Compare branch-backed providers for cash services, support and wider borrowing routes.
Explore this comparison →Provider reviews
Go directly to a provider
Frequently asked questions
Straightforward answers to common questions before choosing an account.
Can a sole trader use a personal bank account?
Some personal-account terms allow limited sole-trader use, while others prohibit business transactions. Check the bank's terms and whether a dedicated account would make records clearer.
Are free business bank accounts really free?
Usually only the core monthly plan is free. Cash deposits, international transfers, extra cards, accounting tools or transaction allowances may still carry charges.
Are business deposits FSCS protected?
Eligible deposits with an authorised UK bank can normally receive FSCS protection, subject to scheme rules and shared licences. E-money accounts use safeguarding instead.
Related comparisons and guides
Keep comparing account types, practical features and protection before choosing.
Compare business bank accountsA fuller guide to fees, integrations, cash handling, support and international use.Digital vs high street bankingUnderstand the trade-offs between app-led and branch-backed providers.Business savingsExplore business savings options and the details behind headline rates.FSCS protection explainedCheck the difference between deposit protection and safeguarding.
Compare business accounts in more detail
Use the full guide to compare costs, access, tools and protection before choosing a provider.