Sole traders and freelancers
Check eligibility, tax tools, invoices and whether a free plan fits a lower transaction volume.
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.
Independent provider directory
Business account providers to compare
This is an alphabetical comparison set, not a ranking. Commercial relationships never decide which providers appear.
Start with the practical need
What kind of business account are you comparing?
Limited companies
Compare director access, team cards, approval controls, accounting integrations and borrowing routes.
Cash and branch access
Look at cash-deposit charges, cheque handling, branch support and relationship banking—not just the plan fee.
International business
Compare supported currencies, conversion margins, transfer allowances, SWIFT fees and local receiving details.
BarclaysBranch-backed business accounts, digital tools and wider lending routes for eligible firms.Trust score4.1/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 1.51% AERView Barclays Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
Co-operative BankBusiness account routes from a branch-backed provider with a published ethical policy.Trust score4.5/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 3.43% AERView Co-Op Bank Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
HSBCBusiness banking across app-led and relationship routes, with wider international services.Trust score4.8/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 1.41% AERView HSBC Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
Lloyds BankTraditional business accounts with branch access, app banking and borrowing support.Trust score4.1/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 2.75% AERView Lloyds Bank Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
MonzoFree Lite plan plus paid business accounts with tax, invoicing and bookkeeping tools.Trust score4.6/5Monthly feeFree planSavingsUp to 3.25% AERView Monzo Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
NatWestBusiness banking for different stages, supported by app tools, branches and wider services.Trust score1.5/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 1.46% AERView NatWest Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
RevolutRevolut Business serves companies, while Revolut Pro is a separate freelancer route.Trust score4.7/5Monthly feeFrom £10SavingsUp to 3.30% AERView Revolut Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
SantanderBusiness accounts with digital access and high-street support for eligible organisations.Trust score3.1/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavingsUp to 2.75% AERView Santander Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
Starling BankBusiness and sole-trader accounts with no monthly fee and optional accounting tools.Trust score4.3/5Monthly feeFreeSavingsNo saver on saleView Starling Bank Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
TideBusiness-only platform with ClearBank current accounts, invoicing and payment tools.Trust score4.4/5Monthly feeFree planSavingsUp to 4.00% introView Tide Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
Virgin MoneyBranch-backed business banking with digital services for eligible UK firms.Trust score3.1/5Monthly feeCheck accountSavings3.55% AERView Virgin Money Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
WiseInternational receiving details, transfers and currency conversion for businesses.Trust score4.3/5Monthly feeNo monthly feeSavings3.22% returnView Wise Overview Updated 12 Aug 2026
Zempler BankBusiness-focused accounts with clear tiers and Post Office cash deposits.Trust score4.5/5Monthly feeFree planSavings0.50% interestView Zempler Bank Overview Updated 12 Aug 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 to check before choosing
Headline features rarely tell the whole story. Check the practical details that affect how the account works for you.
Business eligibility
Check accepted business structures, industries, trading history and residency requirements.
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.
Compare business accounts