Business eligibility
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Business banking
Compare Business Bank Accounts
Business accounts vary widely depending on whether you are a sole trader, freelancer, limited company, cash-heavy business or international operator. The right provider depends on fees, payment volumes, cash access, accounting tools, support routes and borrowing needs.
Last updated: 21 September 2026
At a glance
12 providers compared for business banking
- Business eligibility
- Account fees
- Tools and integrations
What this page is
- Helps readers compare banks for business banking using features, fees, protection and practical fit.
- Highlights watch-outs and links to wider comparison pages before readers choose a provider.
What this page is not
- Does not provide personalised financial advice or guarantee eligibility for any account or product.
- Does not replace checking live provider rates, fees, terms and protection wording before applying.
Quick answer
Starling, Monzo, Revolut, Wise and Zempler are useful digital business banking providers to compare, while Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC and Santander are relevant high street options for businesses that value branches, cash services or relationship banking. Compare fees and limits against how your business actually uses the account.
Before you compare
What to compare first
Before looking at individual banks, check the features, fees and limitations that matter most for this type of account.
Account fees
Compare monthly costs, transfer fees, cash deposits, card fees and international charges.
Tools and integrations
Look for invoicing, accounting exports, team access, spending controls and tax support.
Support and protection
Check support channels, complaint handling and whether deposits are FSCS protected.
Compare the providers
Banks to compare
Review each bank's strengths, limitations and key checks for this guide. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
Barclays
Business bank account
Worth comparing for branch access, wider services and businesses expecting to need finance.
Monthly feeAccount and eligibility dependentSavingsUp to 1.51% AER
Watch
Pricing varies by turnover, account and transaction pattern; check the complete tariff.
Co-operative Bank
Business bank account
May suit firms that value the provider's ethical policy alongside conventional business banking.
Monthly feeAccount and offer dependentSavingsUp to 3.43% AER
Watch
Compare transaction charges, cash access and digital capabilities with app-led alternatives.
HSBC
Business bank account
Relevant for businesses with international needs or those wanting a broad banking relationship.
Monthly feeAccount and introductory period dependentSavingsUp to 1.41% AER
Watch
The product range and tariff can be complex; smaller firms should compare likely usage costs.
Lloyds Bank
Business bank account
Worth comparing for traditional support, cash handling and access to broader business finance.
Monthly feeAccount and introductory period dependentSavingsUp to 2.75% AER
Watch
Free-banking periods end; model costs after the introductory period.
Monzo
Business bank account
May suit small firms wanting clear app-based administration and bookkeeping tools.
Monthly feeFree Lite plan; paid plans add featuresSavingsUp to 3.25% AER
Watch
More advanced features require paid plans, and cash-heavy firms may prefer wider physical access.
NatWest
Business bank account
Relevant to firms wanting app convenience backed by branches and a broad service range.
Monthly feeAccount, turnover and introductory period dependentSavingsUp to 1.46% AER
Watch
Check post-introductory pricing and whether service access matches the business location.
OakNorth
Business bank account
Worth comparing for established, mid-market companies that want a named banker rather than a call centre, run several entities, or hold a large cash balance they want earning a competitive rate.
Monthly feeNot published — OakNorth quotes rates and pricing directly rather than listing a tariff onlineSavingsUp to 4.25% AER
Watch
The eligibility bar is high, day-to-day pricing is not published online, and there is no branch or published cash-handling route. Business savings rates are quoted per issue, so confirm the current issue rather than relying on a headline.
Revolut
Business money provider
Useful to compare for international companies, distributed teams and controlled employee spending.
Monthly feePaid business plans; pricing variesSavingsUp to 3.30% AER
Watch
Plan allowances, exchange limits and the legal account provider require close checking.
Santander
Business bank account
A conventional option for firms wanting digital access with high-street support.
Monthly feeAccount and introductory period dependentSavingsUp to 4.00% AER
Watch
Compare transaction pricing carefully against expected cash and payment volumes.
Starling Bank
Business bank account
May suit small firms wanting a fee-free core account and practical app-based controls.
Monthly feeNo monthly fee for the core eligible account; add-ons cost extraSavingsNo saver on sale
Watch
Business Toolkit, cash deposits and other extras can add cost; there are no branches.
Tide
Business platform
Useful for businesses wanting banking and administration tools in one service.
Monthly feeFree and paid plansSavingsUp to 4.00% intro
Watch
Tide is not itself a bank, and the free-plan headline does not mean every transaction is free.
Virgin Money
Business bank account
Worth comparing for branch-backed business banking and published business savings products.
Monthly feeAccount and introductory period dependentSavings3.50% AER
Watch
Brand and branch changes make it important to confirm current local access and account availability.
Wise
Business money provider
Useful alongside a bank account for international receipts, currencies and supplier payments.
Monthly feeNo monthly subscription; setup and usage charges applySavings3.32% return
Watch
It is not a traditional UK business bank account and should not be presented as FSCS-protected cash banking.
Zempler Bank
Business bank account
May suit smaller businesses wanting accessible account tiers and cash-deposit options.
Monthly feeFree and paid plansSavings0.50% interest
Watch
Free-plan transaction charges and paid-plan pricing need comparing against expected use.
Final checks
What to check before choosing
- Check whether the account supports your business type, turnover and industry.
- Compare monthly fees, transfer fees, cash deposits, card fees and international charges.
- Check invoicing, accounting integrations, tax pots, team cards and spending controls.
- Check cash and cheque support if your business handles physical payments.
- Check overdraft, lending and support routes if cashflow support may matter.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers before you compare banks.
How should I use this business banking guide?
Starling, Monzo, Revolut, Wise and Zempler are useful digital business banking providers to compare, while Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC and Santander are relevant high street options for businesses that value branches, cash services or relationship banking. Compare fees and limits against how your business actually uses the account.
Compare UK banksWhat should I check before choosing?
Check whether the account supports your business type, turnover and industry. Compare monthly fees, transfer fees, cash deposits, card fees and international charges. Check invoicing, accounting integrations, tax pots, team cards and spending controls.
Continue researching →How does BankAdvisor compare banks?
For business banking, we compare providers using practical checks such as business eligibility, account fees, tools and integrations, and support and protection, alongside the provider information in our reviews.
Read how we review banks →Are the banks listed fairly?
Yes. The business banking cards above are ordered to help you compare strengths, limitations and key checks — not to rank one provider above another.
Compare the full list →Continue researching
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