Business Accounts in the United Kingdom
Accounts for companies and sole traders registered in the UK, covering the high street banks, the challenger banks that arrived after 2015, and the app-first providers built around Companies House data. Everything here needs a UK-registered business, so you get a sort code and account number, Faster Payments, and a route to pay HMRC. A good option is honest about the monthly fee once the free period ends, cash deposit charges, whether you can get an overdraft or a card facility, and if your balance sits under FSCS protection or with an e-money firm. Ranking follows the clicks readers send, each provider's own reach, and our weighting.
- 1
A traditional UK bank offering tiered business current accounts for startups through mid-market firms, with free first-year banking, app access, and dedicated business managers for eligible accounts.
- 2
One of the UK's largest banks offering business current accounts for startups, established companies, and sole traders, with digital banking platforms and FSCS deposit protection.
- 3
A mobile-first business bank for UK sole traders and limited company directors with three flexible tiers (free to £25/month), same-day opening, and integrated tax tools.
- 4
Traditional high street bank offering dedicated business current accounts with multi-channel access, designed for small companies and start-ups with straightforward banking needs.
- 5
A digital business bank with no monthly fees, built for UK limited companies and LLPs. Offers free payments, invoicing, accounting integrations, and 24/7 support with full FSCS protection.
- 6
One of the UK's big five banks with a full range of business current accounts for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, backed by FSCS protection and a branch network across the country.
- 7
Independent UK bank founded in 2010, offering relationship-based business banking with same-day account opening in physical locations and dedicated local business managers.
- 8
A fintech business account for UK sole traders, freelancers, and limited companies, with no account opening fees, tiered pricing from free to £69.99/month, and integrated invoicing, expense management, and accounting tools.
- 9
An Electronic Money Institution offering business accounts with integrated invoicing, expense tracking, and optional tax filing for UK sole traders, limited companies, and partnerships.
- 10
Full-licence UK bank specialising in business current accounts for established SMEs, combining competitive savings rates, cashback rewards, and dedicated relationship managers, with no monthly fees for qualifying balances.
- 11
HSBC's Small Business Banking Account serves startups and established small businesses with no monthly fees, digital banking, free business training, and free accounting software integration.
- 12
Free mobile-first business account backed by NatWest's banking licence, with built-in invoicing, tax tools powered by FreeAgent, and optional accounting software, designed for self-employed people and small teams.
- 13
Full-licence UK bank with three tiered business current accounts starting free, designed for self-employed people and small business owners who want no-frills digital banking and integrated accounting tools.
- 14
All-in-one platform combining a business current account with automated bookkeeping and tax tools, designed for self-employed sole traders and small business owners.
- 15
A relationship-focused UK business bank with local branches and dedicated account managers. FSCS protected, participating in the Current Account Switch Service with support transfers in seven working days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a high street bank and an app-first provider?
High street banks like Barclays or Lloyds offer physical branch networks and dedicated business managers. App-first providers and fintechs focus on digital experiences with integrated tools for invoicing and expense management.
Do I need a specific business type to open one of these accounts?
Most options are available to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Some digital providers specialize in limited companies or LLPs, while others are designed specifically for self-employed individuals.
Are my business deposits protected?
Many traditional banks and digital banks listed here offer protection through the FSCS. Some providers are Electronic Money Institutions, which operate under different regulatory frameworks.
Can I manage my taxes and invoicing directly through my business account?
Several providers offer integrated tools for invoicing, expense tracking, and tax filing. Some even include built-in accounting software or connections to platforms like FreeAgent.
Are there any monthly fees for business accounts?
Pricing varies across the market. You can find free mobile-first accounts and digital options with no monthly fees, while other providers use tiered pricing models based on your business needs.