What is the best business bank account for a small business?

There is no universal winner. The right account depends on your requirements: monthly fees, payment charges, cash deposits, accounting tools, international payments, overdraft access and eligibility. Compare verified product fit using the filters and methodology on this page rather than looking for a single best account.

Can I get a free business bank account?

Some providers publish a £0 monthly fee plan or an introductory fee-free period. Transaction charges, cash deposit fees, international payments and paid add-ons can still apply. A £0 monthly fee does not necessarily mean the account is cost-free.

Are business bank accounts FSCS protected?

Eligible deposits with UK-authorised banks may be protected by the FSCS, typically up to £120,000 per eligible person per authorised firm under current rules. Eligibility and the legal banking entity matter. Partner-bank or group brands can share one limit. Confirm with the provider and FSCS.

Which business accounts accept cash deposits?

Only accounts where cash deposits are verified match that filter. Deposit fees and channels (for example Post Office or PayPoint) vary — compare published tariffs.

Which business accounts include accounting software?

Some accounts include or integrate with tools such as FreeAgent, Xero or QuickBooks where verified. Temporary promotions are not the same as permanent account features — check current terms.

Can I switch a business bank account?

Many providers support switching, though processes differ. Not every business account or business type is eligible for the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).

Can a new business get an overdraft?

Some accounts offer overdrafts subject to status and eligibility. New businesses are often assessed carefully and approval is never guaranteed. Compare overdraft options separately where available.

Business Finance

Compare business bank accounts

Compare UK business current accounts by monthly cost, payment charges, cash deposits, accounting tools, international payments, overdraft availability and deposit protection. Check eligibility and current provider terms before applying.

Business banking

Accounts and overdrafts

Everyday business banking is separate from overdraft borrowing.

Business Bank Accounts

Everyday banking for companies, sole traders and partnerships.

Viewing

Business Overdrafts

Short-term borrowing linked to an eligible business current account.

Compare overdrafts

Find the right business account

Five short questions. Answers and filters share one set of criteria. Unknown provider facts stay unknown — we never treat a blank field as “no”.

1. Business stage

2. Annual turnover

3. Legal structure

4. How often do you pay in cash?

5. What matters most to your business?

How we compare business bank accounts

Accounts default to Provider A–Z until you answer enough questions. Best match is then a deterministic compatibility score from verified fields only — business stage, turnover, legal structure, cash-deposit support and published cash-deposit pricing, ongoing monthly fee, introductory offers, branch/Post Office access, accounting integrations, international payments and overdraft availability. Unknown fields neither gain nor lose points. Best match is not an editorial recommendation, cheapest-account ranking or affiliate ranking. Commercial relationships do not determine order.

Comparison methodology →How WiT Money makes money →Editorial guidelines →Corrections policy →

WiT Money may earn a commission when you apply through partner links. Commercial relationships do not determine inclusion or ranking by themselves. How WiT Money makes money →

9 business account options from 8 providers

Before you answer, accounts are listed A–Z by provider.

Provider information last checked: 20 August 2026

Sort by

Lloyds Bank

Business Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

Then £10/month

Intro and Xero offers are time-sensitive.

Introductory offer

No account fee for first 12 months for qualifying first Business Account

UK payments

Electronic payments in/out included at no extra cost

Cash deposits

Cash charges vary by channel

Access

Branch / deposit machines

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Mettle

Mettle business account

Bank account by NatWest

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0/month

Cash deposits

Cash deposits available

Start-up friendly
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Monzo

Business Lite

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0 Lite plan

UK payments

Free instant UK bank transfers

Cash deposits

£1 per deposit

Access

PayPoint / Post Office

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

NatWest

Business Bank Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

Ongoing fee: Not publicly stated

Switching offer has separate criteria.

Introductory offer

2 years free everyday banking when eligible switch completed

Cash deposits

Cash deposits available

Access

Branch / Post Office

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration
International payments

View accountCompare

NatWest

Start-up Business Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

Ongoing fee: Not publicly stated

Introductory offer

2 years free banking on everyday transactions

Cash deposits

Cash deposits available

Access

Branch / Post Office

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Start-up friendly
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration
International payments

View accountCompare

Santander

Business Current Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£7.50/month

Introductory offer

18 months fee-free maintenance for qualifying start-ups

Cash deposits

Cash deposits available

Access

Branch / Post Office

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
International payments

View accountCompare

Starling Bank

Business Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0/month

UK payments

Free Faster Payments

Free Direct Debits
Free standing orders

Cash deposits

0.7% per deposit

£3 minimum

Cash deposit limits apply.

Access

Post Office

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Tide

Business Current Account

Bank account via ClearBank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0 plan

Cash deposits

Cash deposits at Post Office or PayPoint

Access

Post Office / PayPoint

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Virgin Money / Nationwide

M Account for Business

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0/month

UK payments

Free day-to-day app and online banking

Cash deposits

£0.90 per £100

Access

Branch / Post Office

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Fees & charges

What does a business bank account cost?

A £0 monthly fee does not necessarily mean the account is cost-free. Compare the full fee schedule for how you actually bank.

Monthly account fee

Regular charge for maintaining the account. A £0 monthly fee does not mean the account is cost-free.

UK electronic payments

Charges for Faster Payments, Direct Debits, standing orders or transfers beyond any included allowances.

Cash and cheque charges

Cash deposit fees (percentage, minimum or flat) and cheque handling can dominate costs for cash-heavy businesses.

International / FX charges

International transfer fees and foreign-exchange margins vary by provider and route.

Borrowing charges

Overdraft interest and fees apply only where borrowing is used and approved — subject to status.

Deposit protection

Is my business money FSCS protected?

Eligibility and the legal banking entity matter. Partner or group brands can share one protection limit.

Eligible deposits held with an eligible UK-authorised bank may receive FSCS deposit protection subject to scheme rules and limits.
Different brands can sometimes share the same authorised banking entity.
Current standard limit display: £120,000 per eligible person per authorised firm where rules apply — confirm with the provider and FSCS.
Subject to eligibility. The standard limit applies per eligible person, per authorised firm. Multiple brands can share the same banking licence.

Suitability

Do I need a business bank account?

Whether you need a dedicated business account depends on your legal structure, provider terms and how you manage money. Limited companies are generally expected to keep company money separate from personal finances. Sole traders are not always legally required to open a business account, but a dedicated account can simplify bookkeeping. This is educational guidance — not legal or tax advice.

Switching

How to switch business bank accounts

CASS may help where supported — do not assume every provider or business type is eligible.

1Compare existing fees and features
2Check eligibility for the new account
3Check whether CASS is available for your account type
4Download statements and records you may need
5Review Direct Debits and recurring payments
6Update accounting software, customers and suppliers where necessary

FAQs

Common questions about business bank accounts

Quick answers before comparing providers or opening an account.

How we review business bank account information

UK-focused editorial research
Fees checked against official provider sources
Eligibility checked against published provider criteria
FSCS / protection information checked against authoritative sources
Provider type and regulatory information checked where relevant
Account features checked against official documentation
Commercial relationships do not determine factual guidance

How we rank

Monthly account fees
UK payment charges
Cash deposit charges
International payment costs
Foreign exchange fees
Accounting integrations
Mobile / web banking
Multi-user functionality
Additional cards
FSCS eligibility where applicable
Provider regulatory status
Provider type

Written by: Teresa Mary, Chief Finance Editor
Last reviewed: 20 August 2026

Last reviewed: 20 August 2026
Fees last checked: 20 August 2026
Eligibility last checked: 20 August 2026
FSCS / protection checked: 20 August 2026
Regulatory information checked: 20 August 2026
Provider data last checked: 20 August 2026

Sources and further information

Reference links only — these organisations do not endorse WiT Money.

Continue exploring

Ready to compare business bank accounts?

Review fees, cash deposits, accounting tools and FSCS protection carefully — then explore related business banking options.

Compare overdrafts Business banking guide

Business Finance

Compare business bank accounts

Business banking

Accounts and overdrafts

Everyday business banking is separate from overdraft borrowing.

Business Bank Accounts

Everyday banking for companies, sole traders and partnerships.

Viewing

Business Overdrafts

Short-term borrowing linked to an eligible business current account.

Compare overdrafts

Find the right business account

Five short questions. Answers and filters share one set of criteria. Unknown provider facts stay unknown — we never treat a blank field as “no”.

1. Business stage

2. Annual turnover

3. Legal structure

4. How often do you pay in cash?

5. What matters most to your business?

How we compare business bank accounts

Comparison methodology →How WiT Money makes money →Editorial guidelines →Corrections policy →

WiT Money may earn a commission when you apply through partner links. Commercial relationships do not determine inclusion or ranking by themselves. How WiT Money makes money →

9 business account options from 8 providers

Before you answer, accounts are listed A–Z by provider.

Provider information last checked: 20 August 2026

Sort by

Lloyds Bank

Business Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

Then £10/month

Intro and Xero offers are time-sensitive.

Introductory offer

No account fee for first 12 months for qualifying first Business Account

UK payments

Electronic payments in/out included at no extra cost

Cash deposits

Cash charges vary by channel

Access

Branch / deposit machines

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Mettle

Mettle business account

Bank account by NatWest

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0/month

Cash deposits

Cash deposits available

Start-up friendly
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Monzo

Business Lite

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0 Lite plan

UK payments

Free instant UK bank transfers

Cash deposits

£1 per deposit

Access

PayPoint / Post Office

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

NatWest

Business Bank Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

Ongoing fee: Not publicly stated

Switching offer has separate criteria.

Introductory offer

2 years free everyday banking when eligible switch completed

Cash deposits

Cash deposits available

Access

Branch / Post Office

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration
International payments

View accountCompare

NatWest

Start-up Business Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

Ongoing fee: Not publicly stated

Introductory offer

2 years free banking on everyday transactions

Cash deposits

Cash deposits available

Access

Branch / Post Office

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Start-up friendly
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration
International payments

View accountCompare

Santander

Business Current Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£7.50/month

Introductory offer

18 months fee-free maintenance for qualifying start-ups

Cash deposits

Cash deposits available

Access

Branch / Post Office

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
International payments

View accountCompare

Starling Bank

Business Account

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0/month

UK payments

Free Faster Payments

Free Direct Debits
Free standing orders

Cash deposits

0.7% per deposit

£3 minimum

Cash deposit limits apply.

Access

Post Office

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Tide

Business Current Account

Bank account via ClearBank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0 plan

Cash deposits

Cash deposits at Post Office or PayPoint

Access

Post Office / PayPoint

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Virgin Money / Nationwide

M Account for Business

Bank

Monthly / ongoing fee

£0/month

UK payments

Free day-to-day app and online banking

Cash deposits

£0.90 per £100

Access

Branch / Post Office

Overdraft

Overdraft available subject to eligibility.

Start-up friendly
Established business
Branch/Post Office
Accounting integration

View accountCompare

Fees & charges

What does a business bank account cost?

A £0 monthly fee does not necessarily mean the account is cost-free. Compare the full fee schedule for how you actually bank.

Monthly account fee

Regular charge for maintaining the account. A £0 monthly fee does not mean the account is cost-free.

UK electronic payments

Charges for Faster Payments, Direct Debits, standing orders or transfers beyond any included allowances.

Cash and cheque charges

Cash deposit fees (percentage, minimum or flat) and cheque handling can dominate costs for cash-heavy businesses.

International / FX charges

International transfer fees and foreign-exchange margins vary by provider and route.

Borrowing charges

Overdraft interest and fees apply only where borrowing is used and approved — subject to status.

Deposit protection

Is my business money FSCS protected?

Eligibility and the legal banking entity matter. Partner or group brands can share one protection limit.

Eligible deposits held with an eligible UK-authorised bank may receive FSCS deposit protection subject to scheme rules and limits.
Different brands can sometimes share the same authorised banking entity.
Current standard limit display: £120,000 per eligible person per authorised firm where rules apply — confirm with the provider and FSCS.
Subject to eligibility. The standard limit applies per eligible person, per authorised firm. Multiple brands can share the same banking licence.

Suitability

Do I need a business bank account?

Switching

How to switch business bank accounts

CASS may help where supported — do not assume every provider or business type is eligible.

1Compare existing fees and features
2Check eligibility for the new account
3Check whether CASS is available for your account type
4Download statements and records you may need
5Review Direct Debits and recurring payments
6Update accounting software, customers and suppliers where necessary

FAQs

Common questions about business bank accounts

Quick answers before comparing providers or opening an account.

How we review business bank account information

UK-focused editorial research
Fees checked against official provider sources
Eligibility checked against published provider criteria
FSCS / protection information checked against authoritative sources
Provider type and regulatory information checked where relevant
Account features checked against official documentation
Commercial relationships do not determine factual guidance

How we rank

Monthly account fees
UK payment charges
Cash deposit charges
International payment costs
Foreign exchange fees
Accounting integrations
Mobile / web banking
Multi-user functionality
Additional cards
FSCS eligibility where applicable
Provider regulatory status
Provider type

Written by: Teresa Mary, Chief Finance Editor
Last reviewed: 20 August 2026

Last reviewed: 20 August 2026
Fees last checked: 20 August 2026
Eligibility last checked: 20 August 2026
FSCS / protection checked: 20 August 2026
Regulatory information checked: 20 August 2026
Provider data last checked: 20 August 2026

Sources and further information

Reference links only — these organisations do not endorse WiT Money.

Continue exploring

Ready to compare business bank accounts?

Review fees, cash deposits, accounting tools and FSCS protection carefully — then explore related business banking options.

Compare overdrafts Business banking guide

Compare business bank accounts

Accounts and overdrafts

Business Bank Accounts

Business Overdrafts

Find the right business account

How we compare business bank accounts

9 business account options from 8 providers

What does a business bank account cost?

Monthly account fee

UK electronic payments

Cash and cheque charges

International / FX charges

Borrowing charges

Is my business money FSCS protected?

Do I need a business bank account?

How to switch business bank accounts

Common questions about business bank accounts

What is the best business bank account for a small business?

Can I get a free business bank account?

Do sole traders need a business bank account?

Are business bank accounts FSCS protected?

Which business accounts accept cash deposits?

Which business accounts include accounting software?

Can I switch a business bank account?

Can a new business get an overdraft?

How we review business bank account information

Sources and further information

Ready to compare business bank accounts?

Compare business bank accounts

Accounts and overdrafts

Business Bank Accounts

Business Overdrafts

Find the right business account

How we compare business bank accounts

9 business account options from 8 providers

What does a business bank account cost?

Monthly account fee

UK electronic payments

Cash and cheque charges

International / FX charges

Borrowing charges

Is my business money FSCS protected?

Do I need a business bank account?

How to switch business bank accounts

Common questions about business bank accounts

What is the best business bank account for a small business?

Can I get a free business bank account?

Do sole traders need a business bank account?

Are business bank accounts FSCS protected?

Which business accounts accept cash deposits?

Which business accounts include accounting software?

Can I switch a business bank account?

Can a new business get an overdraft?

How we review business bank account information

Sources and further information

Ready to compare business bank accounts?