Best Business Bank Accounts in the UK

A clear guide to getting the right business account

Choosing a business bank account should feel straightforward. Your account needs to be reliable, good value and easy to run day to day. With more digital-first banks challenging the high street, there is real choice for UK businesses in 2026. Some providers excel on customer satisfaction and slick apps, others on lending, branches or specialist tools for bookkeeping and international payments. The best fit depends on your size, cash flow, and whether you trade overseas.

OakNorth currently leads UK user reviews for business banking, praised for customer service and digital experience. Starling is widely recognised for accounting-friendly features. Tide and Revolut stand out for startups with low costs and fast onboarding. Traditional banks like HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds still matter for lending and branch access. There are also flexible pay-as-you-go options and strong multi-currency accounts. This guide walks through what to consider, who suits what, and how to compare fairly so you can decide with confidence.

No jargon, no pressure - just practical pointers to help you make the right call for your business.

Who will benefit most

This guide is for UK sole traders, freelancers, limited companies and growing SMEs who want a dependable account with fair fees and useful tools. If you value clear pricing, trustworthy service and simple bookkeeping, or you need international payments and multi-currency options, you will find options here that fit different stages of growth and trading patterns.

What a good business account looks like

A strong business account balances cost, convenience and support. For many UK firms, digital-first challengers now set the pace on customer satisfaction, fast onboarding and app quality. OakNorth, Shawbrook and Mettle often outrank high street banks in user reviews, reflecting the shift toward branchless banking for everyday needs. If you prioritise smooth digital service and quick responses, these providers deserve a close look.

For accounting, Starling offers a free basic account and an optional Business Toolkit for £7 per month, with tidy integrations to Xero and QuickBooks that reduce manual admin. Startups often value ease and low fees, which is why Tide and Revolut are popular with new companies and side hustles. Traditional banks such as HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds continue to suit established firms that want lending, relationship support and branch access, with monthly fees typically starting around £8.50 after introductory periods.

How to choose step by step

Start with your immediate needs and your 12-month plan. If you are launching, look at cost and setup speed. Tide and Revolut offer zero monthly fees, quick onboarding and helpful in-app tools. If bookkeeping is the headache, Starling’s toolkit and direct feeds into Xero and QuickBooks can simplify reconciliation and VAT prep.

If service and dependability are top of mind, check user feedback. OakNorth’s high scores reflect strong support and a polished digital experience. For international clients or suppliers, consider multi-currency accounts from Wise, Airwallex and Revolut to reduce FX fees and streamline global payments. If you prefer in-person help, lending or cash handling, shortlist HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds. Finally, consider welcome offers. NatWest’s Start-up account provides two years of free everyday banking, while other banks, including TSB’s Business Plus, extend free banking for many months, helping new firms manage early costs.

Why the choice matters now

Your bank account affects cash flow, admin time and client experience. Lower or flexible fees help during quieter periods, and multi-currency options can reduce costs if you sell or buy overseas. Better integrations and categorisation can save hours on bookkeeping and end-of-year accounts. Strong customer service reduces stress when something goes wrong. With branchless providers outperforming many traditional banks on satisfaction, there is a real opportunity to get more for less.

There is also value in stability. If you need overdrafts, asset finance or a relationship manager, a high street bank’s breadth still counts. On the other hand, if you want to move fast and keep costs lean, challenger banks and fintechs are designed for that. The key is to match features to your specific operations and growth plans.

A great business account should save you time, keep fees predictable and let you focus on serving customers.

Standout options at a glance

Upsides and trade-offs

Watchpoints before you apply

Check total cost, not just the headline monthly fee. Look at card fees, ATM charges, electronic transfers, cash deposits and international payments. If you plan to invoice overseas, compare exchange rates and per-transfer costs. For bookkeeping, confirm which integrations are native and whether extras like a toolkit cost more each month.

Service quality matters. Read recent UK reviews for response times and problem resolution. If you need cash services or face-to-face support, confirm local branch availability and opening hours. For startup offers, note how long free banking lasts and what the fees revert to. Ensure the account supports your legal structure, expected turnover and typical transaction volumes. Finally, check FSCS protection where relevant and understand how your funds are safeguarded with e-money providers.

Other routes you could take

1. Use a high street bank for core banking and a fintech for multi-currency payments.
2. Keep your current bank but add a bookkeeping-friendly account for expenses.
3. Start with a free or pay-as-you-go account, then switch once volumes grow.
4. Open a dedicated account just for VAT and tax reserves to ringfence cash.
5. Consider a provider with rewards or interest to optimise idle balances.

Quick answers to common questions

Do I need a business account as a sole trader?

Not legally, but it keeps business and personal finances separate, which simplifies bookkeeping and HMRC reporting. Many find it reduces errors and saves time at year end.

Which bank is best for easy bookkeeping?

Starling is widely praised for its simple feeds and optional Business Toolkit for £7 per month, integrating cleanly with Xero and QuickBooks.

What is the strongest option for startups on a budget?

Tide and Revolut are popular thanks to zero monthly fees, quick onboarding and useful in-app tools. NatWest’s Start-up account offers two years of free everyday banking.

Who leads on customer satisfaction?

OakNorth holds one of the highest UK user review scores for business banking, with strong feedback for customer service and digital experience.

How can I save on international payments?

Consider multi-currency accounts from Wise, Airwallex or Revolut. They help reduce FX fees and make it easier to invoice and get paid in different currencies.

What to do next

• List your must-have features and monthly transaction volumes
• Shortlist three providers that fit your needs
• Check total costs including FX and cash deposits
• Test the app and support with a small trial period

A 15-minute comparison now can save hours of admin later.

How Switcha fits into your decision

Switcha will connect you with the best options for what you are looking for, based on your business size, transaction patterns and any international needs. We compare features, pricing and service indicators side by side so you can make a confident, informed choice without the legwork.

Important information

This guide is general information, not financial advice. Always check current fees, eligibility and protection details directly with the provider. If you are unsure which account suits your circumstances, consider speaking to a qualified, independent adviser.