When it comes to choosing a charity bank account, there is a lot to consider. Factors like how your charity operates, the size of your organisation and how you handle donations all influence which bank to use. Also, some features, rates and options offered by certain banks suit some charities and not others. 

In this guide, we compare the top charity and community bank accounts in the UK and explore the key things to consider before choosing the right provider for your organisation. 

Key reasons to use a charity bank account

There are various reasons to open a charity bank account. Benefits include:

• Keeping personal and charity funds separate – this protects trustees and volunteers from personal liability risks, simplifies record-keeping and makes it easier to demonstrate to HMRC, auditors and lenders that funds are used solely for charitable purposes.
• Accessing dedicated banking benefits for charities – with a charity bank account, you can often get specific benefits, such as reduced fees, access to grants or additional funding solutions and easier online donation processing.
• Building trust – having a dedicated charity account can help reassure your donors, supporters, employees and volunteers that funds are used responsibly, which can help boost fundraising efforts.
• Meeting compliance – many bodies, donors and regulators expect charities to have a dedicated account, and it can help promote transparency and compliance.

Take time to consider what sort of account will work best for your charity and provide the best value.

What are the eligibility criteria for charity bank accounts?

Generally, each charity bank account has varying rules on what’s needed to apply, but there are several common criteria. To open a charity bank account in the UK, you’ll usually need to be one of the following:

• A charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), or the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI).
• A registered community and amateur sports club (CASC).
• A society, club, community group, or unincorporated association operating on a not-for-profit basis.
• A place of worship or faith-based organisation (often registered as a charity or with HMRC for Gift Aid).

In addition, most banks require the following from charitable and community-based organisations:

• A governing document (constitution, trust deed, articles of association).
• Proof of legal status and UK-based operations.
• Details and identification for trustees or authorised signatories.
• Evidence of not-for-profit aims and reinvestment of surplus funds.
• Compliance with turnover or activity restrictions set by the bank.

If you’re eligible, your account terms will also be influenced by your employee count, turnover and operational structure.

What fees apply to charity and community bank accounts?

Most of the banks offering charity accounts above have zero monthly fees, but be aware that you may still incur charges for certain services, such as:

• Electronic payment charges for CHAPS, faster payments above a certain limit or international transfers.
• Card transaction fees for processing card donations via merchant services and using a debit card abroad.
• Cheque handling fees (for paying in or issuing cheques).
• Charges for exceeding your free cash deposit allowance.

Which are the best charity and community bank accounts in the UK?

Numerous banks in the UK offer accounts to charitable and not-for-profit organisations. We’ve compiled a list of the best charity and community bank accounts available, including their key features and suitability considerations. Browse the various options below:

1. Metro Bank

Metro Bank’s charity bank account offering includes clear charges with zero monthly maintenance fees. It’s a cost-effective and accessible charity bank account, offering 200 free monthly transactions and access to branches and banking experts every day. Also, support lines are open 24 hours a day, giving flexibility to organisations that need support outside of regular hours.

Key features and benefits

• Simple charges and no monthly maintenance fees
• 200 free transactions each month
• Free giant cheques
• Open 7 days a week, no appointments necessary
• Access to relationship managers or local directors
• Manage your charity bank account online or on your mobile

Suitability considerations

Metro Bank’s charity account is well-suited to organisations that handle regular cash or cheque transactions and value in-person banking support. It’s a good option for busy community groups, sports clubs or charities, but less so without a local Metro Bank branch, as it doesn’t have the reach of other high-street banks. Also, be aware that there is a maximum annual turnover limit of £250,000.

2. Triodos

Triodos’ Charity Bank Accounts are part of its Ethical Finance arm. Offering accounts and loans, Triodos has a strong mission statement about providing ‘specialist, sustainable finance for charities working to tackle the biggest challenges of our time.’ Charitable and non-profit organisations can use flexible or fixed-term deposit accounts, with minimum opening deposits of £50,000.

Key features and benefits

• 700,000 customers
• Sustainable approach to banking
• Focuses on organisations with a positive impact on society, culture and the environment
• Part of a growing community of like-minded charities
• Manage account online, via phone or by post
• Discounted tariffs
• Access to loans from £100,000 to £1 million
• Personal relationship managers

Suitability considerations

Triodos is suited to charities, social enterprises and community groups focused on sustainability, ethical investment and social change. However, as a smaller bank with fewer branches, Triodos may not suit organisations that may require regular in-person services and cash handling.

3. Co-operative Bank

The Co-operative Bank’s ethical policy makes it an attractive charity bank account option for charities, clubs, places of worship and societies. To be eligible, turnover must not exceed £2m annually, and you can deposit no more than £100,000 in cash and 5,000 cheques. The Co-operative's Customer Donation Fund allows organisations to apply for project grants up to £1,000.

Key features and benefits

• Access to services at Post Office branches
• Free business transactions
• Discounted merchant services terminals
• free Go Get Paid access and 50% off Zeller subscriptions
• Accountancy software integrations
• Current Account Switch Guarantee
• Customer-led Ethical Policy
• 24/7 online access and telephone banking

Suitability considerations

The Co-operative Bank is ideal for smaller charities and community organisations that prioritise ethical banking. However, if you’re likely to need to deposit large volumes of cash or cheques, you may face eligibility restrictions or be moved to a different tariff.

4. Lloyds

Lloyds offers charity and community accounts with free day-to-day banking (including direct debit, cheques and standing orders), support services and complimentary accounting software. For both account options, eligible organisations must not pay in more than £250,000 annually. There are no monthly fees for charities, while sports clubs and other community organisations require a minimal monthly fee.

Key features and benefits

• Day-to-day business banking
• Mobile banking and internet banking
• Same-day clearance for cash deposits
• Free accounting software
• Monthly statements
• Free presentation cheques
• Multiple signatories
• Expert support and guidance available

Suitability considerations

These accounts are ideal for small charities and non-profits with more straightforward banking needs, and the bank’s wide branch network and same-day cash clearing support organisations handling cash regularly.

5. Bank of Scotland

Part of the Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of Scotland has similar offerings for treasurers, clubs and societies. Similarly, to be eligible, you may not pay in more than £250,000 each year. The bank’s Business Management Team is on hand to help manage your bank account, which features easy direct debit and standing order facilities. It also offers ongoing support for charity and community banking.

Key features and benefits

• Free day-to-day banking
• Comprehensive support and guidance
• No monthly account fee for charities, £4.25 p/m for other community accounts
• Easy to add new signatories
• Access account online or over the phone

Suitability considerations

Bank of Scotland’s solutions essentially mirror those offered by Lloyds, but with a Scottish heritage. Accounts are best suited to smaller charities, clubs and societies, particularly those requiring more hands-on banking support.

6. Barclays

Barclays’ charity and community bank accounts provide access to various digital tools, platforms, and support services to help charities and non-profits maximise the benefits of the account. Organisations can enjoy free day-to-day banking and zero monthly maintenance fees if turnover is less than £100,000 and there are no more than three officials and trustees.

Key features and benefits

• No monthly maintenance fees for eligible charities
• Full branch support, including cash and cheque services at Barclays branches and Post Offices
• Modern online and mobile banking
• Integrations with accounting tools
• Mentoring and support services

Suitability considerations

Barclays’ charity/community accounts suit small, tech-savvy charities or social enterprises that want easy digital and mobile banking and access to strategic support and educational services. Plus, Barclays still has widespread branch access.

7. HSBC

Suitable for clubs, charities, places of worship, societies and more, HSBC’s charitable bank accounts offer a choice of banking methods and access to HSBC’s Knowledge Centre, an online magazine and information centre. To be eligible, your turnover must be under £100,000, apart from places of worship, for which there is no income cap.

Key features and benefits

• Monthly or quarterly statements
• Free banking services, no monthly account fees and minimal fees for cash and cheque deposits
• Trustee guide access
• Access to the HSBC Knowledge Centre
• Manage your account in-branch, over the phone or via SMS

Suitability considerations

HSBC is a good choice for those seeking flexible banking options (including international transactions) and educational resources.

8. Santander

Santander has made it easy for charities to establish a bank account for day-to-day operations, including specialist savings accounts, online account management, secure banking and online and mobile banking. Santander customers can also pay in, withdraw cash, deposit cheques and more at Post Office branches. Organisations with a turnover of up to £250,000 are eligible.

Key features and benefits

• Free day-to-day banking
• Specialist savings account
• Online and mobile account management
• Option for three signatories
• 24-hour online support and guidance available
• Instant, notice and fixed-term account options.
• Loans and overdraft facilities for established organisations
• International payments and FX services 
• Access to Relationship Managers

Suitability considerations

Santander’s charitable banking offering is ideal for medium-sized charities and community groups, particularly those that want to bank through Post Office branches and enjoy tailored services and support.

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9. NatWest

If your charity, society or club has an annual turnover of under £100,000, NatWest’s charity bank account is worth considering. Backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee, customers will have access to NatWest’s servicing hub and get instant access to accounts, loans, credit cards and other business services.

Key features and benefits

• 24/7 online and phone banking
• Free banking services
• Up to four signatories allowed
• Options for loans and overdrafts
• Current Account Switch Guarantee
• Award-winning banking app

Suitability considerations

NatWest’s account is well-suited to small charities, clubs, and societies that want seamless banking services, including a user-friendly mobile app, and extensive support.

10. Royal Bank of Scotland

Designed to help Scottish charities and non-profits flourish, Royal Bank of Scotland’s community bank account is backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee and offers free banking services for organisations with a turnover of under £100,000.

Key features and benefits

• 2-year free banking for startups
• User-friendly mobile banking app
• Tailored products and mentoring
• Extensive support and alternative funding available
• Access to Relationship Managers

Suitability considerations

Mirroring NatWest’s offering in many ways, but tailored for Scotland, RBS charitable accounts are best suited to Scottish charities, community groups and places of worship requiring comprehensive digital banking services and support.

11. Unity Trust Bank

The Unity Trust Bank helps organisations, charities and businesses to prosper and contribute to economic, community and social change. A relatively new company on the scene, Unity is already getting attention from councils and thousands of UK charities, with a UK-based service team which solves around 90% of issues on the first attempt.

Key features and benefits

• Supports thousands of charities
• Links to Charity Law Association and Charity Finance Group
• Backed by parish, community and town councils
• 24/7 access to account services
• Current Account Switch Guarantee 
• UK-based Customer Service team

Suitability considerations

Unity Trust Bank is a strong choice for charities and social enterprises seeking an ethical banking partner that’s committed to supporting communities. It’s ideal for organisations to work closely with their bank. However, as a newer and smaller provider, it’s more suitable for localised banking needs.

12. Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)

Customers can open a CAF current charity bank account with £1,000. Services include dual-factor online banking, Open Banking and counter access in HSBC branches, RBS branches (in Scotland) and at the Post Office. CAF charity bank accounts enable quick and easy payments overseas.

Key features and benefits

• CAF Bank is owned and operated by a charity
• Profits are reinvested into the charity sector
• Easy online banking solutions
• UK-based Customer Service team
• Pay in cash and cheques at HSBC branches or the counter service at any Royal Bank of Scotland
• Overseas payments made easy with its WorldPay partnership

Suitability considerations

The CAF current account is aimed at established charities and non-profits looking for banking services aligned with their values. It’s also ideal for organisations wanting access to multiple branch networks combined with easy online and cross-border solutions.

13. Reliance Bank

Reliance Bank is a social impact-focused organisation, initially formed as the bank for The Salvation Army. Its charity bank accounts include six months of free banking and offer access to loans and overdraft options.

Key features and benefits

• Six months of free banking
• UK-based Customer Service team 
• Paper or paperless quarterly statements
• Online and phone banking services
• Counter services are available via HSBC and NatWest branches
• Overseas transactions (subject to charges)
• Lending facilities

Suitability considerations

Reliance Bank is suited to small to mid-sized charities that want a dedicated service from a UK-based team and access to lending and credit facilities. 

FAQs about charity and community bank accounts

Can you use a personal current account for a charity?

Technically, it’s possible to use a personal current account to manage your charity’s funds, but it’s strongly discouraged by the Charity Commission and most funders. It's good practice to keep personal and charity finances separate, as it protects trustees, ensures transparency and makes reporting much easier.

New or small charities sometimes face delays in opening a dedicated charity account, especially when waiting for a charity registration number. In these cases, a temporary alternative can be to open a business or community bank account in the organisation’s name (not an individual’s), provided the bank’s terms allow not-for-profit use. Once you’re registered or eligible, you should switch to a dedicated charity or community account as soon as possible.

Is my money safe in a charity bank account?

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) ensures that if a bank folds and ceases trading, compensation will be paid to the affected customer. However, it's a good idea to check if your charity is eligible, as not all are.

The FSCS may exempt certain charities from its coverage and eligibility, and will consider various factors when deciding on compensation. These include employee count, turnover and balance. Some charities are protected by the FSCS for up to £85,000 in the event of the bank going insolvent.  

How much money can a non–profit or charity have in a charity bank account?

Most high street banks offering charity bank accounts cap the amount of cash that can be held in the bank before incurring charges. Usually, banks have eligibility requirements stating that turnover must be under a certain amount, often up to £100,000–250,000.

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