When starting a business, it’s a good idea to keep personal and commercial finances separate, so finding a suitable business bank account for your needs is key. But with so many options, from well-known high street names to challenger banks and mobile-first solutions, offering various terms, perks and fees, how do you know what’s best for your banking needs?

We outline some of the best startup bank accounts in the UK, comparing their key features and benefits for new businesses.

The features and benefits to look for in a startup bank account

While business bank accounts usually come with a variety of charges, many banks offer periods of fee-free banking to new customers, plus other perks and incentives, with options to scale and choose premium tiers as your business grows.

Here are some of the main features and benefits to look out for when comparing start bank account options:

• Fee-free monthly account use periods
• Low-cost transactions and clear pricing
• Good digital apps and intuitive user experiences
• Quick and easy approvals and onboarding 
• Integration capabilities for accounting tools and other platforms 
• Business support, advice and relationship management
• A range of pricing plans to suit different/changing needs
• Potential lending access and credit facilities (like overdrafts or loans)
• Tax and financial planning tools

Choosing the right solution will depend on what’s most important for your specific business and how you prefer your banking, including whether you’d like a full digital experience or options for in-branch access to services. 

Overview: top UK startup business bank accounts at a glance

Before browsing our selected top startup bank accounts in detail, we’ve provided a snapshot of each bank side-by-side, including some of the key features, benefits and monthly fees, plus suitability considerations.

See our startup bank account comparison table below:

In detail: exploring 10 of the best startup bank accounts in the UK

We’ve selected 10 of the best startup bank accounts in the UK for new businesses to consider. The specific details are correct as of December 4, 2025. Those we’ve featured are ordered below according to their Trustpilot ratings (at the time of writing). Browse and compare these top startup account providers: 

1. Kinetic

HSBC Kinetic is an app-only business account designed for sole traders and single-director limited companies. Due to its mobile-first approach, easy-to-use features and £0 monthly fee, it’s also a great option for startups. 

Kinetic was also voted ‘Best Awarded Best App-Based Business Bank Account’ by Moneynet between 2022 and 2025.

Key features/benefits

• No monthly account fee and free digital banking (for standard transfers)
• Mobile-only, backed by HSBC’s vast banking expertise
• Cash flow insights, spending categorisation and other handy planning/budgeting tools
• Options for customers to pay you by card and contactless payments
• Easy international payments, with estimated currency conversions 
• Credit/lending facilities available, including in-app overdraft applications (up to £30k), credit cards and loans of up to £10k (subject to eligibility)

Main startup account costs

• Fee-free monthly account use
• Standard charges for international payments and certain cash services
• Interest on lending facilities – representative EAR of 14.82% (variable) for overdrafts, 15.9% APR (variable) for credit cards and 11.3% APR (fixed) for loans

Why you might choose the Kinetic sole trader and new business account

As a highly-regarded and award-winning mobile banking app, it’s a slick and user-friendly option for startups and sole traders prioritising convenience and simplicity.

2. Revolut Business

Revolut’s business account is a rapidly growing banking option, although the fintech provider is still technically in the ‘mobilisation’ period as it completes the process of becoming a fully fledged UK bank. Companies of all sizes, including startups, can enjoy this multi-currency account, while its Basic plan is ideal for new and growing businesses, especially those with employees and staff overseas.

Key features/benefits

• Manage money in 35+ currencies and transfer to over 150 countries
• Good integrations with accounting platforms like Xero, Sage and QuickBooks, plus various other business tools
• Issue physical and virtual cards for you and your team with easy approval controls and expense management
• Unlock a suite of handy banking tools and support solutions as you scale (at additional costs)

Main startup account costs

• Basic plans start at £10/month for core features, with higher tiers (Grow and Sales) at £30 and £90/month respectively
• Lower cost FX and global payment fees than many other banks, depending on plans and limits

Why you might choose Revolut’s startup and sole trader account

Revolut is well-suited to modern, online and remote-first businesses that trade globally and need multi-currency accounts offering low-cost international transfers.

3. Monzo Business

Monzo’s business accounts are for sole traders, small businesses and early-stage digital businesses, providing a mobile-first banking experience (though desktop access is available). The app is regularly placed at or near the top of industry-wide service quality and usability surveys. 

Key features/benefits

• App-first banking experience
• Easy account applications/approvals (90% of business accounts are opened the same day)
• 24/7 support and extensive, useful money management resources 
• Free and paid account tiers
• Smart business banking features and easy ways to pay and get paid
• Multi-user access options and controls
• Savings pots, tax support tools and in-app budgeting/cash flow insights
• Various perks, virtual cards, expense cards, bulk payments and accounting integrations on premium tiers
• Overdrafts and business loans available (currently for sole traders only)

Main startup account costs

• £0/month account fees for the starter account (Lite) then £9/month and £25/month for Pro and Team account options
• Free for most domestic transfers (sending and receiving) and low-cost international transactions (1% conversion fee)
• Minor charges for withdrawals and deposits
• Variable interest rates on overdrafts (from 29% to 39% EAR representative) and between 19.9% and 28% APR representative on business loans

Why you might choose Monzo’s startup and small business account

Monzo is geared to sole traders, with lending facilities not currently available to limited companies, while savvy startups with global aspirations can enjoy the smart mobile banking tools and easy cross-border transactions. 

4. ANNA

While ANNA is still technically a fintech provider rather than officially a bank, it's a fresh option in the market for startups, small businesses and freelancers, offering integrated invoicing, handy tax tools and easy ways to manage finances. 

Key features/benefits

• Rapid account sign-up (much faster than most banks)
• Unique and fun user experience
• Clever in-app, all-in-one accounting tools, including invoicing, bookkeeping, savings, receipt capture and alerts/reminders for tax returns
• Easy ways to get paid, including links and QR codes
• Simple, low-cost global payments
• Extensive digital platform integrations, from the likes of eBay and Etsy to Shopify and popular accounting tools
• Scaling account plans as you grow, including various benefits, such as cashback, multiple virtual and expense cards and bulk payment capabilities

Main startup account costs

• Pay-as-you-go account with no fixed monthly fees (ANNA takes 0.95% commission on incoming payments)
• Subscription tiers from £19.90 to £49.90 p/m + VAT
• £0.20 fee for incoming and outgoing payments over certain free transaction thresholds 
• 1% currency conversion fee for international transfers

Why you might choose ANNA’s startup and small business account

The brand name, which stands for ‘Absolutely No Nonsense Admin, is reflected in the quirky app experience and approach, which may appeal to younger audiences and more creative owners. The all-in-one accounting features are ideal for digital businesses seeking quick, easy and integrated banking solutions.

5. NatWest Mettle

Mettle is a free business account from NatWest aimed at startups, sole traders and small limited companies with up to two owners. Many of its features focus on simplifying accounting and business tax management, while the solutions are backed by the expertise of a well-established high street bank.

Key features/benefits

• App-based business banking
• Various accounting tools, integrations and support
• Accounts include FreeAgent accounting software, saving businesses up to £150/year, and getting them ready for Making Tax Digital obligations (conditions apply)
• Instant payment notifications, easy ways to get paid faster and simple reconciliation
• There is currently access to lending facilities, and no international payment capabilities

Main startup account costs

• Zero monthly account fees 
• An option to upgrade to Mettle+ for £4/month, to access smart quote features 
• No UK payment fees for most digital transactions, withdrawals or deposits

Why you might choose NatWest’s startup and sole trader account

As a dedicated app-based banking solution with no global payment options, Mettle suits domestic startups, sole traders and smaller businesses. It’s one of the highest-rated business bank solutions for service quality, with largely fee-free banking solutions, offering extensive accounting and tax support.

6. Zempler

Zempler Bank (formerly known as Cashplus) offers business accounts designed for microbusinesses, sole traders and startups seeking alternative banking solutions. The accounts offer low-cost transactions, smart accounting tools and lending options, thanks to Zempler’s recent partnership with iwoca. 

Key features/benefits

• Quick and simple online application (in as little as 5 minutes)
• Free and paid account options with scaling features/benefits
• Integrations with popular accountancy software and Wise for international payments 
• Online and mobile app banking solutions with UK-based telebanking
• Pay in and withdraw cash at any UK Post Office
• Access to overdrafts (on request) and flexible business loans, available via Zempler’s iwoca integration 
• Business Creditbuilder tool for monitoring and building business credit

Main startup account costs

• No monthly fee for Zempler’s Business Go account
• £9/month and £19/month for Business Extra and Business Pro, respectively
• Minor fees for cash withdrawals on the free account tier
• No fees to receive funds via faster payments and standing orders
• Domestic payments/standing are typically charged at £0.35 per transaction after initial fee-free thresholds 
• Outbound direct debits are free (but there is a £15 DD reject fee)
• Low-cost international payments thanks to Zempler’s Wise integration and free card spending abroad on paid tiers

Why you might choose Zempler’s bank account

Freelancers and small firms seeking non-nonsense banking solutions will enjoy Zempler’s easy-to-use business account features, affordable transactions and integrations with innovative fintechs like iwoca and Wise. And tiered options provide simpler ways to scale banking capabilities as your business grows.

7. Wise

Wise Business is a multi-currency account for SMEs, freelancers and startups trading internationally, supported by extensive cross-border capabilities, low-cost FX solutions and wide-reaching global account details and payment integrations.

Key features/benefits

• Fast online onboarding
• Dedicated account details in multiple countries, enabling businesses to get paid like a local in over 20 different currencies
• Virtual and physical multi-currency debit cards (covering over 230 countries and jurisdictions)
• 24/7 support in 14 languages
• Accounting software integrations (including Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho Books, FreeAgent, and many more)
• Simple spending and access controls
• Competitive interest on savings in GBP, EUR and USD

Main startup account costs

• Wise’s Essentials plan has no monthly fee (pay-per-use)
• Access to advanced features incurs a one-off £50 setup fee in the UK
• Low-cost global transfer fees, with FX starting at 0.33%
• Free to receive domestic payments
• SWIFT payments are charged at just over £2
• Minor fees for cash withdrawals
• Free transfers between Wise accounts, 1% otherwise for domestic payments 

Why you might choose the Wise account for startups and small businesses

Wise business accounts are primed for companies trading globally and startups seeking modern digital banking, a high level of support and cost savings on international transfers.

8. Starling Bank

Starling offers fully regulated business accounts aimed at small businesses and sole traders, with smart digital features, low-cost transactions and solutions for global banking needs.

Key account features/benefits

• Choose between separate sole trader, limited company and multi-currency account options
• 24/7 UK customer support via app, phone or email
• Integrations with numerous accounting software solutions via Starling Marketplace
• Instant payment notifications, reminders and receipt capture
• Easy, quick-pay options for customers
• International payments to bank accounts in over 30 countries
• In-app and freepost cheque deposits
• Highly rated on service quality
• Helpful spending analytics and insights 

Main startup account costs

• No monthly account fees
• Adding Starling’s Business Toolkit (packed with accounting and tax tools) comes at £7/month
• Free domestic bank transfers and withdrawals (up to certain limits)
• No fees for card payments abroad or ATM withdrawals
• Free payment acceptance, apart from CHAPS, which is charged at £20 per transaction

Why you might choose Starling’s bank account for startups and SMEs

Starling is a popular account option for companies seeking simple online and mobile banking, low-cost payment solutions and an extensive in-app accounting toolkit – ideal for startups wanting to reduce admin time and keep costs down.

9. Tide

Tide offers app-first business bank accounts for small businesses and startups, with free plans suiting new businesses, sole traders and freelancers. All-in-one accounting and expense management solutions, digital integrations and easy setup have seen Tide’s popularity grow rapidly in recent years. 

Key account features/benefits

• Open a free account in minutes via the Tide banking app
• Paid tiers to access smart accounting features and greater app capabilities.
• Integrations with popular digital platforms, plus built-in tax and accounting tools, powered by automation
• Virtual and expense cards for you and your team
• Up to 4.5% AER (variable) available on capital savings for the first 6 months
• Simply payment acceptance options
• Mobile banking, smart planning/tracking features and 24/7 in-app support
• Member perks and partnership with Mastercard
• Access to the Funding Options marketplace for various lending options, available to Tide customers (subject to availability)

Main startup account costs

• No monthly fees on the basic account, but pay-as-you-go transaction fees
• Paid plans available offering advanced features, rewards and top savings rates (Smart/Pro/Max – £12.49, £24.99 and £69.99/month, respectively)
• Low-cost international transfers on the basic tier and free on paid tiers 
• Minor fees for certain transactions, withdrawals and deposits

Why you might choose Tide’s startup and new business account

Tide’s business solutions are well-suited to sole traders, startups and microbusinesses, especially those looking for easy sign-up, smart accounting tools and integrations, access to lending solutions and cheap international transfers.

10. Barclays startup business account

Barclays offers 12 months of free digital banking for new business customers, making it an inviting option for startups. While there isn’t a huge difference between Barclays’ main business accounts and those for startups,  the bank offers specialist startup support services and good initial offers. 

Key account features/benefits

• A combination of digital banking solutions, Barclays’ mobile app and an established high-street presence
• Free accounting tools through Barclays’ partnership with FreshBooks, saving customers over £250/year
• Specialist startup guidance, mentoring and resources, plus access to Bayclays' Eagle Labs community hub for fueling business growth
• Startups can also apply for the bank’s business overdrafts, credit cards and lending facilities (subject to status/eligibility criteria)
• 24/7 business customer support and extensive fraud protection
• Cashback, rewards and savings are available as business benefits

Main startup account costs

• 12-month free monthly account use, followed by £8.50/month
• Standard pay-as-you-go transaction charges beyond the free period
• No charges for most domestic transactions
• Nominal fees for many counter services and deposits
• International transfers are more expensive than most challenger banks, with non-euro online payments costing as much as £15 (£6 for receiving payments over £100), but online SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) payments are free for euros within the Eurozone

Why you might choose Barclays’ bank account for startups

With features like Eagle Labs, supporting business growth and development, plus its suite of business banking tools and borrowing opportunities, Barclays accounts are suitable for ambitious startups. Especially those who still want human support and in-branch services. 

Choosing the right business bank account for your startup

When running a business, you want a reliable bank account that’s easy to use, convenient and flexible with a range of helpful tools, support and features, depending on your needs and priorities. 

Then there’s the costs. Every penny counts when you’re establishing and growing a business, so you want an account with reasonable fees and affordable money management solutions.

We hope our comparison of the best UK startup business bank accounts has given you a taste of the features and benefits to expect and typical costs involved.

What documents do I need when opening a startup bank account?

When opening a startup bank account in the UK, banks must verify your identity (and other key people in the business), establish your ownership structure and understand your banking needs. So, be prepared to answer various questions about your company and expected account use/scope while providing some or all of the following information or documentation:

• Proof of address (personal and business)
• ID for owners, directors, partners, etc
• Key business details, including legal name, trading name, business address, date established and registration details
• Ownership and control information, legal entity status and tax-related registration/evidence of trading 
• Description of your business type, activity and, in some cases, plans
• Expected turnover

Now, it’s down to you to choose the most suitable startup bank account for your business needs and preferences, either from the selection of banks featured in our comparison or from further research and evaluation. Good luck!

Here are some further useful resources about business banking 

• Best Business Bank Accounts in the UK
• Sole Trader Bank Accounts
• Charity Bank Accounts to Consider
• Best Direct Debit Companies
• Open Banking Guide
• Best UK Business Savings Accounts
• Top Business Overdraft Solutions

Startup business bank account FAQs

If you have any further queries, our startup business bank account FAQs below may provide the answer:

How do startup bank accounts differ from traditional bank accounts?

Startup bank accounts are usually simpler, affordable versions of full business accounts, to help new businesses get started and grow, often with additional support offered. However, some have features designed specifically for startups, sole traders and microbusinesses.

Standard business accounts typically provide a wider range of banking tools to suit more established companies, with added scalability, lending options and other benefits and features, but often come with higher usage costs.

How much do startup bank accounts cost?

Most startup bank accounts don’t charge fees to open an account, offering fee-free monthly account use for general banking needs. There are often tiered options, where you pay a monthly fee to unlock various features and benefits, ranging from £5 to £90/month, depending on the provider.

You can expect to pay varying fees for different transactions, such as withdrawals, deposits and certain transfers, like cross-border payments and CHAPS. The costs are usually fairly low, but with large-scale/regular use, they can add up.

How long does it take to open a startup business bank account?

Most startup accounts are more digitally focused, targeting businesses seeking easy-to-use apps and hassle-free banking tools. Therefore, many providers have streamlined application/onboarding processes, meaning you can usually expect to open a startup bank account in hours and days rather than weeks.

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