What is a business bank account?
A business bank account is designed specifically for businesses, and used to facilitate all of the business' transactions. It works similarly to a personal current account, except it is for a business (or organisation) as opposed to an individual. These bank accounts come with debit cards, paying in books and cheque books for daily business banking needs. They also allow for direct debits and standing orders to be set up, payments of invoices, wages and bills to be made. These facilities are avaibable online or on the banks' mobile app.
How do I open a business bank account?
Exact requirements vary slightly between banks, but generally speaking, you can open a business bank account online or in the branch. You will need to provide identification for yourself and anyone who can sign for the account. Other documents that will be required can include certificates of incorporation, proof of address and even business plans. Check with your bank before you apply to make sure you meet their criteria.
Am I required to have a business account for my company?
It is essential to ensure that all business transactions are kept separate from any personal banking when you run a business. Businesses in the UK are required to have a business bank account. For sole traders, this is not a requirement (although some banks may not allow a personal account to be used for business purposes). From an accounting perspective, transactions and expenses are easier to track when clearly separated.
What do I need to be aware of?
Most business accounts offer an introductory fee-free period, but this varies, so always shop around and do your research. Check the cost of fees and if you will earn interest on credit balances. Some accounts come with limits on the amount you can payout in one day - make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your chosen account before you apply to ensure it's right for you.
What do I need to look for when comparing business bank accounts?
When making comparisons check the monthly fee and overdraft cost (not all accounts will have this facility). Also, check the costs to run the account on a day to day basis. For example, paying in cheques, making BACS payments and more. If you sell products or offer services outside of the UK, you may want to check the associated costs and fees for foreign transactions.
Are there alternatives to traditional business bank accounts?
A new type of business bank account is emerging that is not part of the traditional banking sector, these are mainly or solely operated digitally and are often referred to as challenger banks. Mobile or online-only banks accounts are opened online, and sometimes cheaper and more innovative than traditional high street banks.
What do I need to look for when choosing a business account?
Things to look for when choosing a business account include introductory offers that will make your banking cheaper for a period of time, but also what the standard costs are to run the account day to day. For example, some accounts will charge you more for paying in cheques, but less to make and receiving BACS payments. If you don’t deal with cheques, but do make a lot of online payments, this may be a better choice than a bank that is cheaper to pay in cheques but charges you more to make and receive payments online.
Are there alternatives to business bank accounts?
As with personal current accounts, there is a new breed of business bank accounts emerging that are not part of the traditional banking sector. Mainly or solely online, more and more online business banks are setting up, each offering something slightly different as they identify new needs and requirements. Use a comparison site to explore the options available.