Running a small enterprise in the UK means wearing a lot of hats. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make—right from the start—is choosing the right business bank-account. It affects everything from cash flow and computation to taxes, payroll, and how professional your business looks to clients.
With dozens of providers offering similar-sounding products, it can be hard to cut through the noise. That’s why we’ve done the homework for you.
In this guide, we cover the best business bank-accounts for small-businesses in the UK in 2025—looking at costs, features, ease of use, integrations, and real-life value for businessmens.
1. Why You Need a Business Bank Account
Legally, if you operate as a limited corporation in the UK, you must keep your personal and firm finances separate. A corporation bank-account is a requirement—not an option.
- If you’re a sole trader, it’s not required by law, but it’s still a smart move. Why? Because:
- It simplifies tax returns and bookkeeping
- It gives you a professional image
- It helps with credit, lending, and accounting software
- It keeps HMRC happy
With more digital options than ever, getting a business-account is easy—and you can do it in under 10 minutes in many cases.
2. What to Look for in a Business Bank Account
Before we jump into the rankings, here’s what small-business owners should look for:
- Low (or no) monthly fees
- Fast and simple online setup
- Good customer support
- Instant notifications and card control
- Multi-user access (if you have a team)
- Easy accounting integrations (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks)
- Overdraft or credit options
- Ability to receive international expenses
- Now let’s get into the best business bank-accounts in the UK for 2025.
3. Starling Bank – Best Overall Business Bank
Starling is consistently rated as one of the top enterprise banking options—and for good reason. It offers a full-featured corporation current account with no monthly fee and is fully app-based.
Key Features:
- No monthly account fee
- FSCS protection up to £85,000
- Free UK transfers
- Instant payment notifications
- Digital receipt capture
- Marketplace integrations (Xero, FreeAgent, QuickBooks)
- Euro and USD accounts available
- 24/7 UK-based support
Ideal for:
- Freelancers, sole traders, limited firms
- Startups that want a full-featured current account without hidden fees
- Verdict: Starling is still the gold standard for small firm banking in the UK. No fees, excellent support, and best-in-class app experience.
4. Tide – Best for Fast, Simple Setup
Tide is built from the ground up for small enterprise owners, freelancers, and contractors. Setup is quick (often under 10 minutes), and the app is extremely user-friendly.
Key Features:
- Free basic account
- Fast onboarding with no paperwork
- 24/7 in-app support
- Invoice creation and expense tracking built in
- Credit builder and cashflow tools
- Paid tiers offer more features and priority support
Costs:
- Free basic account
- Paid plans from £9.99/month for additional features and expense tools
Ideal for:
- Sole traders, side hustlers, new enterprises
- Verdict: If you’re just starting out and want speed and simplicity, Tide is one of the best entry-level firm bank-accounts around.
5. Monzo Business-Company – Best for Freelancers and Solopreneurs
Monzo’s personal banking app is already hugely popular—and their enterprise account is just as sleek. It’s perfect for small operators who want clarity and control.
Key Features:
- Free Lite account, or £5/month Pro plan
- Built-in tax pots and budgeting tools
- Xero integration
- Invoice creation
- Smart notifications and spend categorisation
- FSCS protection
Ideal for:
- Freelancers, creatives, consultants
- Verdict: Monzo is a great choice if you already use it personally and want an intuitive, low-hassle business-account.
6. Revolut Business – Best for International Transfers
Revolut’s business product is built for companies working across borders. If you deal with multiple currencies, global clients, or plan to scale internationally, this one’s worth a look.
Key Features:
- Hold and exchange 30+ currencies
- Issue team cards with spend limits
- Automated workflows and approval controls
- Built-in FX and crypto options
- API access and integrations
- IBANs in multiple currencies
Pricing:
- Free basic plan
- Paid plans from £19/month (for growing enterprises)
Ideal for:
- E-commerce enterprises, agencies, remote teams, international contractors
- Verdict: Revolut is perfect if your business is borderless or digital-first. Its international capabilities are unmatched at this price point.
7. HSBC Kinetic – Best Traditional Bank App
HSBC’s Kinetic app aims to bring traditional banking into the 2025 fintech era. It combines the security of a major bank with a smoother mobile experience.
Key Features:
- Setup in minutes from the app
- FSCS protection
- Automatic spending categorisation
- Access to firm overdrafts and loans
- 24/7 fraud monitoring
Fees:
- Free for 12 months, then £6.50/month
Ideal for:
- Enterprises that want a big bank behind them with digital convenience
- Verdict: A great hybrid option—legacy trust meets modern UX. Especially useful if you’re already an HSBC customer.
8. Anna Money – Best for Invoicing and Admin Support
ANNA is more than a bank—it’s like a mini financial assistant. The app helps you stay on top of invoices, tax reminders, and cash flow.
Key Features:
- 24/7 in-app support with real humans
- Free basic account, paid tiers for features
- Tax reminders, invoice chasing, VAT tracking
- Expense tagging
- Integration with major accounting platforms
Fees:
- Free for small corporations
- Paid plans from £4.90/month depends on turnover
Ideal for:
- Time-strapped freelancers or small enterprise owners who hate admin
- Verdict: ANNA is ideal if you want your bank to help with more than just money—think invoices, taxes, and daily financial admin.
9. Metro Bank – Best for In-Person Access
If you still like going into a branch, Metro Bank offers the rare combination of in-branch service with modern tools.
Key Features:
- Extended branch hours, 7 days a week
- Fast setup in-branch
- Free UK transactions
- FSCS protection
- Online and app banking included
Fees:
- £6/month
- Free for balances above £5,000
Ideal for:
- Local businesses, tradespeople, and shop owners
- Verdict: For those who want face-to-face support and physical branches, Metro Bank is still a solid old-school option with modern flair.
10. Cashplus Bank – Best for Poor Credit
Getting rejected for a business account is more common than people think. Cashplus offers a business account with no credit checks, making it ideal for those with limited or poor credit history.
Key Features:
- Instant setup
- No credit checks
- Mastercard and online banking
- FSCS protection
- Credit builder options
Fees:
- £9/month flat fee
Ideal for:
- New businesses, people rebuilding credit, or side hustlers
- Verdict: If you’ve been turned down elsewhere, Cashplus offers a reliable way in.
Final Tips Before You Choose
Choosing the best industry account comes down to what matters most for your enterprise. Ask yourself:
- Do you need global support?
- Will you be using accounting software?
- Do you want in-person access or are you 100% digital?
- Is a monthly fee worth it for extra features?
- Are you planning to scale soon?
- Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to open more than one account. Many small enterprises use Starling or Monzo for day-to-day and Revolut for global expenses.
Final Thoughts
The UK has never had more choice when it comes to small enterprise banking—and that’s a good thing. Whether you want something fast and free, packed with components, or tailored to your niche, there’s a firm bank-account for you.
- In 2025, the best picks are:
- Starling for an all-round excellent experience
- Tide for speed and ease of use
- Revolut for transnational processes
- Monzo for freelancers and solopreneurs
- Anna for hands-off financial admin
- Pick the one that fits your style, syncs with your tools, and makes running your business just a bit smoother.