Business bank accounts

October 2024

Tired of being overcharged and underserved on your business bank account? See how Swoop can help you get the best deal today.

For a personalised banking report, and access to tailored funding and savings opportunities for your business, simply register here.

23722Mercury

Account fee

Free

Opening time

10 mins

Bank transfers

Free

Invoicing

done

Overdrafts

close

Calculates taxes & VAT for you automatically

* Swoop’s service features a selection of providers from whom we receive commission.

banks selected

For a personalised banking and saving report tailored to your business, simply register and securely integrate your bank account using open banking technology.

As a smart business no doubt you review your regular suppliers to ensure you’re getting the best value and the best service levels possible.

So why don’t more businesses do this with their banks? The truth is that many businesses are being overcharged – approximately $700 per account – and also underserved by their banks, so we’re here to help put that right.

When it comes to banking, businesses are reluctant to change, fearing hassle, charges, or interruption to services. The good news is that this is no longer the case; it’s a quick and painless process, and switching business current accounts will soon be as common as switching any other service provider. 

Useful tips for choosing a business bank account

To help you find the best current account for your business, it’s worth considering the following points:

Cost: Fees and charges will vary depending on the account you choose. Some business bank accounts charge monthly or annual fees, while others don’t. There may also be charges for certain transactions such as cash payments or international transfers. 

Transaction limits: Some banks offer a set number of free transactions per month and anything over this will be charged a fee. For example, you may be able to carry out five US transfers per month, but if you go over this number you’ll have to pay a fee.

Managing your account: If you’d prefer to be able to go into a branch to pay in cash and cheque payments, you might better off  looking for a bank with a local branch. However, many digital or app-only banks allow you to deposit cash at post office branches (sometimes with a fee).  

Size of business: Some banks offer different account options depending on the size of your business and whether you’re a startup or more established company. Look for an account that’s likely to best serve your business needs.  

Links to accounting software: A number of business bank accounts enable you to link up with accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and more.

Invoicing services: You may also be able to benefit from invoicing services which create and send invoices and help you to better organise your accounts.  

International banking: If you regularly send money overseas or travel abroad, look for an account that offers competitive international transfer fees and low/no fees for using your card abroad.

Overdraft options: Does your business go into its overdraft from time to time? If so, look for an account with a generous overdraft facility and low fees.

Other financial products: If you need other products like a a business loan or a grant. Speak to a Swoop expert to find out your options.

Credit checks: Some app-based providers won’t run a credit check as part of the application process which can make them a good option for those with bad credit.

Business bank account fees explained

When comparing business bank accounts you’ll need to factor in the cost of any fees – this could be a monthly fee for using the account or a charge for account transactions. It’s therefore important to read the terms and conditions of your chosen account carefully.

Some of the fees you may come across include:

Monthly or annual account fee: This is a flat fee that some bank accounts charge per month or per year simply for having the account. Some banks will waive this fee for the first 12 to 18 months.

Electronic payments (in or out): This includes Faster Payments to other individuals or companies, bill payments, direct debits and standing orders. Some business bank accounts won’t charge you for these transactions, while others might give you a set allowance per month and then charge per transaction if you go over this limit.

Cash or cheque payments (in or out): You could be charged a flat fee or percentage fee for deposits and withdrawals via a bank branch or at a Post Office counter. Some banks also charge for depositing a cheque.

Additional payments and services: This can include services such as making a CHAPs payment or issuing a banker’s cheque.

International transactions: Fees may be charged for international payments, such as a SEPA or SWIFT payment, from your bank account to one overseas, as well as for receiving an international payment into your account. You may also have to pay a fee for purchases or cash withdrawals made on your bank card overseas.

Overdraft charges: Some bank accounts charge an overdraft set-up fee as well as a daily fee, or you may be charged interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are two main reasons you might benefit from either switching bank account or opening an additional account. First – and most obviously – you might be able to find a better deal that will save you money. For example, you might find a bank that will offer you a cheaper overdraft or lower fees. Some of the newer digital accounts have no monthly fee (digital – i.e. you can’t use cheques) and some banks will have introductory offers such as an interest-free overdraft, no monthly charges for a limited period, or free accounting software – though you might still need to pay for things like cash deposits or ATM withdrawals.

Switching banks is comparable to switching energy and broadband providers – sometimes the best deals are only offered to new customers! Second, your business might have grown and your existing provider might not be able to offer the services that you require, for example a larger overdraft facility, specialist support services or better customer services. Whatever your reasons, there is nothing stopping you from switching business bank accounts at any time.

Multi-banking can certainly save you money if, for example, you open an additional account and move the most expensive transactions to it. Some banks, for example, have specialist benefits for businesses that are more digital.

It takes a maximum of seven working days to switch, after you notify your bank account provider.

Yes, any new bank will run a credit check before offering you banking services.

Yes, you can. Some providers (e.g. app-based providers) will let you open a new account if you’ve had credit problems in the past, though it’s unlikely the big US banks will accept you.

Yes. Look at the summary information for the different business bank accounts in the table above. Click on the bank account that most appeals – and the new bank will do almost all the work and walk you through the process. You’d continue to use your old bank account for up to seven days, by which time you’ll have received your new debit card for the new account.

During the seven day ‘handover’, your old bank and your new bank will work together to make sure that any direct debits, standing orders and other transfers are ported over seamlessly to your new current account.

Rest assured this wouldn’t happen. Your previous bank would redirect any payments linked to your current account to your new bank account – this ensures you don’t miss any payments.

If you look at the summary details Swoop has given above for each of our business banking partners, you’ll be able to see what works for you.

There’s only one we can think of but it doesn’t apply if you switch banks via Swoop – some banks might not offer new customer all offers immediately, so do your due diligence.

Business bank accounts are aimed at both startups and established businesses. As with personal bank accounts, you can make deposits and withdrawals, use a debit card for purchases, and apply for an overdraft. The main difference is that for business bank accounts, in addition to monthly or annual fees, most banks will charge you fees per business transaction – so you may have to pay a small fee every time you deposit cash, write a cheque, set up a direct debit or standing order, or make a bank transfer.

First, have a look below at the list of services that business bank accounts usually offer – and see which apply to you:

  • Cash in/out
  • Paying bills
  • Writing and receiving cheques
  • Direct debits and standing orders
  • Online and telephone banking
  • Mobile banking
  • Overdraft (limit vary according to provider and your business)
  • Links to accounting software (e.g. FreeAgent, QuickBooks or Xero) or proprietary bookkeeping software
  • Access to support services and business finance. Second, make sure that the services you want are actually offered by any potential new account before you make the switch or open an additional bank account.

There should be no penalty for switching, but make sure you pay off any debts you have with your existing account provider before you switch (e.g. your overdraft balance or any unpaid bills). It’s also worth double-checking with your provider that there aren’t any circumstances where switches incur a penalty.

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