The best UK business bank accounts offer free banking for sole traders and limited companies — with no monthly fees, free transfers, and modern app-based management. Here are the top picks for 2026.
Best Business Accounts at a Glance
| Bank | Monthly Fee | Free Period | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starling Bank | £0 | Always free | Best overall free account |
| Tide | £0 | Always free | Invoicing + accounting integration |
| Mettle (NatWest) | £0 | Always free | NatWest-backed, simple needs |
| HSBC Kinetic | £0 | 12 months free | High street + digital |
| Barclays | £0 | 12 months free | Branch access needed |
| Lloyds | £0 | 12 months free | Branch access needed |
| Revolut Business | £0–£79/mo | Free plan available | International payments |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Starling | Tide | HSBC Kinetic | Barclays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | £0 | £0 | £0 (12 mo) | £0 (12 mo) |
| UK bank transfers | Free | Free | Free | Free (during intro) |
| Cash deposits | £300/mo free | via PayPoint (fee) | Free at branch | Free at branch |
| Accounting integration | Yes | Yes (built-in) | Yes | Yes |
| Invoicing | No | Yes | No | No |
| International payments | Good rates | Available | Available | Available |
| Branch access | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| App quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
Free vs. Paid: When to Upgrade
| If You Need… | Free Account | Paid Account |
|---|---|---|
| Basic banking + transfers | ✓ | Overkill |
| Cash deposits (regular) | Limited | ✓ (high street bank) |
| International payments | Basic | ✓ (Revolut, Wise) |
| Multiple users/cards | Not usually | ✓ |
| Overdraft facility | Not usually | ✓ (high street) |
| Invoicing built in | Tide only | ✓ |
Sole Trader vs Limited Company
| Feature | Sole Trader | Limited Company |
|---|---|---|
| Legally need separate account? | No (but recommended) | Yes (legally required) |
| Best free option | Starling or Tide | Starling or Tide |
| Accounting complexity | Simple | Needs proper bookkeeping |
| Tax consideration | Keep business income clear | Corporation Tax + payroll |
Bottom Line
Starling Bank is the best all-round free business account for most UK sole traders and limited companies. If you need built-in invoicing, go with Tide. If you need regular cash deposits or branch access, start with HSBC Kinetic, Barclays, or Lloyds during their free introductory period. Separate your business and personal money from day one — your future self (and accountant) will thank you.
See our how to start a business UK or self-employed tax guide for more.
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