Compare Business Banking Current Accounts | NatWest Business (2024)

Business bank accounts

On this page

See how we compare

Already a business customer?

Whatever stage your business is at, we’re here to help you thrive

With NatWest business accounts, you'll get:

  • Free accounting softwareto simplify invoicing and cashflow, withFreeAgent(free for customers who retain their business account, specific account eligibility apply)
  • Access to borrowing optionsthat could help you grow (Security may be required. Product feesmay apply. Over 18s only. Subject tostatus, business use only, not available to Mettle customers)
  • The ability to bank anywhere– online, on your mobile 24/7, or at our network of branches or local Post Office (branch and Post Office banking not available to Mettle customers)
  • Help when you need itby talking to us through secure messaging in-app or online

Free banking for 24 months when you switch your business account to us

If you've got an annual turnover of up to £2m and switch your account to us using the full Current Account Switch Service, we'll give you 24 months of free business banking.

Everything will be moved acrossfrom your old account to your new account for you, all within 7 working days, including Direct Debits and Standing Orders.

Switch offer is not available to customers switching a Royal Bank of Scotland or Ulster Bank business current account to NatWest.

Current Account Switch Guarantee(PDF, 40KB)

Your Guide to switching your account to us(PDF, 2.3MB)

How does switching work?

Free banking means the charges for the day to day running of your account (known as your service charge) won’t apply during the free banking period.Charges for unarranged borrowing, Bankline, international payments and any additional services are not part of the free banking offer. At the end of the free banking period, you’ll be automatically moved to the Standard Tariff. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time. Not currently available for Mettle accounts.

Which business bank account is right for you?

The below products are available to eligible customers, over 18 who have the right to be self employed in the UK. Specific account and service eligibility criteria apply.

App available to customers with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

Our business bank account for start-ups

New business? A NatWest account with extra support for your start-up, plus free banking on everyday transactions for 24 months*

For businesses trading less than a year with turnover of less than £1m

Free programmes that could help you grow and support that could help you run your business better (some services available to customers and non-customers)

Connect with experts who could take you further and help achieve your goals sooner

*Charges for unarranged borrowing, Bankline, international payments and any additional services are not part of the free banking offer. At the end of your 24-month free banking period, you’ll start to incur fees for your everyday transactions.We reserve the right to change or withdraw the start up offer without prior notice.

See our Start-up account

Existing business?

A NatWest account for big ambitions, with no minimum monthly charge - only pay for what you use

For businesses with turnover above £1m trading under or over a year, or turnover below £1m trading for over a year

A dedicated Relationship Manager to look after your business (turnover and eligibility criteria apply)

Explore our Business account

Self-employed?

Free mobile business bank account

For sole traders or limited companies with up to two owners who have a balance of less than £100k (£50k for sole traders), and are a UK-based company with owners who are UK residents (eligibility criteria apply)

100% free – no hidden costs or transaction fees

You won’t have access to credit or borrowing options

To get FreeAgent for free, all you have to do is make at least one transaction a month from your Mettle account. If you don’t make one transaction a month, or if your Mettle account is closed and you continue to use FreeAgent then theFreeAgent fees will apply.

Discover Mettle

Charity, club or other non-profit?

Learn about our NatWest Community account

Existing NatWest personal or business banking customers are eligible to apply for free banking if your community account's annual credit turnover is less than £100,000 and remains at this level

Everyday support from texts and email alerts

Authorise up to four individual signatories

See our Community account

What you need to know before you apply for a NatWest bank account...

How long does it take to open an account?

A new account usually takes around 5-10 days to open, though if any of the following apply to your application, we may need extra information from you and this could impact the opening timelines:

  • You have more than 2 individuals detailed as owners/officials
  • You take cash payments
  • You undertake overseas transactions
  • You are a Club, Society, Charity, Non Personal Trust (we are unable to open accounts for Personal Trusts)
The application process
  • Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll get a thank you email
  • If any information is missing, you will be contacted by phone or email and the application will not progress until the information is received
  • Unless you are a single party, you will be required to complete a mandate, possibly a tax declaration and acknowledge Business account terms. These documents can be completed digitally via Adobe e-sign
  • Once your account is open, we’ll send you an email with the account details. Your debit card and Online details will arrive shortly after.
  • If we’re unable to progress your application for any reason, we will notify you by email.
Are there any ways to make the process quicker?
  • Give us a detailed description of your business in your application
  • If you’re a start-up, provide a realistic estimate on your turnover. We know this can be challenging, but your best estimate is fine.
  • Provide clear and detailed information particularly in the trading activity section within the application
  • Make sure any additional parties linked to the account return the required documents
  • If we ask for anything else via email or phone after you’ve submitted your application, then check you’ve done or sent it
  • For personal identification after the application, read the onscreen prompts within HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to understand what documents are valid
  • Use theapplication hubwithin our online system to check for updates
What are the most common reasons business account applications are rejected?
  • Incorrect or expired documents
  • Incomplete or limited information on your business
  • Adverse credit score
  • Dishonesty and fraud
  • Certain business types and countries you are linked with

Already started a NatWest application?

Log in and check the status of your application in ouronline application centre

Use the same details that you created when you applied for your business account. If you haven’t already set up access to your online application centre, you cancreate a login now

What you need to open a NatWest business bank account

Participating providers of UK business bank accounts have agreed to a basic set of information that they will need from you to set up your UK business current account. Find out what you’ll need to provide using the simplebusiness banking checklistfrom UK Finance, the UK’s leading trade association for financial services.

See how our business bank accounts compare

If you’d like to see how our Business Bank account products stack up against the others in the market, you can compare them at the following websites (suggested by the UK Government's Competition and Markets Authority):

Swoop Funding

Funding Xchange

Funding Options

Alternative Business Funding

Switch to us from another bank

The Current Account Switch service will do all the work for you,moving everything across from your old account to your new account, all within 7 working days, including Direct Debits and standing orders. Simply apply for any of our business accounts and tell us you’re switching. Then choose which Switch service you need and give us your details.

Current Account Switch Guarantee(PDF, 40KB)

Your Guide to switching your account to us(PDF, 2.3MB)

How does the Switch service work?

The Current Account Switch service is not currently available for Mettle.

Business savings accounts

We’ve raised our rates across our savings account range. As an example, ourLiquidity Manager 95-day Notice Account now has an interest rate of 4.00%/3.93% AER/Gross p.a. (variable).

Eligibility criteria apply. Interest rates are subject to variation. Early withdrawals from the Liquidity Manager Notice Accounts are not permitted.

View all business savings accounts

Tyl by NatWest

Use our simple solution, Tyl, to take payments in-store, online or over the phone (eligibility and fees apply.)

Explore Tyl

Have a look at some of our service measures

If you want to see how we have performed on key service areas, you can get a detailed view here.

NatWest performance indicators (PDF, 58KB)

How fees work on our business bank accounts

Business accounts can often seem complicated when it comes to charges. We’re here to help you find ways to save and learn more about what you’re charged for. And although NatWest start-up business account holders don’t pay transaction fees for the first 24 months anyway, it’s always worth understanding how you can reduce your charges after that period ends.

Some ways to manage your account charges

Useful info about our NatWest business accounts

What happens after we open your business account?

Asked for a debit card? It’ll arrive in the next few days

Activate your card to pay bills, take out and pay in cash

Chosen the option for online banking in your application? We’ll send you detailed instructions on how to activate it after your account is open

Activated your online banking? Now you can order a card reader and get our mobile banking app*

Didn’t select the option for online banking? It’s easy to apply after your account is open. Find out more about online banking

If you’ve requested Bankline, a member of the Bankline team will be in touch to discuss this service once your current account is open.

Applied for a currency account(s)? You’ll receive your currency account(s) details within a few days after your current account has been opened

*Our app is available to all online banking customers with a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. Fingerprint login is available on selected devices.

Can I switch banks after taking out a loan?

You are able to switch your Business Current Account or your business banking to another provider while retaining your business loan with us. We may require you to open a fee free loan servicing account and will confirm if this is required as part of the switching process. A fee-free Loan Servicing Account is not a Business Current Account. This account will purely be used to facilitate your loan and will be free of any transaction charges.

Applied for a business credit card or a business plus credit card? What’s next?

We’ll start processing your application as soon as we’ve opened your current account. First we’ll carry out our standard lending and security checks, then let you know our decision shortly afterwards.

If your application is successful, we’ll send out your welcome pack, card and PIN, separately in the post. This process normally takes 10-12 working days, after we’ve opened your current account.

We’ll let you know your agreed credit limit right away. You can also apply to change this limit as soon as we’ve opened your account.

If you’ve got any questions about your credit card, please contact us on:

0345 301 6263

Relay UK: 180010345 301 6263

Monday – Friday, between 8am – 6pm

What is a Loan Servicing Account?

A loan servicing account is only required if you are currently in the process of applying for a business loan and you do not have or wish to have a business current account with us.

This account will only enable you to deposit funds with the bank to meet your monthly loan repayment. It CAN NOT be used to support day to day business transactions like taking payments from customers or making payments to suppliers and for this you will need to apply for a business current account.

If you have business current account with us you will be able to apply for loans and overdrafts in the future without the need to open an additional loan servicing account.

Additional support for your business

It pays to have a business plan

Every successful business starts with a plan. We have six key do’s and don’ts and tips on how to write yours.

More about business plans

Five successful growth strategies

Our experts have put together five ways to help ensure your business is a success. We think its essential reading.

See our growth strategies

10 micro-improvements for your business

Small changes can make a big difference. We’ve got ten tips that we think every business should read.

Read our 10 tips for improvement

Something else we can help you with?

Compare Business Banking Current Accounts | NatWest Business (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between current account and business account? ›

Business Bank Accounts allow business owners to document and track their expenses, organise their cash flow and allow for easier calculations of tax liabilities. A current account for business, therefore, allows for deposits, withdrawals and contra transactions.

What are the 4 most common type of business bank accounts? ›

Common business accounts include a checking account, savings account, credit card account, and a merchant services account. Merchant services accounts allow you to accept credit and debit card transactions from your customers.

How many business bank accounts should a business have? ›

Interest Maximization

For reserve accounts, it is best to get the maximum interest on those funds. Find banks with high yield savings accounts and put reserves there. At minimum, two bank accounts is ideal. More than two is likely unnecessary until a business gets larger.

What different bank accounts should a business have? ›

5 Bank Accounts Every Small Business Owner Needs
  • First Bank Account - Business Operating Account. This is usually the first bank account you will open. ...
  • Second Bank Account - Cash Reserve Account. ...
  • Third Bank Account - Payroll Account. ...
  • Forth Bank Account - Tax Reserve Account. ...
  • Fifth Bank Account - Marketing & Growth Account.

What is a business current account? ›

A business bank account is a bank account that's used only for business transactions rather than personal finances. It can be opened in the name of the business, allowing payments to be made and received using the business's name. Business bank accounts operate in a similar manner to personal bank accounts.

Why do business people prefer a current account? ›

One of the fundamental benefits of current accounts is the absence of transaction limits. This happens in two ways: You don't have limits on the amount of any transaction. You can make any number of transactions in a month, whatever way you prefer – online transfers, cheques, demand drafts, pay orders, or cash.

What are the different kinds of business accounts? ›

Common types of business bank accounts include checking, savings, certificates of deposit, and money market accounts. Depending on the account, there may be monthly fees, withdrawal limits, and/or minimum deposits.

Can an LLC have multiple business bank accounts? ›

As the owner of an LLC or a corporation, you will have to pay bills that you normally would not have to deal with as a sole proprietor. As a result, the law requires you to open multiple business bank accounts for each separate business. You may try to use the same account - but it will be against the law.

Should I have all my business accounts with one bank? ›

Maintaining multiple bank accounts will show financial institutions that you are managing your finances responsibly. Many lenders won't consider approval without a dedicated business checking or savings account in place. With strong recordkeeping, you can quickly showcase your account management and organization.

Can one LLC have multiple bank accounts? ›

You can open as many business bank accounts as you want, provided you meet the institutions' requirements. Brian O'Connor is a freelance writer, specializing in finance, business strategy and digital marketing.

What bank is best suited for small businesses? ›

Best Banks for Small Business
Bank/institutionNerdWallet rating▼Learn more
Wells Fargo Initiate Business Checking℠ Account Read review4.0/5 Best for Branch access and business loansRead review
Capital One Business Basic Checking® Read review3.5/5 Best for Unlimited checking account transactionsRead review
8 more rows

How do I choose a business account? ›

How to choose a business bank account
  1. online, mobile and telephone banking.
  2. availability of in branch banking.
  3. debit and credit cards.
  4. loan and overdraft facilities.
  5. interest rates and overdraft charges.
  6. level of monthly fees.
  7. foreign currency services.
  8. additional account charges such as for cheques and statements.
Jan 4, 2023

Does it matter what bank I use for my business? ›

Banks differ in the financial products and services they offer to small businesses and start-ups. Fees, lending options, and perks may vary widely. These are 10 things you should consider when shopping for a bank to meet your business needs.

Can I use my current account as a business account? ›

Bear in mind though that your bank's terms and conditions may mean that you can't use a personal bank account for business transactions. If you run a limited company, a separate business bank account is not a legal requirement, but it is recommended.

What are the disadvantages of a business current account? ›

Demerits/Disadvantages of a Current Account
  • No Interest on Deposits: The money put in this account, unlike Savings Accounts, does not accrue interest. ...
  • For transactions involving current accounts, some banks impose transaction fees and do not provide free transactions.
Feb 11, 2023

Is a business account a personal current account? ›

A business bank account helps you manage your incomings and outgoings whether you're a director of a company or a sole trader. It also means you'll keep business finances separate from personal finances, which will be a godsend when it comes to anything related to the accounts.

Is business account saving or current? ›

Open Savings Account
Current AccountSavings Account
PurposeUsed for businessBuild emergency funds
Required BalanceHigh minimum required BalanceLow minimum required balance
Normally used forUsed for paying bills and business transactionsUsed for salary accounts
Suitable forBusiness PeopleIndividuals
2 more rows

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 5930

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.