Online business bank accounts in the UK
Find an online bank account for your small business
Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer or limited company, online business accounts make it easier to track spending, make payments and stay on top of cash flow.
See online accounts from trusted UK providers
Compare fees, features and more with ease
Choose the account that suits your business best
Our best online business bank accounts – October 2026
Revolut Business Basic Account
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Permanent UK Resident |
Virgin Money M Account for Business
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Permanent UK Resident |
Virgin Money Business Current Account
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Permanent UK Resident |
Starling Bank Business Account
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Maximum balance | Unlimited |
| Permanent UK Resident |
Monzo Business Lite Account
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Permanent UK Resident |
Allica Bank Business Rewards Account - for over £250,000 turnover
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Permanent UK Resident |
Barclays Business Account (up to £400k turnover)
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Permanent UK Resident |
Barclays Business Account (£400k - £6.5m turnover)
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Permanent UK Resident |
Barclays Business Account for Start-Ups
More Information
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1.00 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Permanent UK Resident |
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What is an online business bank account?
An online business bank account is a type of account that can be opened and managed digitally via an app or online banking. It operates in the same way as a traditional business bank account, letting you make payments, receive income and manage cash flow, but without the need for branch visits.
Online business accounts may be:
App-only accounts offered by digital banks and fintechs
Digital-first accounts with no physical branches
Traditional business accounts that offer comprehensive online and mobile banking
Most online business bank accounts allow you to send and receive payments, monitor your balance in real time, download statements and connect to accounting software - all from the convenience of your phone or laptop.
Features to look for in the best online business accounts
Online business accounts aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some are better suited to everyday banking, while others focus on extra digital tools, so it helps to know what matters most to you.
Fast, fully digital setup
Many online business bank accounts can be opened in minutes, with no paperwork or branch visits. This is especially useful for new businesses that need to get up and running quickly.
Seamless integrations
Some online business accounts can connect directly to accounting software. These integrations can help reduce admin and make it easier to keep on top of tax and bookkeeping.
Low or no monthly fees
Some of the most popular online business accounts are free, with no monthly charges and basic UK transactions included. Always check for limits on free payments or charges for premium features.
Security and protection
Most online business bank accounts use security features like two-factor authentication. Many are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), but coverage can differ depending on the provider, so check before you commit.
Intuitive, easy-to-use app
If you expect to do most of your banking on your phone, the quality of the app matters. Useful features can include real-time balance updates, spending alerts, simple payments and tools for managing who has access to the account.
Responsive customer support
While many providers rely on in-app chat, some online business accounts also offer phone support, which is still a must-have for many UK SMEs.
How to choose the right digital account for your business
Every business is different, so finding the best online account for your business requires some broader thinking.
Assess your business needs
Compare fees and charges
Review features
Check support options
Verify financial protection
Our business expert says...
“Online business bank accounts have transformed the way small businesses manage their finances, offering speed, convenience and low costs. This allows business owners to open an account quickly and handle day-to-day banking entirely from a phone or computer. For many SMEs, the combination of easy-to-use apps, integrated tools and real-time visibility over cash flow makes running a business simpler and more efficient, without sacrificing the core services you’d expect from a traditional bank.”
How to open a business bank account online in the UK
Applying for a business bank account online is straightforward, but it helps to know what you’ll need and what to expect.
1. Pick the right provider
Compare online business accounts to find one that suits your business size, transaction volume and budget.
2. Gather business documents
You’ll typically need a personal ID, proof of address and basic business details. Limited companies may need a Companies House registration number.
3. Apply online or via the app
Most applications are completed online or in-app and take less than 10 minutes.
4. Verify your identity
This often involves uploading ID and completing a quick selfie or video check.
5. Wait for approval
Some online business accounts are opened instantly, while others may take a few days if additional checks are needed.
Benefits and drawbacks of online business bank accounts
Pros
Cons
FAQs
To open an online business account, you’ll usually need:
Personal ID (passport or driving licence)
Proof of address
Business details, like your company registration number if you’re a limited company
Some account providers may also ask for information about your business activities or turnover
Having these documents to hand can make the application process smoother.
Yes, online banking is very safe. Online business accounts use the same security standards as traditional banks, including:
encryption
two-factor authentication
biometric logins for apps
Choosing a provider regulated by the FCA can add an extra layer of reassurance.
It depends on the provider. Some online business accounts can be approved almost instantly, while others may take a few days if additional checks are needed.
Generally, the process is faster than opening a traditional branch-based account.
Yes, most UK-licensed online banks are covered by the FSCS. This protects eligible deposits up to £120,000 per person, per authorised institution.
The way this protection applies depends on your business structure:
Sole traders: Your personal and business deposits with the same bank are combined under a single £120,000 limit because there is no legal distinction between you and your business.
Limited companies: As a separate legal entity, your company receives its own £120,000 limit, even if you also have a personal account with the same bank.
Switching is usually straightforward. Many providers support online switching, and you can often move your incoming and outgoing payments over in just a few steps. However, it’s worth checking if the provider offers support for transferring regular payments and direct debits, especially if you’re moving from a traditional bank.
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