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Table of Contents
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- With an instant business account, you could be sending and receiving money in just minutes.
- Many providers offer same-day business bank accounts, so you can pick and choose the best account even if you are in a hurry
- Being organised with your paperwork and application will ensure your account is open as quickly as possible
If you want to hit the ground running with your new business, or you just want quick access to business banking, why not pick an instant business bank account? There is no time like the present to start getting paid, buying the things your business needs and organising your finances.
If you need a business bank account quickly, read on to find your best options and how to find the easiest accounts to open.
Compare the latest business bank accounts from top UK providers, including:
What is a same-day business account?
A same-day or instant business bank account can be opened on the same day as you apply. Some instant business account providers can even set you up with a sort code and account number in minutes. However, you will usually have to wait at least a few days for your new business debit card to arrive in the post.
Other than their convenience, there is nothing functionally different about a same-day business bank account. However, instant company bank accounts tend to be offered by online only business bank account providers.
Their quick and easy account opening process can be ideal if you are a sole trader or freelancer who needs to take payments immediately, or if you simply do not want to deal with waiting around for a provider to approve your application.
Same day business bank accounts
Several providers offer quick and easy access to business banking. Here are some of the quickest to open business accounts you may be able to get. Other providers may be available.
| Instant business bank account providers | Typical account opening speed* | NerdWallet’s star rating |
| SumUp | Under 10 minutes |  |
| ANNA Money | 10 minutes |  |
| Tide | Under 10 minutes for 53% of customers |  |
| Countingup | Under two hours |  |
| Card One Money | Most accounts open within 3 hours |  |
| Zempler Bank | Same day for 99.91% of customers | |
| Starling | Same day for 98% of customers |  |
| Monzo | Same day for 91% of customers |  |
| Revolut | Within 24 hours |  |
*Account opening speeds sourced from providers and correct as of 19/05/2025.
Remember that these are average and advertised account opening speeds. More complex applications, such as those where information is missing or document verification is required, may take longer.
Easiest business bank account to open
Quick does not always mean easy. Identity verification and credit checks are often a key step in the business bank account opening process. This can create a hurdle for business owners with a poor credit score, resulting in rejections or delays.
That means the easiest business bank accounts to open might be those with a quick opening time and no credit checks. These easy to open business bank accounts include Tide, Zempler Bank and ANNA Money.
Check out NerdWallet’s overview of the best business bank accounts with no credit checks for more information.
How quickly can I open a business account?
The amount of time it takes to open a business bank account varies significantly across providers. Generally speaking, opening an account with a traditional bank takes longer, with some applications taking over 100 days, but you can open an account with some challenger banks in as little as a matter of minutes.
Picking a same day or instant business bank account is one part of getting a business account opened quickly. The speed of the rest of the process is down to you. You can ensure your business bank account is open as quickly as possible by doing the following:
- Ensure you are eligible: Different business accounts have different eligibility requirements. For example, some might just be for sole traders, new businesses or businesses with low turnover. Spare yourself a rejection by checking the account is right for your business.
- Prepare your documents: You will normally need to supply ID documents, proof of address and some information about your business as part of your application. Failing to submit the right documents or submitting blurry or otherwise problematic copies can delay approval.
- Apply online or via app: Save yourself a trip to a branch by applying for your business bank account online.
Read NerdWallet’s guides to opening a business bank account or switching business bank accounts to learn more.
Compare business bank accounts
Opening an instant business bank account is simple and quick for most customers. However, if you have not found the bank account you are looking for, you can use NerdWallet’s comprehensive guide to compare business bank accounts.
Review methodology
At NerdWallet UK, we base our reviews and our ‘Best’ pages on the results of surveys we undertook about what was important to people who use these products. This allows us to look at products impartially of any commercial arrangements we have and fairly rate the products on the same set of criteria.
Best means our ‘Best’ and is based only on what products we have aligned to our surveys, which form the basis of our reviews and ratings. This means that there will be other products on the market that we have not included in our ‘Best’ pages. Best does not mean it’s best for you, nor does it mean the ‘cheapest’.
Our reviews may display lenders’ rates. This additional information has not been included in our evaluations but is still very important when choosing a product. Rates offered can depend on circumstances, amount and term. Always check details before proceeding with any financial product.
Product details reflect the information that was available at that time but may have changed since. We strive to give you a review on as many products as possible, but there will be products not included on the market. The review is our opinion, but it does not constitute advice, recommendation or suitability for your financial circumstances.
While we try to provide you with accurate information, the providers can change the terms of their products at any time, therefore it is advisable to check the terms before you proceed.
You can view our full review methodology here.
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About the Author
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