NerdWallet Logo

Switching Business Bank Accounts

Offers from 10 providers, including:

19 products

Commission earned affects the table sort order. Other products may be available. Find out more

    • Virgin Money logo

      Virgin Money M Account for Business

      • Monthly Fee
        Free
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Free
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
    • Virgin Money logo

      Virgin Money Business Current Account

      • Monthly Fee
        25 months free, £6.50 thereafter
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Free for 25 months
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online, Branch
    • 1 more from Virgin Money
    • HSBC logo

      HSBC Kinetic Current Account

      • Monthly Fee
        12 months free, £6.50 thereafter
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Free Direct Debit & Internal Transfers
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App
    • Access to discounted services via key partners, worth over £5000**
      Barclays logo

      Barclays Business Bank Account (<£400k turnover)

      • Monthly Fee
        12 months free, £8.50 thereafter
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Free
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Branch, Online
      Access to discounted services via key partners, worth over £5000** **Terms and conditions apply per partner, see partner website for details.
    • Revolut Business logo

      Revolut Free Business Account

      • Monthly Fee
        Free
      • UK Bank Transfers
        5 free per month, 20p thereafter
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
    • One month without subscription fees
      Revolut Business logo

      Revolut Grow Business Account

      • Monthly Fee
        From £19/month
      • UK Bank Transfers
        100 free per month, 20p thereafter
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
      One month without subscription fees Get one month of a paid plan without subscription fees. T&Cs apply
    • One month without subscription fees
      Revolut Business logo

      Revolut Scale Business Account

      • Monthly Fee
        From £79/month
      • UK Bank Transfers
        1,000 free per month, 20p thereafter
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
      One month without subscription fees Get one month of a paid plan without subscription fees. T&Cs apply
    • One month without subscription fees
      Revolut Business logo

      Revolut Enterprise Business Account

      • Monthly Fee
        Contact Revolut for details
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Contact Revolut for details
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
      One month without subscription fees Get one month of a paid plan without subscription fees. T&Cs apply
    • 3 more from Revolut Business
    • £50 Voucher when you open a Tide business bank account
      Tide logo

      Tide Business Bank Account

      • Monthly Fee
        Free
      • UK Bank Transfers
        20p
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
      £50 Voucher when you open a Tide business bank account - Complete the application and spend £100 within 30 days and Tide will give you a £50 voucher to spend with one of their participating partners. Enter code £50VOUCHER when you sign up. T&Cs apply
      Copy offer code
    • Tide logo

      Tide Plus Business Bank Account

      • Monthly Fee
        £9.99
      • UK Bank Transfers
        20 free per month, 20p thereafter
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
    • Tide logo

      Tide Pro Business Bank Account

      • Monthly Fee
        £18.99
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Free
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
    • Tide logo

      Tide Cashback Business Bank Account

      • Monthly Fee
        £49.99
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Free
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
    • 3 more from Tide
    • Tax Calculation & Filing from £3 p/m
      ANNA Money logo

      ANNA Money Pay as you go

      • Monthly Fee
        Free
      • UK Bank Transfers
        20p
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
      Tax Calculation & Filing from £3 p/m for 3 months. £24 p/m thereafter. Calculate and file your taxes automatically. Best for limited companies
    • Tax Calculation & Filing from £3 p/m
      ANNA Money logo

      ANNA Money - Business

      • Monthly Fee
        £14.90
      • UK Bank Transfers
        50 free per month, 20p thereafter
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
      Tax Calculation & Filing from £3 p/m for 3 months. £24 p/m thereafter. Calculate and file your taxes automatically. Best for limited companies
    • Tax Calculation & Filing from £3 p/m
      ANNA Money logo

      ANNA Money - Big Business

      • Monthly Fee
        £49.90
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Free
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
      Tax Calculation & Filing from £3 p/m for 3 months. £24 p/m thereafter. Calculate and file your taxes automatically. Best for limited companies
    • 2 more from ANNA Money
    • Free banking on everyday transactions for the first 2 years
      NatWest logo

      NatWest Business Bank Account (Standard Tariff)

      • Monthly Fee
        Free
      • UK Bank Transfers
        Free for 2 years, 35p thereafter
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
      Free banking on everyday transactions for the first 2 years Available for businesses trading for <1 year with a turnover of <£1m registered for income or corporation tax in the UK. Other fees & charges may apply. Standard Tariff applies after the free banking period. To apply you must be 18+, owner or director of the business and can’t have been declared bankrupt or received a County Court Judgement or Court Decree.
    • Zempler Bank (formerly Cashplus) logo

      Zempler Bank (formerly Cashplus) Business Go Account

      • Monthly Fee
        Free
      • UK Bank Transfers
        3 free per month, 30p thereafter
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
    • Card One Money logo

      Card One Money Business Account

      • Monthly Fee
        £12.50
      • UK Bank Transfers
        30p
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Online
    • Free accounting software available to business account holders
      Bank of Scotland logo

      Bank of Scotland Switcher Account

      • Monthly Fee
        12 months free, £8.50 thereafter
      • UK Bank Transfers
        100 electronic payments out free per month
      • Overdraft
      • Access
        App, Branch, Online
      Free accounting software available to business account holders You must be registered for Business Internet Banking or Commercial Banking Online. UK based businesses only

Our comparison service features a selection of providers from whom we receive commission. This table is initially ordered according to our commercial arrangements. Use the sorting options at the top of the comparison table to order by other criteria.

Switch your business bank account

Switching business bank accounts has never been easier thanks to support from the UK government and banking industry. Back in 2013, the government launched the Current Account Switch Service to encourage customers to shop around. The service aims to make switching your current account easy and stress-free and includes bank accounts for small businesses.

The switching service boosts healthy competition in UK banking. For customers, this means lower prices, fairer terms and better service. For many business owners, the benefits of switching can outweigh staying with a provider you’ve been with for years.

What is the Current Account Switch Service?

The Current Account Switch Service was established in 2013 to make it easier for consumers to switch their current accounts and to open up the banking market.

Switching – including accounts for small businesses – should be simple. Banks and building societies signed up to the scheme can complete the switch in seven working days. This includes moving your direct debits, standing orders and any remaining balance to your new account.

What is the Current Account Switch Guarantee?

The Current Account Switch Guarantee is the set of promises made by account providers signed up to the Current Account Switch Service. The guarantee includes promises to:

  • complete the switch in seven working days
  • offer the service for free
  • redirect your incoming payments, such as your salary or one-off payments made to your old account
  • move your outgoing payments, such as standing orders and direct debits
  • transfer your existing balance into your new account

The Guarantee also ensures that if you are mischarged interest or fees because something goes wrong with the switch, this amount will be refunded to you.

Pros and cons of switching your business banking

Should you switch? Some common reasons people switch their business banking include:

  • To match what your business needs

If your business has changed, the way you bank might benefit from changing too. For example, if you no longer need a branch service, or to pay in cash or cheques regularly, then a digital-only account might now be an option for you.

  • To get a better deal

You could save money or pick up an attractive incentive to switch.

  • To integrate your account with your accountancy software

You might want to switch if you or your accountant is using a software system, such as QuickBooks, Sage or Xero, but your existing account isn’t compatible.

  • To use services not offered by your current provider

Providers are offering more features to make your finance admin quicker and easier. You might want to switch to get features, such as invoicing, receipt logging or sub-accounts you can use to put money aside for tax or wages. Or perhaps you’d like access to customer service via an app or by email.

And here are some common reasons why people decide not to switch:

  • You have to learn how to use a new system

A new account with a new provider means learning new processes and a new online banking system.

  • You need to tell customers to use your new details

You’ll need to update your invoice template and give your new details to everyone who makes transfers to you. If you use the Current Account Switch Service, your existing provider will redirect payments from your old account to your new one indefinitely and contact anyone who makes a transfer into your old account to give them your new account details. But in terms of your relationship with your customers, it’s best if you let them know the new details.

  • You have to update your web payments

Web browsers, mobile systems and shopping sites offer to save your details when you’re buying online. If you’ve stored your details to make online purchasing easier, you’ll need to set them up again if you switch accounts.

  • You have to update your recurring card payments

A recurring payment on your debit or credit card is called a ‘continuous payment authority’ (CPA). This type of payment isn’t switched by the Current Account Switch Service. CPAs are common for services such as mobile or broadband, and for membership subscriptions and insurance. You’ll need to inform the services you’re paying by CPA that your details have changed. If you don’t do anything, it’s likely that your payment will fail, and you might lose access to services or subscriptions. Your service provider may try to take the payment again or contact you to ask for alternative payment details, but it’s best to proactively update these beforehand so you don’t risk disruption.

How to switch business bank accounts


  1. Weigh up the pros and cons of switching

    Read through the pros and cons we’ve listed above to help decide whether to switch your account.

  2. Compare business accounts to find the best deal

    Get stuck into some research. You can start by using our comparison table below to find deals for business accounts.

    If you want to take advantage of the Current Account Switch Service, check which providers are signed up.

  3. Apply and switch

    When you’re ready to switch, the first step is to apply for an account with the new provider.

    If your new provider is signed up to the Current Account Switch Service, it’s likely it will ask you if you want to use the service when you apply. Expect it to take seven working days for the new bank to arrange the switch. Then, on the date you pick, your new account will be ready to use with your existing scheduled payments (direct debits and standing orders) transferred to the new account. Repeated incoming payments such as your salary will also be moved over.

    If your provider isn’t part of the Current Account Switch Service, you’ll need to cancel your existing scheduled payments and set them up on your new account.

    Regardless of whether or not you use the Current Account Switching Scheme, you'll need to:

    • download any statements you need from your old account – your bank will also send your statements from the past five years
    • update your invoice template with your new details
    • tell customers to use your new details
    • update any companies you’re paying by CPA
    • update your saved payment details next time you buy online
  4. Check your old account

    If you’ve switched using the Current Account Switch Service, your old account will be closed automatically. Check your post and email for notifications.

    If you didn’t use the Current Account Switch Service and you want to close the old account, you’ll need to ask your old provider to do this.

  5. Review your business banking regularly

    It’s a good idea to review your business banking at least once a year to make sure you’re getting the service you need. You could set a recurring reminder in your calendar or if you have an accountant, you could ask them to keep an eye on your account to make sure you’re getting value for money.

How long does it take to switch business bank accounts?

For business accounts covered by the Current Account Switch Service, banks and building societies promise to complete the entire switching process in seven working days.

You’ll need to apply for an account with your new provider and inform them that you want to use the switching service (often you will be asked about this during the application process).

You can then pick a date for the switch – it must be a weekday in at least seven working days’ time, and not a weekend or bank holiday. Your new bank will do the rest. You don’t need to inform your old bank. If you’re switching to a provider that isn’t covered by the Current Account Switch Service, it is likely to take longer than seven working days to switch accounts.

Once your new account is open, you’ll need to do the switch yourself: cancel existing scheduled payments and set them up again on the new account, transfer across money in the old account, inform your customers and so on.

Do I have to close my existing account when I open a new business bank account?

If you use the Current Account Switch Service, your old provider will automatically close your existing account for you after they have transferred all the money and scheduled payments (direct debits and standing orders) to your new account.

So if you want the option to keep your old account open, you can’t use the Current Account Switch Service, and will need to arrange the switch yourself.

Will I be charged a penalty fee if I switch business accounts?

You shouldn't be charged a penalty to switch accounts but you’ll need to clear any debts with your existing provider before you can close your account.

Can I switch business bank accounts if I have an overdraft?

If you have an overdraft with your existing bank, you can use the Current Account Switch Service. You will need to check whether your new bank will match your existing overdraft facilities and will allow you to transfer the money you owe to your new account.

Switching Business Bank Accounts FAQs

Can I switch my business bank account?

Switching business bank accounts isn’t only possible, it has been made easier by the UK government and banking industry.

In the past, switching was a complicated process but the Current Account Switch Service has made it much easier and there is more choice than ever.

Is switching business bank accounts worth it?

You may consider moving your business account to another bank. Other providers may have features or services that are not offered by your current provider, so it can be worth shopping around to find a business account that works for you.

Featured brands