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.