Business Bank Accounts for Bad Credit

If you’ve had financial challenges, it’s still possible to build a new foundation with a business bank account that won’t consider your credit score during the application process.

I’ll compare the benefits of each account that doesn’t require a credit check so you can make the best decision.  

What is the Best Business Bank Account for Bad Credit?

The best business account for those with bad credit overall is Cashplus Business Extra, offering a blend of accessibility and functionality without requiring a credit check. The Extra account comes with a Credit Builder add-on which even helps you build credit over time.

Tide Business Bank Accounts are particularly suited for new businesses and those undergoing company formation, with their offerings starting from £0, making it easier for startups to get off the ground.

For an all-around account that also doesn’t necessitate a credit check, Revolut Business stands out, with plans beginning at £0, catering to a wide range of business banking needs.

If speed is of the essence, ANNA Money Business Accounts provide a rapid account opening process, also from £0, allowing businesses to get banking services quickly. They also offer a ‘Fast Track for Credit’ with a £9 monthly charge.

Revolut Business Basic Account

Monthly Fee

£0

Bank Transfers

Free

Card Purchases

Free

Overdraft

• Exchange money in 30+ currencies at interbank rates
• Fixed future FX rates
• Free International Transactions
• Crypto-friendly

Access

App & Online

See Deal

More info

Great For

• Ecommerce – Easy integration with Ecommerce via Apps and Plugins
• International payments – Send and receive money from 200 countries
• Block cards or set accounting limits with a tap

But be aware that

• Available for Limited Companies Only
• Accounts do not support cash or cheque deposit

Eligibility Criteria

Your business must have a physical presence in the EEA and Switzerland. Account works for sole traders, freelancers, limited companies, partnerships, LLPs and PLCs.

Cashplus Business Go Account No annual fee!

Monthly Fee

£0

Bank Transfers

30p

Card Purchases

Free

Overdraft

• No Credit Checks Needed
• Free introductory offer saves you £9.95 card issue fee
• UK Based Customer Services

Access

App & Online

See Deal

More info

Why Choose Cash Plus?

• Business Credit Builder Add-On
• Overdrafts of up to 2k
• Pay in via any Post Office

But be aware that

• £9 monthly fee for Business Extra Account
• £2 ATM Use

Eligibility Criteria

Your business must based in the UK. You’ll need verified ID such as passport or driving licence, the registration number of your company at Companies House and proof of business address.

Tide Free Business Account £50 cashback when you open a Tide account *

Monthly Fee

£0

Bank Transfers

20p

Card Purchases

Free

Overdraft

• Our top rated account for small business
• No monthly or annual fees
• Connects with virtually every accounting software

Access

APP & Online

See Deal

More info

Great For

• One of the best Apps in the sector
• No Monthly or Annual Fees
• Easy Invoice Creation Functionality

But be aware that

• Post Office Deposits Cost £1
• 20p charge for transfers between accounts
• 3% charge for cash deposits at Paypoints

Eligibility Criteria 

You must be 18 years or over, a UK resident, and have a valid UK phone number.

To qualify for Tide’s Black Friday Deal and get £100 cashback, all you need to do is spend £500 or more via your new account with them within the first 90 days of opening. This deal is valid from 20/11/2023 – 30/11/2023.

Monzo Business Lite Account

Monthly Fee

£0

Bank Transfers

Free

Card Purchases

£0

Overdraft

• Instantaneous and free bank transfers within the UK
• "Pots" to categorise money for better cash flow management
• Overdrafts available up to £2,000 for sole traders

Access

App & Web

See Deal

More info

Great for

• Top-rated 24/7 support
• Budget and transaction categories to help manage spending habits
• Digital receipts for creating and storing important business information

But be aware that

• Basic version, fewer features than Pro
• No automatic allocation of funds to a “tax pot”
• No integration with accounting software like Quickbooks, Xero, or FreeAgent​ on Lite account

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a sole trader or the director of a registered limited company by shares (Ltd), based in the UK.

If you’re a limited company, your company must have an active status on Companies House, an active company director, at least one person of significant control listed on Companies House, less than 25% of persons of significant control or directors being corporate entities, make money mostly from selling goods and/or providing services (not mostly from interest or investment income), and be a tax resident in the UK only​.

ANNA Money Business Pay as You Go Account

Monthly Fee

£0

Bank Transfers

20p

Card Purchases

Free

Overdraft

• All in one business account and tax App
• Sign up in 10 minutes
• Pay as You Go Account is Free
• £1 per cash withdrawal

Access

App Only

See Deal

More info

Great For

• Instant Invoice Generation
• Good customer service via Live Chat
• Xero Integration
• Easy VAT submission to HMRC via App

But be aware that

• To open a business account, you’ll need a photo of your full driving licence or a photo of your valid passport.
• You can apply from outside the UK, but only if you’re a UK resident
• Anna carry out an identity check for new acccounts but not a credit check

Eligibility Criteria

You need a UK residential address to open an account. This account isn’t open to charities.

What are the Top UK Business Accounts With No-Credit Checks?

Cashplus

(Best Account for Building Credit)

• Cost: Business Go has no monthly fee, and Business Extra is £9 per month.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be resident in the UK, aged 18+; businesses need to be based in the UK.
• Overdraft: A small overdraft of up up to £2,000 ready is available to eligible customers
• Cash Deposits: Yes, available at any UK Post Office branch with instant access to deposited funds.
• FSCS Protected: Yes, up to £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
• Additional Features:
  • Fast account number and sort code issuance online.
  • Contactless business Mastercard, personalised with your business name, delivered within 3-5 business days upon approval.
  • Centralised account management system for employee and business expense cards or travel cards.
  • 24/7 account management via the Cashplus banking app or online banking.
  • Business Creditbuilder for improving business credit score (available with Business Extra accounts).
  • Integration with the Cashplus API for application connectivity.
  • UK-based customer service team.
  • Up to 20 additional cards for employees for simplified expense management.
  • 24-hour fraud monitoring for security.

Read our full article on Cashplus Business Bank Account Review

Tide Business Banking

(No Credit Checks)

• Cost: Varies by account type. Free account: £0 per month. Plus: £9.99 + VAT per month. Pro: £18.99 + VAT per month. Cashback: £49.99 + VAT per month.
• Eligibility: Directors of companies registered with UK Companies House or sole traders with a valid UK residential address, registered with HMRC, aged 18+, with a UK phone number and a device registered to a UK App or Google Play store. Certain higher-risk businesses are excluded.
• Overdraft: Not currently offered.
• Cash Deposits: Yes, at Post Office (£2.50 for deposits up to £500 or 0.5% for over £500) and PayPoints (3% charge).
• FSCS Protected: Yes, up to £85,000 (except e-money accounts).
• Additional Features:
  • Bank transfers: £0.20/transfer on Free account; allowances on Plus and Cashback accounts & unlimited on Pro account.
  • ATM withdrawals: £1.
  • Up to 35 expense cards for your team, with individual spending limits (cost varies by account).
  • Scheduled payments, read access for staff members, and accounting integrations across all accounts.
  • Exclusive features for paid accounts include priority support, 24/7 legal helpline, dedicated account managers (Cashback account), and 0.5% cashback on purchases with the Tide card (Cashback account).
  • Integration with accounting software and services like GoCardless for Direct Debit.
  • Boost your business credit score over 12 months with Credit Builder

Read our full article on Tide Business Bank Accounts

Revolut Business Account

(No hard or soft credit checks when you open a business account)

• Cost: Free for the Free account; Grow from £19/month; Scale from £79/month; Enterprise, custom pricing. Additional fees for certain transactions and services.
• Eligibility: Available to Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, or Partnerships in eligible countries. Sole traders can sign up for a freelancer account. Restrictions apply to certain business types and residents outside eligible countries.
• Overdraft: Not available.
• Cash Deposits: Not supported.
• FSCS Protected: No, as Revolut is not a bank yet but plans to apply for a British banking license.
• Additional Features:
  • Multi-currency account with the ability to receive, hold, and exchange money in over 30 currencies at interbank rates.
  • Fixed future FX rates and free international transactions.
  • Crypto-friendly for buying, holding, and selling Bitcoin and Ether.
  • Virtual and physical cards available, with spending controls for team members.
  • Centralised team spending and smart invoicing capabilities.
  • API access for business automation and integration with accounting software.
  • 24/7 customer support with a promise to refund your monthly subscription if response time exceeds 10 minutes.

Read our full Revolut business review

Anna Money Business Account

(No Credit Checks)

• Cost: Pay as You Go account is free; £14.90 + VAT per month for the Business account; Big Business account starts at £49.90 + VAT per month, depending on requirements.
• Eligibility: Aimed at startups, freelancers, sole traders, and small companies. No credit check required for opening an account.
• Overdraft: Not available.
• Cash Deposits: Deposit funds at thousands of locations; specific fees may apply.
• FSCS Protected: No, but safeguards your money.
• Additional Features:
  • Virtual and co-worker debit cards available immediately after signup.
  • Real-time updates on payments in and out of the account.
  • Free direct debits on all plans.
  • Scheduled payments feature.
  • Cashback on certain business expenses.
  • FastTrack to Credit service available for a monthly fee to help boost credit scores.
  • ANNA Pay in 3 for spreading repayment for business purchases over three months.
  • Integrates with Xero and allows easy VAT submission to HMRC via the app.
  • Includes a receipt scanner and offers a free payroll service for directors.

Read our full article on Anna Business Bank Account

Wise for Business

(No Credit Checks)

• Cost: No monthly fee. Variable charges for card purchases and bank transfers. One-time fee of £45 to open a Wise business account.
• Eligibility: Designed for businesses making or receiving international payments. Available to a wide range of business types, including Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, and Partnerships, in over 70 countries.
• Overdraft: Not available.
• Cash Deposits: Not supported.
• FSCS Protected: Funds are safeguarded in line with FCA regulations, but Wise is not a traditional bank and does not offer FSCS protection.
• Additional Features:
  • Quick and easy sign-up process.
  • Allows holding and exchanging money in over 50 currencies with no hidden fees.
  • Local account details in 10 currencies, enabling quick payments from overseas customers.
  • Business debit cards with no foreign transaction fees and 0.5% cashback on eligible purchases.
  • Direct integration with popular accounting software to save time on admin tasks.
  • Dedicated security measures, including 2-factor authentication, to keep your money safe.
  • Batch payment options and API access for automation.
  • No foreign transaction fees and competitive international transfer rates.

Card One Money Business Account

(No Credit Checks)

• Cost: £12.50 monthly fee
• Eligibility: No credit checks; quick application process
• Overdraft: Not offered
• Cash Deposits: Charges apply for depositing cheques; specific details on cash deposits not provided
• FSCS Protected: No, but funds are held in ring-fenced accounts at major UK banks, with Card One Money adhering to FCA regulations for customer funds protection
• Additional Features:
  • Bank Transfers: 30p per transfer
  • Card Purchases: Free
  • Cashback Rewards on spending through the associated Mastercard
  • No charges for failed payments, providing financial flexibility
  • A £55 application fee, refundable if not approved
  • Various charges for additional services like cheque credits, ATM withdrawals, and international transactions

Read our full article on Card One Money Business Bank Account

Counting Up Business Account

(No Credit Checks)

• Cost: Starts at £3/month for deposits up to £750, £9/month for £750 to £7,500 in deposits, and £18/month for deposits over £7,500. Transaction fees apply.
• Eligibility: Available to sole traders and directors of limited companies in the UK. Must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident.
• Overdraft: Not available.
• Cash Deposits: Available at Post Offices and PayPoints, with fees.
• FSCS Protected: No, but funds are safeguarded in accordance with FCA requirements.
• Additional Features:
  • Built-in accounting software for automating bookkeeping and taxes.
  • Real-time insights into business finances.
  • Invoicing and billing system within the app.
  • Automated transaction categorization and receipt capture.
  • Instant notifications for account activity.
  • Ability to create and send invoices directly from the app.
  • Real-time profit and loss reports.
  • Free 3-month trial for new users.

Read our full article on Counting Up Business Bank Account

Monese Business Account

(No credit checks for business owners with bad credit)

• Cost: £9.95 per month for the Classic plan, which includes the features of a GBP business account.
• Eligibility: Available for UK-registered companies with the sole director of the company.
• Overdraft: Not available.
• Cash Deposits: Yes, at over 40,000 PayPoint or Post Office locations across the UK.
• FSCS Protected: Not explicitly stated, but Monese emphasizes the security of funds with features like 3D secure, biometric login, and backend encryption.
• Additional Features:
  • Manage personal and business accounts in one app, with easy switching between accounts.
  • Contactless Mastercard debit card for business use, with generous allowances for global ATM withdrawals and contactless payments.
  • Set up Direct Debits in the UK and make payments via the UK Faster Payments network for free.
  • International money transfers available in over 30 countries, with competitive rates.
  • In-app invoice creation for quick payment requests to clients.
  • Top up the business account with cash at PayPoint or Post Office locations, or via bank transfer between Monese accounts for free.
  • Multi-language support in the app, with 14 languages available.
  • Advanced security measures to protect money, personal data, and accounts.

Can you Get a Business Bank Account With Bad Credit?

It is possible to get a business account in 2024, even with an imperfect credit rating. Many challenger banks are flexible when it comes to credit scores, and some even specialise in serving businesses with adverse ratings.

Typically, these institutions will perform only a “soft credit check” during the application process, which is more like a background check or pre-approval process. With lower operating costs, challenger banks are able to take a different approach to risk management from high street banks. Also, most no-credit accounts don’t offer things like an overdraft.

It’s important to note that even with challenger banks, there are still some requirements that businesses must meet to qualify for an account. For example, you’ll need to provide proof of business registration and ownership and identification documents.

Pros & Cons of a Business Bank Account for Bad Credit

How to Choose the Right Bank Account When You’ve Got Poor Credit?

When selecting the right bank account with poor credit, it’s crucial to first determine the specific functionalities your business requires.

Consider whether you need features like overdraft facilities, in-app invoicing capabilities, compatibility with popular accounting platforms, options for foreign currency transactions, and cash deposit abilities.

Once you’ve isolated a few accounts that meet your requirements, comparing third-party reviews from platforms like Trustpilot will indicate how existing customers feel the bank handles customer service.

Here is some of the functionality you may wish to consider:

1. Low fees: Look for an account with low or no monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, transfer or transaction fees.
2. Essential banking services such as deposit, withdrawal, and in-app cheque scanning.
3. Convenient ATM locations: Consider the availability of ATMs in the locations you will frequent to avoid additional fees.
4. Cash Deposits – Some challenger accounts do not allow cash deposits at all.
5. Customer service: Research the customer service of the account provider to ensure that you will have access to assistance if you have any questions or problems.
6. Security features: Check if the account provider has security features, such as fraud detection and protection, to keep your business’s funds secure.
7. Acceptance: Research the acceptance rate of the debit card offered to ensure that the account will be accepted in the places you conduct business.
8. Transparency in terms and conditions: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the account to ensure that you fully understand any potential fees or limitations.
9. Overdraft facility – This is rarely offered with a no-credit account, though one provider, Cashplus, does so after a certain period has elapsed and if you meet their criteria.
10. Accounting Software Integration – Some providers, such as Anna offer their own accounting platform as part of the account, while others integrate with software such as Xero and Freeagent. If you have a preference, ensure the account allows for it.

6 Steps to Open a No Credit Check Account

1. Research and compare different providers of no-credit-check business accounts to find the one that best fits your needs.
2. Review the terms and conditions: Review the account’s terms and conditions and ensure you fully understand them before signing up.
3. Gather required documentation: Collect the documentation required by the account provider, such as a government-issued ID, proof of business ownership, and proof of address.
4. Complete the application: Fill out the account application, which will typically include personal and business information, and submit it to the provider.
5. Verify your identity: Verify your identity by providing the required documentation and undergoing a verification process, which may include an in-person visit or video call.
6. Fund the account: Once it is set up, fund it with the initial deposit or by linking it to an existing account.

Why Challenger Banks are More Likely to Take on Customers with a Bad Credit Score

Challenger banks, also known as digital or online banks, are often more flexible regarding imperfect credit. With lower overhead costs than traditional banks, they can offer competitive rates and greater flexibility. This is because they may use alternative data sources and algorithms to assess creditworthiness rather than relying solely on traditional credit scores. For example, they may consider a customer’s income, spending habits, and banking history.

That being said, it is essential to note that each challenger bank has its own lending policies and requirements. It is ultimately up to the individual bank to decide whether to lend to a customer with a bad credit score. It is always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of a lender before applying for a bank account to ensure that you understand the requirements and the potential risks and rewards.

Do Any Bad Credit Bank Accounts Allow for an Overdraft?

To our knowledge, Cashplus is the only no-credit-check business account allowing a business overdraft. Not every account will be eligible. However, you will be informed after holding an account for at least three months. Cashplus will inform you of your overdraft’s interest rate, APR and credit limit when you’re invited to apply.

What you’ll Need to Apply for a Business bank Account with Bad Credit

When applying for a business bank account with bad credit, you’ll typically need to provide the following:

1. Personal Identification: Valid photo ID for all major stakeholders and account signatories, such as a passport or driver’s license.
2. Business Information: Details about your business, including its name, address, type (e.g., sole trader, partnership, limited company), and registration number if applicable.
3. Proof of Address: Recent utility bills or bank statements as proof of address for the business and each individual associated with the account.

Remember, the exact requirements can vary between banks, especially between traditional banks and digital challenger banks, the latter often having more streamlined application processes and potentially more lenient requirements.

Bad Credit Bank Account FAQs