7 Best Free Business Bank Accounts UK (2025): Compare Tide, Starling, Mettle & More

Finding a no-fee business account in the UK can make a real difference if you’re a freelancer, sole trader, or small business owner looking to cut costs. The UK’s digital business banking scene has expanded rapidly in 2025, with providers like Tide, Mettle, ANNA Money, Zempler, Starling, Monzo, and Allica all competing to offer “free” SME bank accounts.

But in practice, free doesn’t always mean completely cost-free. While most accounts waive monthly subscription fees, many apply charges for bank transfers, cash deposits, or overseas transactions. These hidden costs can quickly consume your budget if you’re not careful.

This guide compares the leading digital business banking options, helping you weigh features, suitability, and potential fees. Whether you need simple expense tracking, integrated bookkeeping, or a free SME bank account with unlimited transfers, you’ll find clear advice here to choose the account that supports your growth without unwanted overheads.

>>Read our main page on the best business bank accounts

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What are the Best Free Business Accounts in the UK? Our Verdict

Alongside Starling and Mettle, the strongest alternatives come from Zempler, Tide, and Allica, each serving a very different type of business.

Zempler is the most flexible for digital-first startups thanks to its rare combination of desktop and mobile access, plus useful tax compliance tools. For example, a consultant making 15 monthly client payments stays within Zempler’s free allowance, paying nothing. However, once volumes rise, say 100 payments, fees hit £28, compared to £0 with Starling or Mettle. Compared with Tide, Zempler is cheaper for light use but less feature-rich once you handle many payments.

Tide is better if you want integrated invoicing and expense management in your account. It’s noticeably more admin-friendly than Zempler, but the 20p transfer fee hurts at scale. A freelancer invoicing 20 clients monthly pays £4 in fees; at 200 clients, it’s £40, where Starling and Mettle become far more cost-effective. Tide is best if workflow tools outweigh banking costs, but not if keeping fees at zero is the priority.

Allica sits apart from both, aiming squarely at established SMEs. Unlike Tide or Zempler, it offers relationship managers and competitive savings rates, making it feel closer to traditional banking with a digital front end. A firm holding £250,000 in deposits could earn meaningful interest while receiving dedicated support, something challengers like Tide and Zempler don’t provide. The trade-off is stricter eligibility so that startups won’t qualify, but for mid-sized firms that do, the personal service is unmatched.

In short: Zempler is best for startups with modest transaction needs, Tide suits freelancers who want everything in one app despite higher fees, and Allica wins out for larger SMEs that prioritise tailored support and interest-earning potential.

Best Free Business Bank Accounts Compared 

This comparison of the leading no-fee business account UK options highlights each account’s best use, pricing, features, and FSCS protection, helping you quickly find the right digital business banking tool.

Brand Name	Best For	Standout Features	Pricing	FSCS Protection	Learn More
Tide Free Business Account	Freelancers needing invoicing and expense tools	Invoicing tools, expense tracking	Free, 20p per transfer	Yes (via ClearBank)	Visit Tide
Mettle Business Bank Account	Sole traders wanting free transfers + FreeAgent	FreeAgent integration, no UK transaction fees	Free	Yes (NatWest backed)	Visit Mettle
ANNA Money Pay As You Go Account	Low-volume earners valuing admin support + 24/7 help	Automated admin, QuickPay invoicing	Free, 0.95% on incoming payments	No (Safeguarding only)	Visit ANNA Money
Zempler Bank Business Go Account	Startups preferring desktop + mobile access	Desktop + mobile access, MTD tools	Free, 35p after 20 free transfers per month	Yes	Visit Zempler Bank
Starling Bank Business Current Account	SMEs with high transfer volumes or international needs	Mobile-first, unlimited free UK transfers	Free	Yes	Visit Starling
Monzo Business Lite	Sole traders after simple, mobile-first banking	Budgeting Pots, instant alerts	Free	Yes	Visit Monzo
Allica Business Rewards Account	Established SMEs with large balances + tailored support	Dedicated manager, competitive savings	Free	Yes	Visit Allica Bank

7 Top Free Business Bank Accounts Reviewed

Tide Free Business Account Review

Tide is a popular no-fee business account in the UK for freelancers and startups that want fast setup and strong admin tools. Its app-first platform goes beyond basic banking, offering invoicing, expense tracking, and even company registration, features you won’t find in Starling or Mettle.

The trade-off is cost. Every UK transfer is charged at 20p. A freelancer invoicing 20 clients monthly would pay £4 in fees, while Starling or Mettle customers would pay £0. For 200 transfers, the monthly cost jumps to £40, making Tide far more expensive than its rivals. Compared to Zempler, Tide’s invoicing and expense tools are stronger, but Zempler’s 20 free transfers make it cheaper for light users. Against ANNA, Tide benefits from FSCS protection (up to £85,000), but ANNA’s pay-as-you-go structure can work out cheaper for micro-businesses with only a handful of payments each month.

Offer: New customers who open an account using code BCA100 will get £100 cashback

>> Read our full Tide Business Account Review for more details

Mettle Business Bank Account

Mettle, powered by NatWest, is one of the few no-fee business account UK providers that genuinely delivers free banking. With no monthly charges and unlimited free UK transfers, it’s especially strong for sole traders and small companies that would otherwise rack up costs with Tide’s 20p-per-transfer fees or Zempler’s 35p after the first 20. A freelancer invoicing 20 clients would pay £4 monthly with Tide, £7 with Zempler, and £0 with Mettle. At 200 transfers, that saving grows to £40 over Tide and £63 over Zempler.

Its standout differentiator is the inclusion of FreeAgent accounting software at no cost, a perk worth over £150 annually. This gives it an edge over Starling, which integrates with multiple platforms but doesn’t include software for free. However, unlike Starling, Mettle doesn’t support international transfers, meaning exporters or businesses handling foreign clients must look elsewhere.

Mettle is one of the market’s most compelling free SME bank account options for UK-based sole traders or small firms focused on cost control and built-in bookkeeping.

>> Read our full Mettle Business Account review for more details

ANNA Money Pay As You Go Account Review

ANNA Money takes a different approach to the no-fee business account UK model by scrapping monthly charges and applying a 0.95% commission on incoming payments. This can be cheaper than a flat monthly subscription for freelancers or sole traders with modest turnover. For example, a freelancer invoicing £1,000 per month pays just £9.50 in fees, which undercuts many paid accounts. At £5,000, the cost rises to £47.50, which is still reasonable for the admin tools included. But at £10,000 in client payments, fees hit £95, making Starling or Mettle, which remain free regardless of income, far more cost-effective.

ANNA stands out because of its admin-first focus. The app blends invoicing, receipt capture, and a personalised tax calendar with 24/7 customer support, making it feel more like a digital assistant than a basic bank. However, it isn’t FSCS-protected, relying on safeguarding instead, which is a step down in security compared with Starling, Mettle, or Tide.

>> Read our full ANNA Business Bank Account review for more details.

Zempler Bank Business Go Account Review

Zempler’s Business Go Account is one of the few no-fee business accounts in the UK that offers both desktop and mobile access, giving it a unique edge over app-only challengers such as Tide or Monzo. This flexibility is a genuine plus for digital-first entrepreneurs who prefer working on a larger screen while maintaining mobile convenience. It also includes invoicing, receipt capture, and MTD compliance tools, making it practical for startups to manage tax submissions without extra software.

The drawback is fees. After 20 free monthly transactions, Zempler charges 35p per transfer. For example, a freelancer invoicing 20 clients monthly pays nothing if they stay within the allowance, but at 50 transfers, the cost is £10.50, while Starling or Mettle would still be free. Compared to Tide, Zempler is usually cheaper for light users since Tide charges from the first transfer, but Tide’s invoicing and expense tools are more advanced.

>> Read our full Zempler Bank Business Account review for more details.

Starling Bank Business Current Account Review

Starling is widely regarded as the best all-round no-fee business account in the UK, offering one of the few genuinely free SME bank accounts for everyday use. There are no charges for UK transfers, card payments, or ATM withdrawals, making it far more cost-effective than Tide (20p per transfer) or Zempler (35p per transaction after 20). For example, a business processing 200 monthly payments saves £40 with Starling compared to Tide, and £63 compared to Zempler.

Starling also outshines Monzo’s Lite plan, which charges £1 per cash deposit and adds a 2.75% FX fee abroad, making it less attractive for retailers or global freelancers. While Mettle matches Starling on free transfers, it lacks international capability. For instance, a consultant billing overseas clients would pay £0 in FX fees with Starling but 2–3% with Tide.

Starling is the most versatile choice for a free SME bank account that scales with your business. It combines high-volume domestic banking with fee-free international use and robust digital tools.

>> Read our full Starling Business Bank Account Review for more details.

Monzo Business Lite Account Review

Monzo Business Lite is best for sole traders and small businesses that want a simple, mobile-first, no-fee business account in the UK. It includes free UK transfers, budgeting “Pots,” and FSCS protection, making money management straightforward.

Where it falls short is scale. Compared to Mettle, Monzo doesn’t include free invoicing or accounting software. For example, a freelancer invoicing 20 clients monthly pays £0 with Mettle (thanks to FreeAgent included), but would need separate paid software with Monzo Lite. Similarly, Starling offers unlimited transfers and fee-free international use. At the same time, Monzo adds a 2.75% FX fee abroad, meaning a consultant spending £2,000 overseas would pay £55 in fees with Monzo but £0 with Starling.

Compared to Tide, Monzo is cheaper on transfers (free vs. Tide’s 20p each), but less rich in admin tools like invoicing and expense tracking.

>> Read our full Monzo Business Account Review for more details.

Allica Bank Business Rewards Account Review

Allica’s Business Rewards Account stands apart from most no-fee business accounts in the UK. While Starling, Mettle, and Monzo target freelancers and startups with app-based simplicity, Allica is designed for established SMEs with higher balances. It blends digital business banking convenience with old-school relationship banking, offering dedicated managers and competitive interest rates, something none of the other free SME bank accounts provide.

The trade-off is accessibility. Allica typically requires your business to be 12+ months old and to maintain larger deposits or an existing Allica loan. That rules out sole traders and early-stage companies. But for firms that qualify, the rewards are clear: free everyday banking plus interest on higher balances, all FSCS protected.

Compared with Tide or Zempler, which work best for lean startups, Allica is in another league. For example, a café depositing £5,000 a month would pay £150 in fees with Tide (3% at PayPoint). At the same time, Allica charges nothing for everyday digital transactions, though it doesn’t support cash deposits at all. Similarly, a freelancer invoicing 20 clients monthly would save money with Mettle (£0 transfer fees) or Starling (£0), but wouldn’t even qualify for Allica. By contrast, an SME with £100,000 held on balance could earn competitive interest while benefiting from tailored banking support, something Starling or Mettle can’t match.

>> Read our full Allica Bank Business Account review for more details.

Typical Costs of Free Business Bank Accounts

Even with a no-fee business account in the UK, hidden charges can creep in. Most costs fall into four categories; the differences can be dramatic depending on how your business banks.

Transaction Fees – How Much Do Transfers Really Cost?

Tide charges 20p per UK payment, so a business sending 200 monthly invoices pays £40 in fees. Zempler is slightly steeper: after 20 free transfers, it charges 35p each, meaning £63 for 200 payments. By contrast, Starling, Mettle, and Monzo allow unlimited free transfers. A freelancer invoicing 20 clients monthly would pay £4 with Tide, £7 with Zempler, but £0 with Starling or Mettle, a meaningful saving at scale.

Cash Handling – The Deal-Breaker for Cash-Heavy SMEs

Deposit costs matter the most for firms that take daily bank deposits, deposit costs matter the most. A café depositing £5,000 a month pays £35 with Starling (0.7%), but a painful £150 with Tide (3% at PayPoint). Monzo’s flat £1 per deposit works for a sole trader banking cash a few times a month, but daily deposits quickly hit the cap. ANNA and Allica don’t support cash, ruling them out for retailers. If cash is central, Starling is the most cost-effective pick.

Foreign Transactions – Who’s Cheapest Abroad?

If you work internationally, small margins add up. Starling is the only provider offering fee-free overseas card use and ATM withdrawals, which is ideal for consultants billing in euros or SMEs sending staff abroad. By comparison, Tide and Monzo charge 2.5–2.75% FX fees, meaning £50–£55 on £2,000 monthly spend. ANNA charges 1%, or £20, on a £2,000 invoice from abroad. For frequent cross-border freelancers, Starling’s fee-free model is the clear winner.

Freemium Add-Ons – When “Free” Isn’t Really Free

Some “free SME bank account” models rely on hidden or optional charges. ANNA’s 0.95% commission means a freelancer earning £1,000 monthly pays £9.50, but at a £10,000 income, fees hit £95, more than some paid accounts. Tide’s paid tiers unlock advanced tools, while Mettle gives FreeAgent accounting software free (worth ~£150 annually). Allica takes a different tack, rewarding SMEs holding larger balances with interest and a relationship manager, something Starling or Mettle don’t offer.

Fee Comparison: 7 Free Business Accounts (2025)

Provider	Monthly Fee	UK Transfers	Cash Deposits	ATM Withdrawals	International Spending	Learn More
Tide Free Business Account	Free	20p per transfer	3% via PayPoint or 0.99% (min £2.50) at the Post Office	£1 per withdrawal	2.5% FX fee	Visit Tide
Mettle Business Bank Account	Free	Free	Not supported	Free	Not supported	Visit Mettle
ANNA Money Pay As You Go Account	Free	Free (outgoing)	1% per deposit	Not supported	1% FX fee	Visit ANNA Money
Zempler Business Go Account	Free	20 free per month, then 35p	0.55% (£4 minimum)	Free	Not specified	Visit Zempler
Starling Business Current Account	Free	Free	0.7% at Post Office (min £3)	Free	Free	Visit Starling
Monzo Business Lite Account	Free	Free	£1 per deposit	Free	2.75% FX fee	Visit Monzo
Allica Business Rewards Account	Free	Free	Not supported	Free	Free. Visa FX rate applies	Visit Allica

How to Choose the Right Free Business Bank Account in the UK

Finding the best no-fee business account in the UK isn’t just about skipping monthly charges; the real costs often appear in transaction fees, cash handling, and missing features. Here’s a practical framework to guide your choice:

Step 1: Do you deposit cash often?

Cash-heavy businesses face the steepest charges. For example:

• A café depositing £5,000 monthly would pay £35 with Starling (0.7%), but £150 with Tide (3% via PayPoint).
  
• A sole trader who only banks £500 once a month would pay £5 with Starling but still £15 with Tide.
  If deposits are frequent, Starling is far more cost-effective than Tide or Monzo, which both penalise cash handling.
  

Step 2: How many transfers do you make?

Transfer volume makes a huge difference:

• A freelancer invoicing 20 clients monthly pays £4 with Tide, £7 with Zempler, but £0 with Mettle or Starling.
  
• A growing agency paying 200 suppliers and staff monthly spends £40 with Tide or £63 with Zempler, while Mettle and Starling remain free.
  
• For high-volume businesses, Starling and Mettle are clear winners.
  

Step 3: Which features matter most?

• Mettle includes a FreeAgent licence (worth ~£150 annually), great for sole traders who’d otherwise pay for bookkeeping software.
  
• ANNA adds invoicing and tax calendars, which are helpful for freelancers juggling admin, but its 0.95% incoming payment fee quickly adds up.
  
• Starling and Monzo integrate with tools like Xero and QuickBooks, but they aren’t included for free.
  Starling’s wider integrations can be more valuable for those already using accounting software.
  

Step 4: Do you need strong support and scalability?

• Zempler stands out with real-person phone support, which is rare among app-first banks.
  
• ANNA provides 24/7 chat, which is helpful if you invoice clients late at night.
  
• As turnover grows, ANNA’s pay-as-you-go model (e.g. £95 on £10,000 income) becomes costly. Larger SMEs may prefer Allica, which adds relationship managers and interest on balances, something the digital challengers don’t match.
  

Step 5: Is deposit protection essential?

• Most providers, Starling, Mettle, Monzo, Tide (via ClearBank), Zempler, and Allica, are FSCS-protected up to £85,000.
  
• ANNA only uses safeguarding, which doesn’t offer the same statutory guarantee.

Free Business Bank Account FAQs