10 Best Business Bank Accounts for Startups (2025)

Choosing the correct business bank account is one of the first big financial decisions for a UK startup, and it’s not as simple as picking the “free” option. While today’s digital-first providers promise speed, low costs, and slick apps, many come with hidden trade-offs. Founders face a clear tension: the convenience of fintech accounts versus fully-licensed banks’ operational security and stability.

If you do it right, your account will streamline cash flow, cut down on admin, and support your growth from day one. If you do it wrong, you could be hit with unexpected fees, frozen funds, or limited international capabilities at a critical moment.

In this guide to the best startup business bank accounts in 2025, we compare ten leading providers: Tide, Starling, ANNA Money, Zempler Bank, Wise, Monzo, Mettle, Card One Money, Countingup, and Revolut. You’ll find out which accounts are free, offer FSCS protection, and carry hidden risks to choose the most practical, cost-effective option for your new venture.

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What Are The Best Bank Accounts for Startups? Our Verdict

Four providers stand out among the many options for UK startups, each solving a different challenge.

Wise is the most transparent option if international payments are central to your business. Unlike Revolut, which bundles global transfers with team controls but adds occasional account freezes, Wise focuses on cost savings and clarity, making it better for founders who prize predictability over extras. Revolut is more flexible for scaling teams, but Wise remains safer for cross-border efficiency.

Countingup edges out ANNA Money for founders drowning in admin by offering built-in bookkeeping, tax estimates, and real-time financial insights. ANNA is more user-friendly for invoicing and chasing late payments, but Countingup is stronger if you want one platform to replace both a bank and accounting software.

Both Revolut and ANNA lag behind licensed banks like Zempler or Monzo when it comes to deposit protection, but they shine in niche areas: Revolut for global reach, ANNA for admin automation. Countingup arguably delivers the most day-to-day value for sole traders or very small teams, while Wise is indispensable for startups with overseas suppliers or clients.

In short, pick Wise for global transfers, Revolut for international teams, Countingup for bookkeeping-led banking, and ANNA if admin support matters more than banking depth.

The Best Startup Bank Accounts At A Glance

Bank Account	Best For	Standout Features	Pricing	FSCS Protection	Learn More
Tide Free Business Account	Fast account setup, early-stage founders	Rapid onboarding, built-in invoicing, and integrations	Free basic; 20p per UK transfer	❌ No (e-money safeguarded)	Visit Tide
Starling Bank Business Current Account	Risk-averse startups needing security	Licensed bank, unlimited free UK transfers	Free	✅ Yes, up to £85k	Visit Starling
ANNA Money Pay As You Go Account	Admin-heavy freelancers & microbusinesses	AI-powered admin tools, invoicing, and tax reminders	Free; 0.95% commission on incoming payments.	❌ No (e-money safeguarded)	Visit ANNA Money
Zempler Bank Business Go Account	Online-focused businesses wanting stability	FSCS-protected, desktop & app banking	Free; 3 free transfers, then 35p	✅ Yes, up to £85k	Visit Zempler Bank
Wise Business Account	Startups trading globally	40+ currencies, mid-market FX rates	£45 one-time setup. Transactions from 0.335%	❌ No (e-money safeguarded)	Visit Wise
Monzo Business Account	Tech-savvy founders seeking insights	App-centric, budgeting tools, Pro plan integrations	Free	✅ Yes, up to £85k	Visit Monzo
Mettle Business Bank Account	Sole traders & very small UK businesses	No fees, FreeAgent accounting included	Free	✅ Yes, via NatWest	Visit Mettle
Card One Money Business Account	Businesses with poor credit history	No credit checks, PayPoint cash deposits	£55 setup; £12.50/month + fees	❌ No (e-money safeguarded)	Visit Card One Money
Counting Up Business Account	Founders who want accounting built in	Banking + bookkeeping, tax estimates	From £3/month, 30p transaction rate	❌ No (e-money safeguarded)	Visit Counting Up
Revolut Business Account	Scale-ups with international teams	Multi-currency accounts, team spend controls	From £10/month, 10 free UK transfers a month	❌ No (e-money safeguarded)	Visit Revolut

The 10 Best Bank Accounts for Startups in 2025 Reviewed

Tide Free Business Account

Why We Picked It: Tide is a popular choice for startups that want to set up banking quickly and with minimal fuss. Unlike high street banks, which can take weeks to approve applications, Tide lets you open an account in minutes, start invoicing immediately, and manage finances through an easy-to-use app. Built-in invoicing, expense tracking, and accounting integrations offer more functionality than barebones providers like Card One Money and are especially useful for freelancers or small ventures.

The compromises are clear. The 20p per UK transfer fee may suit low-volume businesses, but it becomes more expensive than Starling or Mettle, both offering unlimited free transfers. User reports also highlight a higher risk of account freezes, an issue less common with FSCS-protected banks like Starling or Zempler.

Tide works best as a starter account, but always with a backup in place.

Offer: Tide is offering £100 cashback for new customers who open an account using code BCA100.

>> Read our full Tide Business Bank Account review for more details

Starling Bank Business Current Account

Why We Picked It: Starling is one of the few challenger banks that combines fintech convenience with the reassurance of a fully licensed UK bank. FSCS protection up to £85,000 offers security that Tide, ANNA, or Revolut cannot, while its free account, with unlimited UK transfers and no hidden costs, makes it far better value at scale than pay-per-transaction models like Tide (20p per transfer) or ANNA (29p).

Starling also balances flexibility with usability. Unlike app-only rivals such as Mettle, it provides both web and app access. Its competitive cash deposit fees (from 0.7%) beat Tide’s 3% and ANNA’s 1%, making it more affordable for cash-handling businesses. The main weakness is international functionality: Wise and Revolut remain stronger for multi-currency support and cheaper global transfers.

Starling sets the benchmark as one of the most stable, transparent, and cost-effective all-rounder for most early-stage ventures focused on the UK.

>> Read our full Starling Bank Business Account review for more details

ANNA Money Pay As You Go Account

Why We Picked It: ANNA Money is less of a bank and more of an administrative assistant for startups. Its strength lies in automation: create invoices in seconds, snap receipts for instant categorisation, and let the app send late-payment reminders. For freelancers or microbusinesses who dislike paperwork, this focus on admin is a significant advantage over accounts like Starling or Mettle, which prioritise core banking but offer less built-in support.

The trade-off is security and scalability. Unlike Starling, Monzo, or Zempler, ANNA is not FSCS-protected, operating under an e-money licence. That makes it less reassuring to hold large balances, particularly given user reports of sudden account freezes, a risk also seen with Tide and Revolut. It also charges per UK transfer (29p), meaning frequent payers may find it more expensive than Starling’s free transfers or Mettle’s entirely fee-free model.

ANNA is best for startups prioritising admin automation, but should be paired with a backup account for stability.

>> Read our full ANNA Money Business Account review for more details

Zempler Bank Business Go Account

Why We Picked It: Zempler Bank offers a middle ground between app-only fintechs and traditional banks. FSCS protection up to £85,000 provides the same deposit security as Starling, Monzo, and Mettle, a crucial advantage over e-money providers like Tide, Revolut, or ANNA, which safeguard funds but don’t guarantee them. Unlike Mettle, which is app-only, Zempler provides web and mobile access, making it better suited to startups that want desktop functionality or multi-user access.

Zempler’s appeal lies in its hybrid model: fast, same-day account openings, a straightforward online platform, and reliability without many freeze complaints associated with Tide or Revolut. Costs are competitive, though not flawless. Free UK transfers are capped (three per month before 35p charges), and the £9.95 debit card issuance fee feels dated compared with Starling or Monzo, which provide free cards. International support is also limited, leaving Wise and Revolut stronger for global trade.

For UK-focused startups wanting digital convenience plus regulatory reassurance, Zempler is a strong, low-risk option.

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

Wise Business Bank Account

Why We Picked It: Wise has become the go-to choice for startups trading internationally, thanks to its transparency and multi-currency strength. Unlike banks such as Starling or Monzo, which require paid add-ons for foreign accounts, Wise lets you hold 40+ currencies and provides local account details in major markets, making it easy to invoice clients in USD or EUR as if you were based there. Its use of the mid-market rate with fees from 0.41% makes it far cheaper than Revolut for frequent transfers and far more predictable than traditional banks, which often hide costs in inflated FX rates.

That said, Wise isn’t designed as a primary business account. Unlike Starling, Mettle, or Zempler, it lacks FSCS protection, and unlike Tide, it doesn’t support cash deposits. The £45 one-off setup fee also feels unusual compared to free rivals. For that reason, Wise works best as a specialist account paired with a domestic bank, giving you world-class FX tools without sacrificing local stability.

>> Read our full Wise Business Bank Account review for more details

Mettle Business Bank Account

Why We Picked It: Monzo has built its name on simplicity and design, offering one of the most intuitive apps of any UK bank. Unlike e-money providers such as ANNA or Wise, it carries a full banking licence, giving deposits FSCS protection up to £85,000, a reassurance many fintechs cannot match. This makes it a closer rival to Starling or Zempler, with a stronger emphasis on usability and cash-flow tools.

Monzo’s app remains its biggest draw: instant notifications, budgeting insights, and spend categorisation, which make it a genuine aid for founders managing tight finances. Compared to Starling, however, Monzo locks advanced features, like multi-user access and accounting integrations, behind its £9/month Pro plan, whereas Starling includes them free. Monzo feels pricier but more polished than Mettle, which is also free.

Overall, Monzo is best for startups that value FSCS protection and a top-rated app experience, but need to weigh costs carefully as their business grows.

>> Read our full Monzo Business Bank Account review for more details

Mettle Business Bank Account

Why We Picked It: Mettle is one of the few free business accounts with no monthly fee. There are no fees, no transfer fees, and no hidden fees. Backed by NatWest and FSCS-protected up to £85,000, it gives freelancers and sole traders the reassurance of a regulated bank while cutting admin with built-in FreeAgent access, worth £10–£30/month elsewhere.

Compared with Tide or ANNA, which charge per UK transfer (20p and 29p respectively), Mettle is far better for those making frequent payments. Against Starling, it’s simpler: Starling offers web access and international transfers, but Mettle wins on cost by bundling everything for free. Monzo includes similar budgeting tools but locks accounting integrations behind a £9/month Pro plan, whereas Mettle includes them at no charge.

The trade-offs are clear: no international transfers, a desktop portal, and only one account holder. But for UK-focused startups wanting a cost-free, bookkeeping-friendly account, Mettle is hard to beat.

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

Card One Money Business Account

Why We Picked It: Card One Money is one of the few business accounts available without a credit check, making it a practical option for founders whose high-street banks have declined. Where providers like Starling, Monzo, or Mettle require a clean application process and full ID checks, Card One Money prioritises accessibility, giving businesses with poor credit a way to manage payments and debit cards.

The trade-off is cost. Unlike free accounts such as Mettle or Starling, Card One Money charges a £55 setup fee and £12.50 monthly, alongside higher per-transaction fees (30p transfers, £1.50 ATM withdrawals). Compared with Tide or ANNA, which charge per transfer but have no monthly fee, ongoing costs can feel heavy unless guaranteed acceptance is essential. It also lacks FSCS protection, unlike Zempler, Starling, or Monzo.

For startups struggling to secure banking elsewhere, Card One Money is less about value and more about access.

>> Read our full Card One Money Business Account review for more details

Counting Up Business Account

Why We Picked It: Countingup goes beyond banking by doubling as a bookkeeping tool, a rare proposition in the startup account market. Unlike Starling, Monzo, or Mettle, which integrate with third-party software like Xero or FreeAgent, Countingup bakes invoicing, expense categorisation, and real-time tax estimates directly into the app. This can remove the need for a separate accounting package for sole traders and microbusinesses, saving £10–£30 per month compared with FreeAgent or QuickBooks.

The strength is simplicity: you get visibility over cash flow and tax liabilities at a glance, without manual reconciliations. However, the limitations are clear. It doesn’t offer FSCS protection like Starling, Zempler, or Monzo, nor the global reach of Wise or Revolut. Mettle, backed by NatWest, even bundles FreeAgent for free, making it more scalable for some users.

For small UK-focused businesses, though, Countingup’s all-in-one approach is still one of the most convenient ways to manage money and admin.

>> Read our full Counting Up Money Bank Account review for more details

Revolut Basic Business Account

Why We Picked It: Revolut has become a go-to for startups with international ambitions, offering multi-currency accounts in 30+ currencies and low-cost transfers to 150+ countries. Unlike Wise, which excels at transparency and local account details, Revolut adds extra functionality with team management tools. Founders can issue employee cards, set spend limits, and monitor real-time activity. This makes it more scalable for growing teams than Wise’s largely individual-focused setup.

Revolut is far stronger than domestic all-rounders like Starling or Monzo for cross-border payments. Still, it is weaker for stability: It lacks FSCS protection, instead relying on e-money safeguarding, and user reports highlight sudden account freezes during compliance checks. Tide and Mettle may suit those needing a simple, UK-only setup, while Revolut shines for founders handling overseas suppliers or clients.

Revolut works best as a specialist international account alongside a UK FSCS-protected bank, giving startups both reach and resilience.

>> Read our full Revolut Business Bank Account review for more details

The Importance of Digital Features in Startup Bank Accounts

For today’s startups, a bank’s digital capabilities are just as crucial as its fees or customer service. The right features can save hours of admin, reduce errors, and make it easier to control cash flow, all without needing a finance team.

Core Digital Features

• Mobile Apps: Most challenger banks, from Starling to Monzo, lead with slick mobile apps. Real-time notifications, instant payments, and the ability to freeze a card on the go give founders immediate control over finances.
  
• Online Portals: Some, like Zempler Bank and Starling, also provide web access. This is crucial for businesses with multiple team members or founders who prefer to work from a desktop rather than being tied to a phone.
  
• Integrations: Providers such as Revolut, Starling, and Monzo (Pro plan) link directly with accounting tools like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent. Automatic data syncing cuts manual entry, reduces mistakes, and saves valuable time.
  
• Automation and Analytics: Countingup automatically categorises transactions and produces tax estimates, while ANNA Money uses AI to generate invoices and chase payments. These built-in tools can reduce the need for separate software subscriptions.

Why Digital Matters

• Efficiency: Automated tasks and instant insights cut admin time and let founders focus on growth.
  
• Scalability: As a startup expands, integrated tools prevent financial management from becoming overwhelming.
  
• Decision-Making: Real-time analytics help guide cash flow planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

Not every provider strikes the same balance. App-only services like Mettle keep costs low but limit flexibility, while full-service banks with web access may better suit teams that need shared oversight. The key is choosing a platform that matches your management style, mobile-first simplicity or multi-user depth, so your banking setup scales with your business.

Understanding Startup Bank Account Fees

Bank fees may look small on paper, but they can quickly eat into a startup’s budget. The right account depends on how you move money, including frequency, international payments, and cash handling. Understanding each provider’s structure helps you avoid unnecessary costs.

Typical Fee Categories

• Monthly Fees: Some accounts are genuinely free, while others charge for access. For example, Starling and Mettle have no monthly fee, whereas Card One Money costs £12.50/month but bypasses credit checks, a trade-off that may be worth it if you’ve struggled with rejections.
  
• Transaction Fees: Seemingly tiny charges stack up fast. Tide charges 20p per UK transfer, while Starling offers unlimited free UK payments. If your business sends hundreds of payments a month, those pennies matter.
  
• Cash Deposits: Cash-heavy businesses need to pay close attention. Tide charges a minimum fee of £2.50 for the Post Office, Starling’s Post Office deposits start at 0.7%, and ANNA charges 0.95%. Small margins here can mean considerable costs for retailers or trades relying on cash.
  
• International Transfers: Wise is the standout, with transparent mid-market rates plus a small fee of 0.33%. Others (e.g. Starling, Zempler) require add-ons, while Card One Money imposes steep flat charges (£30 per transfer).
  
• ATM Withdrawals: Terms vary widely. Starling is free in the UK, Wise allows a free monthly allowance before applying fees, and Card One Money charges £1.50 each time.

Minimising Costs

• If you’re low-volume, a free account with per-transaction charges may be cheapest.
  
• If you make frequent UK transfers, a bank with unlimited free payments (like Starling or Mettle) will save you money.
  
• For international trade, prioritise providers with transparent FX fees (Wise, Revolut) over those with add-ons or hidden markups.
  
• Cash-heavy startups should compare deposit charges closely. The difference between 0.7% and 3% can quickly erode profit margins.

Bottom line: Match your transaction patterns to a provider’s fee model. The right fit will cut hidden costs and free up capital for growth, rather than paying it away in bank charges.

How to Choose the Right Startup Bank Account

Opening the right business account isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it can shape how smoothly your startup runs daily. The best choice will minimise admin, cut hidden costs, and provide the stability you need to grow. Here’s what to weigh up before deciding:

• Fees and Value: Look beyond “free” claims. Some accounts charge per transaction (e.g. 20p or 30p), while others bundle unlimited transfers into a fixed monthly plan. Unlimited transfers may work out cheaper if you expect lots of payments; if you’re low-volume, a pay-as-you-go structure could be more cost-effective.

• Services and Features: Think about your priorities. Do you want built-in invoicing and tax tools (like Countingup or ANNA), or multi-currency support for international trade (like Wise or Revolut)? Features vary widely. The right account is the one that solves your most pressing admin or payment challenges.
  

• Digital Access: Some providers are app-only (like Mettle), which suits mobile-first founders but may frustrate those who prefer a web portal. Check whether your chosen account integrates with your existing software, such as Xero or QuickBooks.

• Customer Support: When things go wrong, responsiveness matters. Banks with strong reputations for support (e.g. Starling, Zempler) can provide more reassurance than providers where users report communication black holes.

• Regulatory Protection: Fully licensed banks such as Starling, Monzo, Mettle, and Zempler offer FSCS protection up to £85,000. E-money firms like ANNA, Revolut, and Wise safeguard funds in segregated accounts but don’t provide FSCS cover, a crucial distinction if you hold significant balances.

By matching your priorities, cost control, global reach, admin automation, or security to each provider’s strengths, you’ll find an account that supports your startup today and scales with you as you grow.

Startup Bank Account FAQs