The Best Joint Business Bank Accounts in 2024

Whether you’re in a partnership, an LLC, a non-profit or a small business, a joint bank account ensures complete transparency and simplifies management.

But which joint business account should you choose?

In this article, I have consolidated my research into the leading UK joint business accounts of 2023. Over the testing period, I focussed on account features, transaction limits, interest rates, additional benefits, and the quality of customer service.

I researched the digital-first app-based accounts from challenger banks and the more traditional high-street accounts.

My goal in this guide is to provide you with the tools to choose the account that will maximise your business success.

Best Joint Business Accounts – An Overview

The Best Joint Business Accounts

Best Overall Joint Business Account – Starling Business Current Account

As an award-winning, fully-digital challenger bank, Starling offers a competitive joint business bank account that can be accessed by directors.

With shared access to the APP and individual bank cards, it’s the perfect way to make use of one of the top challenger banks in the UK via a multiple-owner account.

Their account has no monthly fees, seamless integration with popular accounting software, and a well-designed APP.

Their 24/7 customer support, real-time transaction alerts, and robust security features make Starling Bank a standout choice if you’re looking for low fees and reliability.

Bear in mind; directors will need to be residents of the UK.

» MORE Read our in-depth Starling Business Review

Best Joint Business Account for Poor Credit – Cashplus Business Bank Account

Cashplus has earned its reputation as a leading business bank account for small businesses and entrepreneurs with weak credit histories or working towards building their credit.

The application process for their joint business account doesn’t require a credit check.

On top of being easy to access, Cashplus offers features aimed at helping businesses enhance their credit score, like the Creditbuilder tool. This unique tool lets account holders prove their responsible fiscal habits by consistently making payments, thereby gradually boosting their credit rating.

Cashplus also provides fundamental banking services such as speedy payments, direct debits, a contactless Mastercard, and committed customer support.

» MORE Read our in-depth Cashplus Business Review

Best Joint Business Account for Rewards – Card One Money Small Business Account

Card One Money operates under the trading style of Spectrum Payment Services Limited (SPS), which also manages Acorn Bank. As an FCA Authorised Payment Institution, Card One Money ensures that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not protect your funds.

Nevertheless, they take measures to safeguard your funds by holding them in a separate account at a UK bank, providing an added layer of security.

Card One Money provides two account options for businesses: the ‘Business’ account caters to those with a turnover below £2 million, while the ‘Corporate’ account is designed for businesses generating £2 million or more in turnover. Card One Money is a challenger bank that prioritizes convenience and control and specifically targets applicants who may not meet the requirements of traditional credit check accounts.

With over 80,000 customer accounts, Card One Money prides itself on its swift account opening process, taking only 3 hours. Additionally, businesses using Card One Money Business can enjoy the benefits of a prepaid Corporate Mastercard, which is eligible for Card One Money’s cashback rewards program.

Through this program, businesses can earn cash rewards of up to 3.5% at over 35 popular retailers on the high street.

The account type choice and the cashback program make it a great option if you’re a small business expecting to develop and grow your partnership and ready to go past the initial fee and the monthly charge.

» MORE Read our in-depth Card One Money Review

Best Joint Business Account for Small Businesses – CountingUp Starter Business Account

CountingUp provides a business’s current account and accounting software in one place, specifically for small businesses in the United Kingdom. This platform’s main value proposition is simplifying bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax calculation by integrating these capabilities with day-to-day banking, which makes it an ideal option for small businesses.

The platform automatically categorises transactions, helping to simplify the accounting process. This means businesses can potentially save time and resources that would otherwise be spent on manual bookkeeping.

The CountingUp app can provide real-time estimates of tax owed based on the business’s income and expenditure, which helps in tax planning.

Businesses can create, send, and manage professional invoices directly from the app.

Users have the ability to generate profit and loss reports, which are essential for understanding the financial health of a business.

CountingUp lets users capture and store receipts digitally, which can be crucial for tax reporting and audit purposes.

CountingUp can be integrated with other software to complete their offer, expanding its functionality and making it even more useful for small businesses that don’t have dedicated departments.

Best Joint Business Account for Mobile Users – HSBC Advance Account

The HSBC Advance Account is mostly renowned for its overdraft facilities for amounts exceeding £1,000. It offers numerous perks, including a £200 incentive for switching your account to them, provided certain conditions are met.

With the HSBC Advance Account, there’s no need to worry about monthly fees or maintaining a specific minimum balance to circumvent fees.

The HSBC mobile app significantly enhances user experience by providing easy access to your accounts whenever necessary. It lets you pay your bills, check your balances, make payments, etc. Features such as fund transfer and deposit capabilities, among others, are available at your fingertips.

With the Advance Account, you will have easy access to foreign currency operations, which makes it a good option if you or your business partners are planning to operate internationally.

HSBC also provides provide text alerts to inform you of potential overdrafts, helping you plan better and avoid any unforeseen financial surprises, which is a crucial feature considering the steep 39% Representative APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for arranged overdrafts, which can significantly increase the cost of borrowing.

» MORE Read our in-depth HSBC Review

Best Joint Business Account for High Flexibility – Santander Joint Account

One of the most attractive aspects of Santander’s joint account services is the flexibility they offer to their clients. Joint account owners can open checking, savings, or a combination of both accounts and manage them from a single platform.

With Santander, you can tailor your banking experience to suit your needs and enjoy features such as cheques, debit cards, and online access, making the account easily accessible and simple to manage for all users.

Santander offers another type of account called the 123 Current Account. This upgrade pays a small amount of interest, which is always a perk, especially if your business has a healthy cash reserve.

While their APR for managing overdraft is nearly 40%, it is considered a better alternative to payday loans.

Best Joint Business Account for Overdraft Management – Barclays Business Account

The Barclays Joint Business Account is a fantastic choice for many businesses, providing comprehensive banking services that offer value and convenience. But one feature that stands out is its free-of-fee overdraft option.

This option is an exceptional financial tool, specially designed for businesses that may need to dip into an overdraft occasionally. Unlike many other bank accounts that charge exorbitant fees for accessing overdrafts, Barclays has tailored its Joint Business Account with a customer-centric approach.

As long as you maintain an overdraft under £500, there are no additional fees for using this service. This can be a lifesaver for businesses facing cash flow issues or unexpected expenses, essentially offering a line of credit without the high costs typically associated.

The Barclays Joint Business Account is designed for multiple users, making it an ideal option for partnerships, companies or associations. With this type of account, all account holders can manage the business finances, which fosters shared responsibility and seamless cooperation.

In addition to the overdraft facility, the Barclays Joint Business Account comes with other beneficial features like online and mobile banking, telephone banking and a network of branches for face-to-face service. Also, you’ll have access to dedicated business advisers to help guide your financial decisions and planning.

Pros & Cons of a Joint Business Bank Account

Why would you need a joint business bank account?

A joint business bank account can be essential for various reasons for businesses operating within the UK:

1. Financial Organisation: It allows for the efficient tracking and management of company income, expenditures, and cash flow, thus providing a clear overview of the business’s financial standing.
2. Audit Compliance: In the UK, businesses are required to keep accurate records of their financial transactions. A joint business bank account simplifies this process, supporting compliance with tax and audit regulations stipulated by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
3. Professionalism: Having a separate business account distinguishes personal finances from business ones, enhancing the professional image of your business to clients, suppliers, and lenders.
4. Accessibility and Control: Multiple authorised users can access a joint business account, allowing for shared responsibility and control over the business’s finances.
5. Banking Services: Business bank accounts in the UK often come with additional services such as business loans, overdrafts, and merchant services, which can be essential for business growth and development.
6. Limited Liability Protection: For limited companies in the UK, a business bank account helps maintain the financial separation required to uphold limited liability protections.

What are the top features to look for in a joint business account?

Here are the key services and features to look for in a joint business bank account:

1. Fees and Charges: It’s crucial to understand the account’s fee structure, including monthly maintenance fees, transaction fees, cash deposit fees, and any other applicable charges. Some banks may offer to waive certain fees under specific conditions.
2. Overdraft Facilities: A good business bank account should offer an affordable, flexible overdraft facility. This can be especially helpful for managing cash flow.
3. Access to a Wide Network of Branches and ATMs: Easy access to physical branches and ATMs can be useful, particularly if your business handles a lot of cash or if you value face-to-face service.
4. Strong Customer Service: Excellent customer service, both online and offline, is important. Prompt and efficient handling of queries and issues can save your business time and prevent frustration.
5. Additional Financial Services: Some banks offer additional services such as loans, credit cards, merchant services, and cash management services, which can be beneficial for your business.
6. Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate the bank account with your accounting software can streamline your financial management and bookkeeping processes.
7. Multi-user Access: For a joint account, it’s helpful if the bank allows multiple users to access the account, with customisable control levels for each user.
8. Fraud Monitoring and Security: Banks should have robust security measures in place to protect your account and funds, including fraud monitoring and alerts for suspicious activity.

What documents do I need for a joint business bank account?

To open a joint business bank account in the UK, you typically need the following documents:

1. Personal Identification: Each account holder will need to provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport or driver’s licence.
2. Proof of Address: Personal proof of address for each account holder is also required. This could be a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement.
3. Business Verification: You’ll need proof of your business’s registration. For example, if you have a limited company, you will need your Certificate of Incorporation from Companies House.
4. Proof of Business Address: This can be a utility bill, rental agreement, or property deed for your business premises.
5. Business Plan: Some banks may require a business plan outlining your company’s operations, growth strategies, and projected financial performance.
6. Articles of Association: If you have a limited company, the bank may request a copy of your Articles of Association, which detail the rules for running your company.
7. Partnership Agreement: If you’re opening a joint account for a partnership, you’ll need a copy of your partnership agreement. This document outlines how the business is run and what happens if the partnership changes or dissolves.

Can two business partners open a joint business account?

Yes, two business partners can open a joint business bank account. This type of account allows both partners to have access to the business’s funds, make deposits, write checks, and carry out other transactions.

To open such an account, both partners would need to provide their personal identification, proof of address, and relevant business documentation as per the bank’s requirements. They would also need to agree on the account’s operational terms, such as who has the authority to carry out transactions, sign cheques, and make significant financial decisions.

It’s crucial to have clear, written agreements in place to avoid future disputes. This could be part of your partnership agreement or a separate banking agreement.

Do I need a business account for a partnership?

While a General Partnership does not legally require a separate business bank account, both Limited Partnerships (LPs) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) do, as they are considered separate legal entities from their individual partners.

This distinction necessitates the need for distinct financial records, including a business bank account through which the LP or LLP conducts and records its financial transactions.

Alternatives to joint business accounts

There are several alternatives to a joint business bank account, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few options:

1. Separate Business Accounts: Each partner can have their own business account, making it easier to track individual contributions and expenditures. However, this could complicate overall financial management and may require additional coordination.
2. Sole Proprietor Account: If one person is primarily responsible for managing finances, a sole proprietor account might be a suitable option. This simplifies account management but could cause issues regarding transparency and shared decision-making.
3. Authorized Signer on a Single Account: One partner could open a business bank account and authorize the other partner as a signer. This allows both partners to conduct transactions, but the account owner retains control and can remove the other’s authorization if needed.
4. Trust Account: In some cases, businesses might opt for a trust account, where a trusted third party (the trustee) controls the funds. This can be an excellent option if there’s a high level of financial risk involved, but it may also introduce additional costs and complexity.
5. Business Credit Cards: Rather than a joint account, business partners could each have a business credit card linked to a single business account. This allows each partner to make purchases on behalf of the business while providing a clear record of who is making each transaction.
6. Online Payment Platforms: Depending on the business type and needs, using an online payment platform like PayPal, Square, or Stripe might be a viable option. These can be linked to individual bank accounts and offer tools for tracking income and expenditures.

Remember that the choice between these alternatives should be based on your business model, the nature of the partnership, and the level of trust between partners.

Joint Business Account FAQs