If you’re a business owner who’s tired of jumping through hoops with the usual high-street banks, Zempler Bank might pique your interest. As a fully regulated UK bank that aims to support micro-businesses, sole traders, charities, partnerships, and limited companies, it prides itself on an inclusive approach.
Zempler has three main business accounts—Business Go, Business Extra, and Business Pro—each offering a slightly different feature set and fee structure to suit a range of budgets and transaction needs.
For instance, Business Go charges no monthly fee but caps free outbound payments at three per month, while Business Extra and Business Pro step up the allowance significantly.
Every plan includes real-time spending insights, integrated accounting, and 24/7 fraud monitoring, which help you keep on top of your business finances. You can also deposit cash at any Post Office—handy for businesses that still handle a fair bit of physical money.
Though Zempler Bank also offers personal accounts and unique credit-building tools, this review focuses on what matters most to small business owners: competitive features, flexible limits, and reliable support.
Always remember, of course, that what’s “best” depends on your specific business needs, so carefully weigh up the pros, cons, and costs before deciding.

- Zempler Bank’s Offering: The Verdict
- Pros & Cons of Zempler Bank
- Key Features
- Brief History of Zempler Bank
- Who Can Open a Zempler Bank Account?
- Account Types
- Opening an Account with Zempler Bank
- What are the Zempler Bank Fees & Charges?
- Is Zempler Bank Safe?
- Is Zempler Bank Good for International Payments?
- Does Zempler Bank Offer an Overdraft?
- What is Zempler Bank Creditbuilder?
- Zempler Personal Credit Card
- Zempler Bank Customer Service
- Trustpilot Ratings
- Alternatives to Zempler Bank
- Zempler Banking FAQs
Zempler Bank’s Offering: The Verdict
Zempler Bank stands out for its fast digital onboarding, 24/7 fraud protection, and integrated accounting features, all of which save time for busy entrepreneurs. If you’re just starting out or have a lean operational model, Business Go could be a brilliant no-frills choice. However, if you handle a higher volume of payments or want perks like free cash withdrawals and cashback on spending, then Business Extra or Business Pro might be more appealing.
Top Perks for Businesses
- Quick online application: 99.94% of users receive their account number on the same day.
- Great for multiple team members: You can easily add extra debit cards or user access.
- Pots & spending insights: Perfect for managing tax set-asides or project budgets.
- Real-time accounting integrations: Helps prevent month-end headaches.
Points to Consider
- Limited cheque deposits: You cannot deposit cheques at all.
- Cash deposits incur fees, plus there’s a £5,000 daily limit.
- Some restricted industries: Crypto traders, firearms dealers, and similar businesses need not apply.
Overall, Zempler Bank is ideal if you’re after a practical, digital-first account with plenty of helpful extras. But, as with any financial product, do weigh up your transaction frequency, deposit types, and need for an overdraft before making the jump.
Pros & Cons of Zempler Bank
Pros
- Fast Setup: 99.94% of business customers get their account number on the same day.
- Multiple Account Options: Business Go has no monthly fee; Business Extra and Business Pro bundle extras like cashback and unlimited transactions.
- Integrated Accounting: Direct links to Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage at no extra cost.
- 24/7 Fraud Protection: Freeze/unfreeze cards instantly if you suspect suspicious activity.
- Cashback & Overdraft: Business Extra offers 0.5% cashback and Business Pro 1%, plus a modest overdraft facility up to £2,000 (subject to eligibility).
Cons
- Cheque Deposits Not Accepted: Might be inconvenient for those handling cheques.
- Cash Deposit Fees: Minimum £3 or 0.5% of the deposited amount.
- Industry Restrictions: Certain businesses—like crypto traders—are not supported.
- Customer Service Hours Changing: From December 16th, 2024, support is 8am-6pm (Mon-Fri), which might limit those needing evening help.
Balancing these pros and cons will help you decide if Zempler Bank’s features align with the day-to-day realities of your business.
Key Features
Zempler Bank provides a range of tools that cater to small businesses and freelancers looking for a simple, clear way to manage finances.
Accounting Integrations
- Connect to Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage for automatic transaction syncing.
- Export CSV files for offline record-keeping.
- Tag receipts and attach them to specific transactions in the app.
Spending Insights
- Categorise outgoings (e.g., marketing, supplies) to see exactly where money goes.
- Tag projects and create custom labels to track specific expenses.
Pots
- Separate money for tax bills or rainy-day funds.
- Instant transfers let you move funds in or out at no extra cost.
Multiple Cards & Team Access
- Issue up to 20 additional debit cards.
- Customise user permissions for different colleagues.
Fraud Monitoring & Card Controls
- Real-time alerts on unusual activity.
- Freeze and unfreeze cards anytime in-app.
These features can streamline your operations, particularly if you’re juggling multiple transactions or need better oversight of your cash flow.
Brief History of Zempler Bank
Zempler Bank, which started out as Cashplus Bank in 2005, quickly made a name for itself as one of the first to offer prepaid credit cards in the UK—a fresh idea at the time. Then in 2021, it took things to the next level, becoming a fully regulated bank and broadening its services to meet the needs of even more customers. Since then, Zempler has earned a reputation for championing small businesses and individuals who are often overlooked by traditional high-street banks.
Key Milestones
- 2021: Officially became a fully licensed UK bank, focusing on financial inclusion.
- 2023: Voted one of the top 100 large financial services companies to work for in the UK.
- 2024: Zempler reported a pre-tax profit of £3.3 million, highlighting its steady growth and financial stability.
Its journey shows a clear focus on making everyday banking simpler and more accessible for everyone. To stay ahead of the game, Zempler continues to introduce new features like integrated accounting, instant account opening, and real-time fraud monitoring, keeping pace with the needs of modern customers.
Who Can Open a Zempler Bank Account?
Zempler Bank is open to various types of businesses, from sole traders and partnerships to charities and limited companies. However, they do enforce certain rules:
Age & Residency
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You need to be a UK resident.
Business Requirements
- Your business must be based in the UK.
- Certain industries are excluded: cryptocurrency, firearms, large tobacco dealers, and more.
Verification
- You’ll typically need a passport or driving licence and a recent utility bill or bank statement for address checks.
- If Zempler can’t verify your details electronically, you may need to submit additional documents.
No complex credit checks are required to open a basic business account, which is especially helpful for newer ventures. However, if you’re dealing in restricted sectors or your documentation doesn’t match Zempler’s guidelines, your application may be declined.
Account Types
Zempler offers three main accounts to suit businesses of all shapes and sizes:
1. Business Go (£0/month)
- 3 free outbound payments per month; 30p per payment thereafter.
- ATM withdrawals cost £2 in the UK and £3 abroad.
- Ideal if you make only a handful of transactions and want no monthly fees.
2. Business Extra (£9/month)
- 20 free outbound payments, then 30p each beyond that.
- Free ATM withdrawals in the UK and abroad.
- Offers 0.5% cashback on card spend (up to £1,000 a month). Great value for moderate transaction volumes.
3. Business Pro (£19/month)
- Unlimited free outbound payments.
- Free ATM withdrawals worldwide.
- 1% cashback on card spend (up to £1,000 a month) plus advanced features like higher outbound payment limits.
All three come with integrated accounting, spending insights, pots, and 24/7 fraud monitoring. Your choice largely hinges on how many transactions you expect to make and whether you value perks like cashback.
Opening an Account with Zempler Bank
Getting started with Zempler Bank is straightforward:
1. Online Application
- Fill out personal and business details via the Zempler website or app.
- 99.94% of customers receive their account number the same day.
2. Document Verification
- Upload proofs of ID and address if prompted.
- No credit check is generally required.
3. Receive Your Debit Card
- Cards typically arrive within 3–5 working days.
- You can add extra cards for team members or departments if needed.
4. Start Banking
- Manage your finances through the online portal or mobile app.
- Set up inbound payments, schedule transactions, and integrate your accounting software.
If your details aren’t verified automatically, you might have a slight delay, but most users report a swift process. And once you’re in, you can access all the standard banking features plus extras like Pots and real-time insights.
What are the Zempler Bank Fees & Charges?
Zempler Bank’s fees vary across the three account tiers. Below is an overview focusing on business transactions:
Business Go (£0/month)
- Outbound Payments: 3 free, then 30p each.
- ATM Withdrawals: £2 in the UK, £3 abroad.
- Cash Deposits: Min £3 or 0.5% of amount, capped at £5k per day.
- Inbound International Payments: £15 each.
Business Extra (£9/month)
- Outbound Payments: 20 free, then 30p each.
- ATM Withdrawals: Free in the UK and abroad.
- Cash Deposits: Same as above.
- Inbound International Payments: £15 each.
- Cashback: 0.5% on card spend.
Business Pro (£19/month)
- Outbound Payments: Unlimited free.
- ATM Withdrawals: Free in the UK and abroad.
- Cash Deposits: Same as above.
- Inbound International Payments: £15 each.
- Cashback: 1% on card spend.
Be mindful of any fees for rejected Direct Debits or if you exceed your free payment allowance. Check Zempler’s website for a complete breakdown, especially if you foresee high-volume transactions.
Is Zempler Bank Safe?
Zempler Bank is a fully regulated UK bank, which means it’s authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by both the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In short, it’s held to the same high standards as any traditional high-street bank. On top of that, your deposits are protected up to £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), so you’ve got an extra layer of reassurance.
Robust Security Measures
- TLS Encryption & Audits: Zempler uses strong encryption to safeguard your data and undergoes regular third-party security checks.
- Auto Timeouts: After a spell of inactivity, your account automatically locks to prevent unauthorised access.
- 24/7 Fraud Monitoring: The bank’s systems keep an eye on transactions day and night, flagging anything suspicious.
User-Level Security
- Instant Card Freeze: If your card goes missing, you can freeze it straight away in the app.
- Two-Step Verification: Where available, Zempler adds an extra layer of login protection, so it’s harder for anyone else to get in.
Zempler also provides detailed security advice to help you recognise and report scams, which is especially handy if you’re new to online banking or just want to stay vigilant. All these measures show the bank takes security seriously, giving you confidence that your business finances are in safe hands.
Is Zempler Bank Good for International Payments?
If you plan to receive funds from abroad, Zempler Bank supports inbound international transfers for currencies like GBP and euros, and for senders from countries including the USA, Australia, and many EU nations. However, each inbound international payment carries a flat £15 fee.
Currency Conversion
- Incoming currency different from your account currency? You may face extra conversion charges.
- Zempler also offers travel cards in euros and US dollars, which can help if you frequently spend overseas.
Withdrawal & Spend Abroad
- Business Extra and Business Pro let you withdraw cash abroad fee-free.
- A 2.99% foreign transaction fee applies on Business Go for card spend outside the UK.
Overall, Zempler doesn’t specialise in low-cost international transfers. If international trading is your business’s mainstay, you might compare these fees with dedicated FX services.
Does Zempler Bank Offer an Overdraft?
Yes—Zempler Bank provides a modest overdraft facility up to £2,000, which can offer peace of mind when cash flow takes a temporary dip.
Eligibility
- Must have held a Zempler business account for at least three months.
- Overdraft offers may appear via email, SMS, or in-app if you qualify.
Interest & Fees
- First £5 of any overdraft usage is interest-free.
- An annual overdraft fee starts from £50, plus daily interest on amounts above £5.
- Rates can range anywhere from 1% to 99.9% depending on your terms.
Keep in mind that if you anticipate needing larger, longer-term borrowing, you might explore business loans from alternative lenders or high-street banks. The Zempler overdraft feels more like a short-term safety net.
What is Zempler Bank Creditbuilder?
Although Zempler’s Creditbuilder feature is more commonly discussed for personal accounts, a similar concept applies to its business offering. Essentially, Zempler treats your monthly fees like a small “loan” reported to credit reference agencies. By making your monthly account payments on time, you can potentially boost your credit profile.
How It Works
- Sign up and agree to treat your monthly fees as a repayment.
- Timely payments are reported to credit reference agencies.
- Missed payments or delays may harm rather than help your score.
If you’re a new or smaller business with a limited credit history, this could be a valuable tool, though it won’t suit every scenario. Always be mindful of other factors affecting your creditworthiness, such as general business cash flow and outstanding debts.
Zempler Personal Credit Card
While our focus is on business solutions, you might also be curious about Zempler’s personal credit card—especially if you want to keep all your banking in one place. The card is by invitation only and targets individuals who’ve maintained a positive track record with their Zempler account.
Key Details
- Representative APR: 39.9% (variable).
- Interest-Free Period: Up to 56 days on purchases if paid in full each month.
- Cash Withdrawal Rate: High at around 49.94%, so best used only in emergencies.
That said, if you’re purely after a business-focused credit card, Zempler also offers a Business Credit Card with similar features but tailored benefits, such as 1% cashback on up to £100,000 in monthly spending for Business Pro clients.
Zempler Bank Customer Service
Zempler’s customer service is based in the UK, which can be reassuring if you need to resolve something quickly. Current hours (until 16 Dec 2024) are Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm, and Saturday 8am–4pm. Afterwards, weekday hours will shorten to 8am–6pm.
Channels
- Phone Support: Direct line for business account holders.
- Email & In-App Messaging: Useful for non-urgent queries.
- Online Help Centre: Guides for common tasks like payments, statements, or card management.
It’s worth noting that while many Trustpilot reviews praise the helpfulness of staff, others mention waiting longer than expected for replies. This mixed feedback suggests that service speed may vary during busy periods.
Trustpilot Ratings
Zempler Bank currently stands at an average of 3.5 stars from over 10,000 reviews on Trustpilot, classed as ‘Great.’ About half of reviewers rate it 5 stars, praising quick account setup, straightforward features, and responsive staff.
Positive Feedback
- Smooth onboarding
- Transparent fees
- Helpful phone support
Negative Feedback
- Delays in customer service replies
- Occasional dissatisfaction around payment rejections
- Limited branch services (everything is digital except Post Office deposits)
These reviews provide useful insights but remember that online feedback is often polarised. Your experience may differ depending on your business size, transaction volume, and personal preferences.
Alternatives to Zempler Bank
While Zempler Bank has plenty of plus points, you might want to compare it with other business banking providers:
Starling Bank
- Highly rated for its free business account.
- Lower international fees than many rivals.
- Soft credit check might be required.
Monzo Business
- Strong budgeting tools and intuitive app.
- Paid plans add multi-user access and tax pots.
- May have occasional restrictions based on business type.
Revolut Business
- Great for multi-currency accounts and competitive FX rates.
- Some UK-based features (like direct debits) can be a bit more limited.
- Tiered plans with various allowances.
Traditional High-Street Banks
- May offer larger lending facilities.
- Typically have slower onboarding and stricter credit checks.
Be clear about your priorities—cash deposits, transaction costs, overdrafts, or multi-currency support—before settling on a final choice.
Review Methodology
At Business Expert, our review methodology for business bank accounts includes assessing key aspects to ensure comprehensive analysis:
- Features: Evaluation of account features and benefits.
- Fees: Examination of all associated costs.
- Reviews: Analysis of customer feedback across various platforms.
- User Experience: Assessment of online and mobile banking usability.
- Customer Support: Review of support channels and service quality.
- Application Process: Evaluation of the ease and efficiency of account setup.
- Eligibility Criteria: Overview of requirements for account opening.
This approach enables us to provide clear and concise guidance for businesses in selecting a suitable banking product.
Product details reflect the information that was available at that time but may have changed since
Zempler Banking FAQs
Which Bank owns Zempler?
Zempler is a bank in its own right and a trading style of Add Advanced Payment Solutions (APS) Limited.
Is Zempler Bank Real Bank?
Zempler is a real bank: it received its full banking licence, with no restrictions, in February 2021.
Does Zempler Bank Charge a Monthly Fee?
Zempler Bank offers three business accounts, one of which is free called Business Go (with some per transaction charges), one of which is called Business Extra and has a £9 monthly fee, and the other is called Business Pro and is £19 per month.
Is Zempler a Good Bank?
Zempler Bank has some of the best online reviews of any bank, with a 4-star average rating on Trustpilot.
Can you get an Overdraft with Zempler Bank
Yes. Zempler Bank does offer overdrafts for business accounts, but access is by invitation only. Eligibility depends on how long you’ve held your Zempler business account, alongside affordability checks.
- Overdraft Limit: Up to £2,000 (subject to approval).
Interest & Fees:
- The first £5 of your daily overdraft balance is interest-free.
- Annual fee starts at £50.
- Daily interest applies to amounts above £5, with rates ranging from 1% to 99.9% depending on your circumstances.
Remember, the overdraft is intended as a short-term safety net. Late or missed payments could affect your business credit score, so always ensure you have a solid plan in place for repaying any borrowed funds. If you need more substantial or long-term financing, consider exploring business loans or other credit options.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. For personalised guidance, please consult a qualified financial adviser.
Do Zempler Bank run credit checks?
Opening an Account: Zempler Bank typically verifies your identity and address rather than performing a full credit check for a standard business or personal current account. This means opening an account usually doesn’t affect your credit file.
Credit Products: If you decide to apply for an overdraft or credit card later on, Zempler Bank may conduct a credit check to assess your eligibility and affordability.
Is Money Safe with Zempler Bank?
Zempler Bank use 256-bit secure encryption to protect your account details, and business accounts are FSCS protected up to £85,000.