15 Best Online Banks and Business Accounts in the UK

Choosing a business bank account should be simple. But with so many options available to UK businesses, finding the right one can be harder than it looks.

The best account depends on how your business operates. You might prioritise low fees for everyday banking, while an international business may need multi-currency support, affordable FX and easy overseas payments.

That’s why we’ve covered 15 of the best online banks and business accounts in the UK for businesses and freelancers. We’ll look at what each provider offers, including fees, FX, currencies, international payments, integrations and other key features, as well as why WorldFirst could be a good fit for businesses that trade internationally.

Key takeaways

• The best business bank accounts depend on how you run your business, so consider fees, currencies, payment options, integrations and everyday banking features.
• Traditional banks can offer services such as lending, overdrafts and branch support, while fintech providers often focus on areas such as international payments, multi-currency management and business spending.
• Businesses that trade internationally should look beyond account fees and compare FX rates, supported currencies, local receiving details and overseas payment costs.
• Online providers cater to different needs, from everyday UK banking to ecommerce, marketplace payments and international trade.
• WorldFirst can be a strong option for UK businesses trading internationally, particularly those managing multiple currencies, marketplace collections and overseas supplier payments.

What to look for in an online business account

The right business bank account should make it easier to manage your money, not add another layer of admin. Before choosing an account, consider how it fits your day-to-day operations and where your business is heading. Looking at these factors can help you identify the right options for your business:

• Fees that fit your business. Look beyond monthly account fees. Check transaction charges, card fees, cash deposits, international payments, and currency conversion costs to understand what you’ll actually pay.
• International payments and FX. If you pay overseas suppliers or receive money from international customers, check which currencies are supported, how FX is priced, and how international payments are processed.
• Multi-currency support. Businesses trading internationally may benefit from holding and managing multiple currencies in one account. Local receiving details can also make it easier to collect payments from overseas customers and marketplaces.
• Business spending tools. If you have employees or regular business expenses, look for features such as physical or virtual cards, spending controls, and clear transaction visibility.
• Accounting and business integrations. Connecting your account with tools such as Xero, QuickBooks, or other business software can make it easier to track transactions and manage your finances.
• Ecommerce and marketplace support. If you sell through platforms such as Amazon or TikTok Shop, check whether the account can help you collect and manage marketplace payouts in one place. WorldFirst, for example, supports collections from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways and lets ecommerce businesses manage payouts across 20+ currencies.
• Support when you need it. A good business account should give you access to useful customer support when you have questions about payments, transactions, or your account.

Business bank accounts and business accounts: what sets them apart?

Both can help you hold money and make or receive payments, but they are not always the same. Business bank accounts are offered by licensed banks and can include traditional services such as lending, overdrafts and branch support. Business accounts offered by fintechs and e-money providers tend to focus on services such as international payments, multi-currency management and business spending.

For the providers covered here, Starling, Monzo, NatWest, Lloyds, HSBC, Barclays, Revolut, and Zempler offer business banking services, while providers such as WorldFirst, Wise, ANNA Money, Airwallex, Payoneer, Tide and Juni focus on specialised business financial services such as international payments, multi-currency management and business spending.

15 Best business accounts in the UK

From everyday banking to international payments, these 15 providers offer different features, pricing and account options for UK businesses and freelancers. Below, we’ve outlined what each account offers and who it may suit best:

1. WorldFirst

WorldFirst is a multi-currency account designed for UK businesses that trade internationally. It brings receiving, holding, converting, and sending multiple currencies into one account, making it easier to manage international business finances.

Key features of Worldfirst

• Multi-currency account: Receive payments in 20+ currencies, hold multiple currency balances, and convert funds when needed, all from one account.
• International payments: Send payments in 100+ currencies, with 95% arriving on the same day. You can also track payments at every step.
• 130+ marketplace and payment integrations: Receive payouts from platforms including Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, TikTok Shop, PayPal, and Stripe.
• International supplier payments: Pay suppliers in 100+ currencies, including direct CNH payments to Chinese suppliers. Businesses can also use WorldFirst to pay suppliers on 1688.com.
• FX tools: Convert currencies at competitive rates, set rate alerts, and use forward contracts to lock in an exchange rate for future payments.
• World Card: Make eligible business payments with the World Card, a virtual card connected to your World Account, with up to 1.2% uncapped cashback on eligible spend.
• Bulk payments: Make up to 200 payments in one batch, useful for businesses paying multiple suppliers or recipients.
• Business spending: Create virtual cards and manage team spending with greater visibility and control.
• Secure, centralised payments: Manage international payments from one login with 24/7 access, real-time tracking and global support via chat, phone or email, backed by advanced security and Tier-1 banking partners.
• Established global provider: WorldFirst has supported 2M+ businesses since 2004 and has processed $500B+ in transaction volume.

Ready to take your international payments further? Open your free World Account and get started today.

2. Wise Business

Wise Business offers cross-border financial tools that make international payments simpler and more transparent. It’s a strong option for freelancers and SMEs that regularly work with overseas clients, suppliers, or marketplaces.

Key features of Wise Business

• 40+ currencies: Hold and convert 40+ currencies in one account, making it easier to manage balances across different markets.
• Mid-market exchange rate: Uses the mid-market exchange rate, with fees shown upfront before you convert or send money.
• Local account details: Get local account details in supported currencies to receive payments from overseas customers and platforms.
• Marketplace integrations: Connect with platforms such as Amazon, Etsy and Shopify to receive and manage international business payments.
• Business card: Spend directly from your Wise balances in supported currencies with a business debit card.
• Batch payments: Send multiple payments at once, making regular supplier, contractor or other business payouts easier to manage.
• Accounting integrations: Connect with Xero, QuickBooks and other accounting platforms to manage and organise your financial records more easily.

3. Starling Bank

Starling is a UK digital bank offering a straightforward business bank account that mainly operates in the UK. It combines everyday business banking with FSCS protection and optional tools for businesses that need accounting or limited foreign-currency support.

Key features of Starling Bank

• GBP and EUR: Starling’s standard business account is GBP-based, with an optional EUR account for businesses that need to manage a foreign currency.
• FX: Foreign-currency conversions use the real exchange rate with a 0.4% conversion fee.
• UK transfers: Domestic transfers are free, while international payments are available for businesses that need to pay or receive money overseas.
• No monthly account fee: The standard business account has no monthly fee, with optional paid features available through Business Toolkit.
• Marketplace integrations: Integrates with platforms including Zettle and SumUp, supporting businesses that accept payments through these services.
• FSCS protection: Eligible deposits are protected under the FSCS, making Starling an option for businesses that prioritise traditional bank protection.
• Business tools: Spaces can help separate funds for purposes such as VAT, savings or specific projects, while Business Toolkit adds features such as invoicing and bookkeeping support.

4. Tide Business

Tide is a UK-focused financial platform popular with freelancers, sole traders and small businesses. It combines everyday banking with invoicing, expense management and accounting tools, while its international features are more limited than those of providers focused on cross-border banking.

Key features of Tide Business

• Flexible plans: Free and paid plans offer different transaction allowances and business features.
• Invoicing tools: Create and manage invoices directly through the platform.
• Expense management: Track spending, categorise transactions and manage business expenses.
• Accounting integrations: Connect with Xero, QuickBooks and Sage.
• Business cards: Issue cards for team members and manage business spending.
• International payments: Supports international payments, with features and allowances depending on the plan.

5. Revolut Business

Revolut Business is a digital business banking platform for startups, SMEs and growing companies, offering multi-currency accounts, international payments, business cards and team spending controls. In March 2026, Revolut Bank UK Ltd became a fully licensed UK bank, although Revolut’s business products and services may be provided through different Revolut entities depending on the product.

Key features of Revolut Business

• 25+ currencies: Hold and exchange 25+ currencies, with local account details available for currencies such as GBP, EUR and USD.
• Flexible FX: Exchange currencies at the interbank rate during market hours, with additional charges applying once plan allowances are exceeded.
• Team spending controls: Issue physical and virtual cards with spending limits, approval workflows and expense tracking.
• Marketplace integrations: Connect with platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.
• Multi-user access: Give team members controlled access to business finances and manage spending from one platform.
• Business payments: Make local and international transfers, with fees and allowances depending on the plan.

6. Monzo Business

Monzo Business is a digital business bank account aimed at UK sole traders and small companies. It keeps everyday banking simple while adding tools for invoicing, accounting, team spending and occasional international payments.

Key features of Monzo Business

• GBP account: The main business account operates in GBP, making it well suited to businesses primarily trading in the UK.
• UK transfers: Make UK bank transfers for free, with international payments available at additional charges.
• International payments: Send money in 30+ currencies and receive international payments through an IBAN.
• Foreign-currency conversion: Incoming foreign-currency payments are converted to GBP, with a 1% conversion fee capped at £1,000 per transaction.
• Business plans: Lite, Pro and Team plans offer different features for businesses as they grow.
• Invoicing and accounting: Create invoices and connect with Xero, FreeAgent, Sage and QuickBooks.
• Spending tools: Use Pots to separate funds for tax or other expenses, while eligible plans offer expense cards and team access.

7. ANNA Money

ANNA Money is a business account provider for freelancers, sole traders and micro-businesses that want to combine everyday payments with financial administration. Its platform brings invoicing, expense tracking and tax-related tools together, helping smaller businesses spend less time on routine financial tasks.

Key features of ANNA Money

• Business administration: Manage invoicing, expenses, receipts, and tax-related tasks alongside your account.
• Invoicing and payment links: Create invoices and payment links to make it easier to request and receive payments.
• Expense management: Scan receipts and categorise business expenses to simplify bookkeeping.
• Accounting integrations: Connect with Xero and QuickBooks to keep financial records organised.
• Marketplace integrations: Connect with Shopify and WooCommerce for ecommerce payments.
• Business cards: Issue multiple Visa debit cards for staff and manage business spending.
• 24/7 support: Get in-app support when you need help with your account or transactions.

8. NatWest

NatWest is a traditional UK bank offering business accounts that combine online banking with access to branches and wider banking services. It suits businesses that want everyday digital banking while also having access to overdrafts, relationship support, and other financial services.

Key features of NatWest

• Business banking: Access Faster Payments, BACS, CHAPS, debit cards and overdraft facilities.
• Online banking: Manage payments, balances and account activity through the NatWest app and online banking.
• International payments: Make international payments, with fees depending on the payment type and currency.
• Accounting integration: A FreeAgent licence is included while the account remains open.
• API integrations: Supports custom API integrations for businesses with more advanced payment requirements.
• Branch and relationship support: Access branch services, telephone support and relationship managers where eligible.
• 24/7 support: Get support through the app and telephone banking.

9. Lloyds Bank

Lloyds offers a traditional business bank account with online banking, alongside access to branches and wider banking services. It’s a practical option for established UK businesses that want familiar banking infrastructure with digital tools for managing day-to-day finances.

Key features of Lloyds Bank

• Multi-currency support: Business customers can access GBP, EUR and USD accounts for managing supported currencies.
• Online and mobile banking: Manage payments, balances and account activity through Lloyds’ digital banking services.
• International payments: Send international payments, with fees and exchange rates varying by payment type and currency.
• Business cards: Issue staff debit cards and access commercial card options for business spending.
• Business insights: Use tools designed to give businesses greater visibility over their finances and cash flow.
• Lending: Access overdrafts and business loans, subject to eligibility.
• Branch and ATM access: Deposit and withdraw cash through Lloyds’ branch and ATM network.

10. HSBC

HSBC provides established UK businesses with a full-service business bank account, combining digital banking with branch access and relationship support. Its international banking options also make it suitable for businesses that need to manage payments and multiple currencies across markets.

Key features of HSBC

• Major currencies: Access international banking services across a range of major currencies.
• International banking: HSBC offers international accounts and Global Wallet for eligible businesses managing multiple currencies.
• Digital and branch banking: Manage everyday banking online while retaining access to HSBC branches and relationship managers.
• International payments: Make HSBC-to-HSBC payments without a transfer fee, while other payments may incur additional charges.
• Business support: Access lending, relationship management and other banking services alongside the business account.

11. Barclays

Barclays offers established UK businesses a traditional business bank account alongside foreign-currency services for companies that operate internationally. Its business banking options combine everyday account management with access to international payments and a wider range of banking services.

Key features of Barclays

• 16+ currencies: Access foreign-currency services across more than 16 currencies.
• International payments: Send international payments, with fees varying depending on the payment and currency.
• Foreign-currency services: Manage supported currencies alongside your wider business banking arrangements.
• Online banking: Manage your business finances and payments through Barclays’ digital banking services.
• Traditional banking support: Access wider banking services and support suited to established businesses.

12. Airwallex

Airwallex is built for growing businesses that manage international payments, multiple currencies and business spending across markets. Its platform combines global account details with payment, FX and card tools, making it particularly relevant for ecommerce and internationally expanding businesses.

Key features of Airwallex

• 20+ currencies: Hold and manage funds across 20+ currencies with local account details in supported markets.
• FX: Convert currencies at 0.5% above interbank rates for major currencies and 1% for all other currencies.
• International payments: Send and receive international payments across multiple markets, with fees depending on the transfer type.
• Business cards: Issue multi-currency company and employee cards for managing business spending.
• Marketplace integrations: Connect with Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Shopee, and other e-commerce platforms.
• Accounting integrations: Integrate with tools such as Xero to simplify financial management.
• Multi-currency management: Manage international balances, payments, and business expenses through a single platform.

13. Payoneer

Payoneer focuses on helping freelancers, ecommerce sellers, and service businesses receive payments from international marketplaces and platforms. Its local receiving account details make it easier to collect funds from supported markets without relying on a traditional business banking setup.

Key features of Payoneer

• 10+ currencies: Receive and manage funds across multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY.
• Marketplace payments: Receive payments from platforms such as eBay, Walmart, Airbnb, and Fiverr.
• Local receiving details: Get local account details in supported currencies to collect payments from international customers and platforms.
• International payments: Send and receive cross-border payments, with fees that vary by payment method and transaction.
• Ecommerce focus: Particularly useful for sellers working across multiple marketplaces and ecommerce platforms.
• Freelancer payments: Supports businesses and freelancers receiving payments from international clients and service platforms.

14. Juni

Juni is a financial platform built for ecommerce and digital businesses that need tighter control over online spending. It combines multi-currency accounts with business cards, expense management, and integrations designed around ecommerce and digital advertising.

Key features of Juni

• 5+ currencies: Manage funds across multiple currencies through multi-currency accounts and IBANs.
• Business cards: Create cards for business spending and manage expenses across teams.
• Expense management: Track and control business spending from one platform.
• Ecommerce integrations: Connect with platforms such as Shopify to manage ecommerce-related finances.
• Advertising integrations: Integrate with Meta Ads and Google Ads, making it useful for businesses with significant advertising spend.
• International payments: Send international payments, including SEPA transfers, with options depending on the plan and destination.
• Flexible plans: Choose from different plans depending on the features and financial tools your business needs.

15. Zempler

Zempler is a UK digital bank offering a straightforward business bank account for freelancers, sole traders and small businesses. It combines everyday banking with tools for invoicing, accounting and cash-flow management, while also supporting businesses that need to make international payments.

Key features of Zempler

• GBP and EUR: Manage GBP and EUR through its business banking services.
• International payments: Send international payments to destinations including the US and Europe.
• International IBAN: Receive international payments using an IBAN, with incoming foreign-currency payments converted to GBP.
• Accounting tools: Track cash flow and manage your business finances through integrated tools.
• Invoicing: Create and manage invoices alongside your business bank account.
• Payment allowances: Depending on the plan, businesses can make between 3 and 500 free payments per month, with additional payments charged at 35p.

Why UK businesses choose WorldFirst

Among UK business accounts, WorldFirst stands out for businesses that trade internationally. It combines 20+ local currency accounts, 130+ marketplace and payment platform connections, international supplier payments, CNH payments to China, FX tools and virtual cards in one World Account.

You can receive supported marketplace payouts, hold multiple currencies, pay overseas suppliers and manage business spending from one account.

With 1,000,000+ businesses using WorldFirst and $500B+ sent globally, WorldFirst gives UK businesses a single account for managing international finances as they grow.

Ready to manage your international business payments in one place?Open a free World Account and start managing currencies, collections and overseas payments

FAQs

1. What are the best business bank accounts in the UK?

The best business bank accounts depend on what your business needs. Traditional banks such as Starling, Monzo, NatWest, Lloyds, HSBC and Barclays can suit businesses looking for everyday banking, while business accounts from EMIs (Electronic Money Institutions) like WorldFirst, Wise and Airwallex may be better suited to businesses managing international payments and multiple currencies.

2. Which business account is best for international payments?

The best option depends on your business needs, but WorldFirst, Wise and Airwallex are strong options for regular international payments. Compare FX rates, transfer fees, supported currencies, and payment features to find the right fit.

3. Can freelancers open a business bank account in the UK?

Yes. Freelancers and sole traders can open a business bank account in the UK, provided they meet the bank’s eligibility requirements. Banks such as Starling and Monzo offer business accounts for eligible sole traders, although requirements vary between providers.

4. What should I compare when choosing a business bank account?

Compare more than the monthly fee. Look at transaction charges, international transfer fees, FX costs, supported currencies, card features, accounting integrations, marketplace connections, and customer support to understand which account offers the best fit for your business.

Sources:

1. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/
2. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/pricing/
3. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/pay/world-card/
4. https://wise.com/gb/pricing/business
5. https://www.starlingbank.com/business-account/
6. https://www.tide.co/business-current-account/
7. https://www.revolut.com/business/
8. https://monzo.com/business-banking/plans-pricing
9. https://anna.money/pricing/
10. https://anna.money/business-tools/business-integrations/
11. https://www.natwest.com/business/support-centre/making-and-accepting-payments/electronic-payments/international-transfers.html
12. https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/fx-margins.html
13. https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/commercial-banking/rates-and-charges/international-services-rates-and-charges.html
14. https://www.business.hsbc.uk/en-gb/products/business-banking-account
15. https://www.barclays.co.uk/ways-to-bank/international-payments/
16. https://www.airwallex.com/en-uk/pricing
17. https://www.payoneer.com/
18. https://www.juni.co/price-plans
19. https://www.zemplerbank.com/business/current-account/pricing/