UK business banking fees range from no monthly fee at some digital providers to a monthly fee at traditional banks, often after a free period. On top of any account fee sit charges for some transfers, cash handling, cards, and foreign exchange. As of 7 May 2026.
- Monthly fee, digital providers
- Starling lists no monthly fee, Tide lists a free plan with per item charges. As of 7 May 2026.
- Monthly fee, traditional banks
- Often free for a period, then a fee. Lloyds and Barclays reported from about 8.50 pounds a month. As of 7 May 2026.
- Fee free account common
- Yes. Some accounts list no monthly fee, though other charges can apply. As of 7 May 2026.
- Always
- Confirm current fees with the provider.
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How business banking fees work in United Kingdom
A UK business account can carry several fee types. The headline is usually the monthly account fee, which some providers waive entirely and others charge after an introductory free period. Below that sit per transaction charges on some plans, cash and cheque handling fees, card fees, and a foreign exchange cost on currency conversion. Digital providers tend to price simply with low or no monthly fees, while traditional banks bundle services and may charge per item once a free period ends. As of 7 May 2026.
Monthly account fees and free periods
Among digital providers, Starling lists a business account with no monthly fee and an optional paid toolkit reported at about 7 pounds a month for added tools. Tide lists a free plan with per transfer charges and paid plans reported from about 12.99 pounds a month. Among traditional banks, Lloyds and Barclays are reported to give twelve months free and then a monthly fee from about 8.50 pounds, NatWest offers a longer free period on its startup account, and HSBC lists a small business account with no monthly fee. These are reported figures, so verify current pricing directly with each provider before you apply.
Transfer, cash and foreign exchange charges
Beyond the monthly fee, look at the cost of how you actually use the account. Tide lists a per transfer charge on its free plan, traditional banks often charge for cash and cheque handling, and most providers add a foreign exchange cost on international payments. Wise Business lists no monthly fee but a one time registration fee reported at about 50 pounds and converts currency at the mid market rate plus a fee from about 0.33 percent. As of 7 May 2026. Verify current pricing with each provider.
Common UK business banking fees
The fee types you are most likely to meet are listed below. The exact amounts vary by provider. Verify with the provider
- Monthly account fee, often waived at digital providers or after a free period at traditional banks.
- Transfer charges on some plans, plus cash and cheque handling fees where offered.
- Card fees and a foreign exchange cost on currency conversion and international payments.
How to compare the fees
- List the fee types that apply to you, including monthly, transfer, cash, card, and foreign exchange charges.
- Match those fees to how you will use the account, for example domestic transfers, cash handling, or international payments.
- Confirm the current published fees with each provider before you open or fund the account.
Compare business accounts available in United Kingdom
These providers accept business customers in the United Kingdom. Fees and eligibility shown as of 7 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about business banking fees in United Kingdom
How much does a business bank account cost in the United Kingdom?
Are there free business bank accounts in the United Kingdom?
What fees should I expect beyond the monthly charge?
Do UK providers charge for foreign currency payments?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 7 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.