Self employed. Which business bank?

[Andy C]

Guys and Ladies,

Any advice on what’s the best business account to start off with.

I am currently using my own personal account but want to move away from that as I may decide to go Ltd.

So can I ask for experiences good and bad with banks especially internet banking.

Thanks in advance as always.

 

[SparkySy]

Hi @Andy C

I've had very bad experiences with natwest and RBS so would definitely avoid them, they have no in branch business advisors so if you want to go and have a chat you cant!

On the other hand I have been with HSBC before and just the last 12 months started again with them. Most excellent service so far I have a business credit card, debit card and savings account, no charge for the first 2 years with them. In house business adviser so if you do need a chat you can.

Hope that is of some help!
Sy

 

[Andy C]

Hi @Andy C

I've had very bad experiences with natwest and RBS so would definitely avoid them, they have no in branch business advisors so if you want to go and have a chat you cant!

On the other hand I have been with HSBC before and just the last 12 months started again with them. Most excellent service so far I have a business credit card, debit card and savings account, no charge for the first 2 years with them. In house business adviser so if you do need a chat you can.

Hope that is of some help!
Sy

Thanks Sy, HSBC was one of a couple of banks I am considering but m glad to know which ones to avoid.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I went Santander. Decent business banking lady in branch always happy to help and has a direct line.
free for first however long they are offering at moment afterwards £7 a month i think it is.

 

[Andy78]

I'm with Santander and have no complaints.

Used to be with HSBC but their charges were extortionate so I closed my business account. Which prompted them to "misplace" my account balance for two weeks. Closed all my dealings with them after that. I had banked with them since I was 7 years old and they couldn't have given less of a ---- about my loyalty.

 

[Andy C]

Cheers guys

 

[Welchyboy1]

Santander for me too, no problems at all, free business banking, same as above was with hsbc, dont bother with them

 

[Squid]

Who is your personal account with, mine was with Barclays so I went with them to keep things simple.

 

[123]

I'm with Santander, one of the very few banks to have a branch in my local town now. Also have my personal account with them which makes life simpler.

 

[Chris1234]

Had an account when I had a business (not electrical) they were always the cheapest by far.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I have recently joined Coconut.
Haven’t used the account yet, intend starting to use it for the new tax year.
Supposed to be able to work out your income, expenditure, profit and tax for you.

 

[rolyberkin]

If you want to pay then HSBC, if you have £5K spare to deposit then Metrobank as with a constant £5k deposit business banking is free, HSBC charge me £5.50 a month (free for first 18 months) and they are fine.

 

[Deleted account]

All banks are *****. Accept cash only and Stick it under your mattress.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I heard Santander won’t take cash or even check over the counter and has to be done through machine? I’m with Lloyd’s and have a dedicated person to deal with.

 

[solarsavings]

Or through the post office. Right pain in the arris.