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The Global Insight

Which banks are opening business accounts?

Author

James Williams

Updated on March 24, 2026

Lloyds and Bank of Scotland have been opening new business accounts since December. Any start-up business is eligible to apply, but the banking group is not accepting switchers – except larger customers with a turnover of more than £3 million.

What is the best bank account to open for a business?

Handelsbanken: best bank for business account Handelsbanken came top in the survey for overall service, as well as for relationship management and overdraft and loan services. It calls itself a local relationship bank, where each branch works as a local business.

Why is it so hard to open a business bank account?

Currently, numerous regulatory bodies have increased checks on compliance and anti-money laundering tools, making it hard for individuals to open bank accounts for their businesses. These events are often funded by wealthy anonymous benefactors and as such banks are taking extreme measures to monitor the flow of money.

Do business accounts cost money?

Business bank accounts are aimed at both start-ups and established businesses. Banks usually charge business customers a monthly or annual fee, although many offer a fee-free period of up to two years for new customers and startups.

How long does a business bank account take to open?

1 to 4 weeks
It’ll usually take 1 to 4 weeks to open a business account, as the bank will need to carry out a number of checks to confirm your identity, business and any directors registered to your company. Several factors can speed up the process such as: If you’re already registered at the bank with a regular current account.

How to open a bank account for your business?

Open VISA cards. Apply & get a current account for your business. Connect & manage all your existing bank accounts in one place. Do banking the way you’ve always wanted – simpler, smarter & better. & expenses in one place – in just 2 minutes. few business details. card. Start transacting immediately.

What do you need to know about open banking?

Open Banking is a secure way for you to use financial products and services from regulated apps and websites. It’s easiest to explain how it works with examples: watch the video to find out more. Lots of regulated apps and websites are coming to Open Banking, bringing innovative financial products and services.

What are the technologies that make open banking work?

OpenWrks builds technology that makes open banking work. SafetyNet Credit is a revolving credit facility which uses bank account data to provide an affordable credit limit and self-service dashboard. Truelayer build APIs that allow companies to securely access their customers’ bank accounts for financial data, make payments and verify identity.

Which is the only bank in the UK to offer open banking?

At the moment, only the UK’s nine largest banks and building societies must make your data available through Open Banking. Other smaller banks and building societies can choose to take part in Open Banking. The banks and building societies who currently offer Open Banking are: Allied Irish Bank; Arbuthnot Latham & Co Limited; Bank of Ireland UK