Business bank accounts
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Whatever stage your business is at, we’re here to help you thrive
With NatWest business accounts, you'll get:
- FreeAgent – their award-winning* software takes the stress out of your business finances. It’s fully loaded with intelligent account insights, handy accounting tools, and it even helps you do your tax return. You can get FreeAgent for free, as long as you retain your NatWest business current account.
- The ability to bank anywhere– online, on your mobile 24/7, or at our network of branches or local Post Office (branch and Post Office banking not available to Mettle customers)
- Help when you need itby talking to us through secure messaging in-app or online
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*Friendliest Software of the Year, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Luca Awards 2023. Optional add-ons may be chargeable.Mettle requires you to make at least one transaction per month with your Mettle account.
Which business bank account is right for you?
The below products are available to eligible customers, over 18 who have the right to be self employed in the UK. Specific account and service eligibility criteria apply.
Free banking on everyday transactions means the charges for the day to day running of your account (known as your service charges) won’t apply during the free banking period. Charges for unarranged overdrafts, Bankline, international payments and any additional services are not part of the free banking offer. At the end of this period, you’ll be automatically moved to the Standard Tariff. Not applicable to Mettle.
App available to customers with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.
Our business bank account for start-ups
New business? A NatWest account with extra support for your start-up, plus free banking on everyday transactions for 2 years*
For businesses trading less than a year with turnover of less than £1m
Free programmes that could help you grow and support that could help you run your business better (some services available to customers and non-customers)
Connect with experts who could take you further and help achieve your goals sooner
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Existing business?
A NatWest account for big ambitions, plus free banking on everyday transactions for 2 years* when you switch to us
- Our account for businesses with turnover above £1m. Or, for businesses with turnover below £1m who have been trading for over a year.
- A dedicated Relationship Manager to look after your business (turnover and eligibility criteria apply)
Switch offer is available for customers whose projected or existing turnover is below £2m, and who make a full switch to a NatWest business bank account using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). It's not available to customers switching a Royal Bank of Scotland or Ulster Bank business current account to NatWest.CASS is not currently available for Mettle accounts.
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Self-employed?
Free mobile business bank account
- For sole traders or limited companies with up to two owners who have a balance of less than £1m, and are a UK-based company with owners who are UK residents (eligibility criteria apply)
- 100% free – no hidden costs or transaction fees
- You won’t have access to credit or borrowing options
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Charity, club or other non-profit?
Learn about our NatWest Community account
Existing NatWest personal or business banking customers are eligible to apply for free banking if your community account's annual credit turnover is less than £100,000 and remains at this level
Everyday support from texts and email alerts
Authorise up to four individual signatories
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See our Community account Open in new window
Already started a NatWest application?
Log in and check the status of your application in ouronline application centre
Use the same details that you created when you applied for your business account. If you haven’t already set up access to your online application centre, you cancreate a login now
Free banking on everyday transactions for 2 years when you switch to us
If you've got an annual turnover of up to £2m and switch your business account to us using the full Current Account Switch Service, we'll give you 2 years of free banking on everyday transactions.
Everything will be moved acrossfrom your old account to your new account for you, all within 7 working days, including Direct Debits and Standing Orders.
Switch offer is not available to customers switching a Royal Bank of Scotland or Ulster Bank business current account to NatWest.Not currently available for Mettle accounts.
Current Account Switch Guarantee(PDF, 40KB)
Your Guide to switching your account to us(PDF, 2.3MB)
How does switching work? Open in new window
Free banking means the charges for the day to day running of your account (known as your service charges) won’t apply during the free banking period.Charges for unarranged overdrafts, Bankline, international payments and any additional services are not part of the free banking offer. At the end of the free banking period, you’ll be automatically moved to the Standard Tariff.
Plus tools to help you grow, all from one bank
The below tools and products are available to customers and non-customers.
Don't fear your accounts, with FreeAgent
Integrate your accounts to stay on top of your tax with FreeAgent. It’s free for as long as you retain your NatWest business bank account.Optional add-ons may be chargeable.
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Get HR and health & safety support from MentorDigital
Manage your people anywhere, anytime, on any device with free tools from MentorDigital.
MentorDigital is subject to app store availability and phone network access.Network provider charges may apply. Some Mentor services incur a cost.
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Buddy up with Business Builder
With Business Builder you’re not on your own. Our specialist advice, smart tools, and upskilling opportunities are designed to help build your confidence.
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Grow with our Accelerator Programme
Discover wrap around support with one-to-one coaching and thought leadership, online or at our nationwide co-working hubs.
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More information
What you need to open a NatWest business bank account
Participating providers of UK business bank accounts have agreed to a basic set of information that they will need from you to set up your UK business current account. Find out what you’ll need to provide using the simplebusiness banking checklistfrom UK Finance, the UK’s leading trade association for financial services.
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See how our business bank accounts compare
If you’d like to see how our Business Bank account products stack up against the others in the market, you can compare them at the following websites (suggested by the UK Government's Competition and Markets Authority):
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How fees work on our business bank accounts
Business accounts can often seem complicated when it comes to charges. We’re here to help you find ways to save and learn more about what you’re charged for. And although NatWest start-up business account holders don’t pay transaction fees for the first 2 years anyway, it’s always worth understanding how you can reduce your charges after that period ends.
Some ways to manage your account charges
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Have a look at some of our service measures
If you want to see how we have performed on key service areas, you can get a detailed view here.
NatWest performance indicators (PDF, 58KB)
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Business savings accounts
We’ve raised our rates across our savings account range. As an example, ourLiquidity Manager 95-day Notice Account now has an interest rate of4.25% AER, 4.17% Gross p.a. (variable).
Eligibility criteria apply. Interest rates are subject to variation. Early withdrawals from the Liquidity Manager Notice Accounts are not permitted.
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Tyl by NatWest
Use our simple solution, Tyl, to take payments in-store, online or over the phone (eligibility and fees apply.)
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What you need to know before you apply for a NatWest bank account...
A new account usually takes around 5-10 days to open, though if any of the following apply to your application, we may need extra information from you and this could impact the opening timelines:
- You have more than 2 individuals detailed as owners/officials
- You take cash payments
- You undertake overseas transactions
- You are a Club, Society, Charity, Non Personal Trust (we are unable to open accounts for Personal Trusts)
- Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll get a thank you email
- If any information is missing, you will be contacted by phone or email and the application will not progress until the information is received
- Unless you are a single party, you will be required to complete a mandate, possibly a tax declaration and acknowledge Business account terms. These documents can be completed digitally via Adobe e-sign
- Once your account is open, we’ll send you an email with the account details. Your debit card and Online details will arrive shortly after.
- If we’re unable to progress your application for any reason, we will notify you by email.
- Give us a detailed description of your business in your application
- If you’re a start-up, provide a realistic estimate on your turnover. We know this can be challenging, but your best estimate is fine.
- Provide clear and detailed information particularly in the trading activity section within the application
- Make sure any additional parties linked to the account return the required documents
- If we ask for anything else via email or phone after you’ve submitted your application, then check you’ve done or sent it
- For personal identification after the application, read the onscreen prompts within HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to understand what documents are valid
- Use theapplication hubwithin our online system to check for updates
- Incorrect or expired documents
- Incomplete or limited information on your business
- Adverse credit score
- Dishonesty and fraud
- Certain business types and countries you are linked with
Useful info about our NatWest business accounts
Asked for a debit card? It’ll arrive in the next few days
Activate your card to pay bills, take out and pay in cash
Chosen the option for online banking in your application? We’ll send you detailed instructions on how to activate it after your account is open
Activated your online banking? Now you can order a card reader and get our mobile banking app*
Didn’t select the option for online banking? It’s easy to apply after your account is open. Find out more about online banking
If you’ve requested Bankline, a member of the Bankline team will be in touch to discuss this service once your current account is open.
Applied for a currency account(s)? You’ll receive your currency account(s) details within a few days after your current account has been opened
*Our app is available to all online banking customers with a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. Fingerprint login is available on selected devices.
You are able to switch your Business Current Account or your business banking to another provider while retaining your business loan with us. We may require you to open a fee free loan servicing account and will confirm if this is required as part of the switching process. A fee-free Loan Servicing Account is not a Business Current Account. This account will purely be used to facilitate your loan and will be free of any transaction charges.
We’ll start processing your application as soon as we’ve opened your current account. First we’ll carry out our standard lending and security checks, then let you know our decision shortly afterwards.
If your application is successful, we’ll send out your welcome pack, card and PIN, separately in the post. This process normally takes 10-12 working days, after we’ve opened your current account.
We’ll let you know your agreed credit limit right away. You can also apply to change this limit as soon as we’ve opened your account.
If you’ve got any questions about your credit card, please contact us on:
0345 301 6263
Relay UK: 180010345 301 6263
Monday – Friday, between 8am – 5pm
A loan servicing account is only required if you are currently in the process of applying for a business loan and you do not have or wish to have a business current account with us.
This account will only enable you to deposit funds with the bank to meet your monthly loan repayment. It CAN NOT be used to support day to day business transactions like taking payments from customers or making payments to suppliers and for this you will need to apply for a business current account.
If you have business current account with us you will be able to apply for loans and overdrafts in the future without the need to open an additional loan servicing account.
Additional support for your business
It pays to have a business plan
Every successful business starts with a plan. We have six key do’s and don’ts and tips on how to write yours.
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More about business plans Open in new window
Five successful growth strategies
Our experts have put together five ways to help ensure your business is a success. We think its essential reading.
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See our growth strategies Open in new window
10 micro-improvements for your business
Small changes can make a big difference. We’ve got ten tips that we think every business should read.
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Read our 10 tips for improvement Open in new window