💼 Why Freelancers Need a Business Bank Account
Even if you’re a sole trader and not legally required to open a business account, separating your personal and business finances is smart. It simplifies bookkeeping, keeps you compliant with HMRC, and makes you look more professional to clients.
🔍 What to Look for in a Freelancer-Friendly Account
When comparing business bank accounts, freelancers should prioritise:
- ✅ No monthly fees (or low fees)
- ✅ Easy app-based banking
- ✅ Good integrations (with invoicing/accounting tools)
- ✅ Instant notifications and real-time spending
- ✅ UK-based support
- ✅ Clear eligibility for sole traders
And once you’ve chosen a bank, pairing it with the right accounting software for UK sole traders makes managing your finances even easier.
🏆 Top Business Bank Accounts for UK Sole Traders
Here’s a comparison of some of the most popular and freelancer-friendly options in 2025:
1. Starling Bank (Recommended)
- ✅ Free business account for sole traders
- Instant app notifications and spending insights
- No monthly fee
- Connects with accounting tools like FreeAgent and QuickBooks
- Create and send invoices from the app
2. Monzo Business Lite
- Modern mobile-first experience
- Free tier for sole traders
- Create pots for tax savings or projects
- Good invoicing features built in
- Strong UK-based support
3. Tide
- Specifically designed for freelancers and microbusinesses
- Free basic plan with paid upgrades
- Issue invoices and auto-categorise transactions
- Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent
4. Mettle by NatWest
- Free business banking for sole traders
- Built-in invoicing and expense tools
- Backed by a major UK bank (NatWest)
- Works well with FreeAgent (free licence for eligible users)
5. Revolut Business
- Global payment support + currency options
- Paid plans from £7/month, but worth it if you work internationally
- Great for freelancers with EU or USD clients
📌 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right business bank account saves time, keeps your books clean, and helps you stay in control as a sole trader. All of the options above are built with UK freelancers in mind — it’s just a matter of what fits your workflow best.
Ready to streamline your finances? Start with a free option like Starling or Mettle, then scale up as your business grows.
You’ll find even more helpful tools like these in our Freelancer Toolkit, built specifically for UK sole traders.