A business account keeps company money apart from your own, and it is the base for cards, payroll and invoicing. Most online options are built for one market, so where you are registered narrows the list.
A business account is where your income lands and your costs are paid from, and it is the base for cards, payroll and invoicing. Online providers are quick to open and cheap to run, but they differ in how they are licensed and how your money is protected.
We compare six accounts across the US, UK and Europe. Each pick says who it suits and its main limit, and the guide below explains how to check protection. If you also need cards, Wallester offers a free plan with IBANs in 10 currencies and virtual and physical cards, and can sit alongside a local account.
Best for US startups
Online-first US business banking built for startups and online businesses, run through partner banks.
Watch out forIt is not a bank itself, so check how deposit insurance works through its partner banks.
Best for budgeting across accounts (US)
US business banking with multiple checking accounts, so you can set money aside for tax, payroll and operating costs.
Watch out forAimed at small US businesses and has fewer features than a full bank.
Best for freelancers and small online businesses (US)
Online account for freelancers and small businesses, with invoicing and integrations with common online sales and payment tools.
Watch out forFewer products than a traditional bank, and it also works through a partner bank.
Best for UK small businesses
UK business account with a free tier, aimed at sole traders and small companies, with invoicing and accounting integrations.
Watch out forPaid tiers add features and some payment fees vary by plan, so read the fee table.
Best for UK and Europe with several currencies
Business account with cards, multiple currencies and team tools in one app. Plans are tiered, so features depend on the plan you choose.
Watch out forAccount limits and support can vary by plan and country.
Best for EU businesses wanting a Dutch bank
Dutch bank with business accounts, sub-accounts and cards, available to businesses in many European countries.
Watch out forFeatures and pricing differ by country and plan.
| Provider | Choose it if you want | Its main strength | Its main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | An online US account built for startups | Online account opening and startup-focused tools | Works through partner banks, so check how deposits are insured |
| Relay | Several US accounts to budget for tax, payroll and costs | Multiple checking accounts under one login | Fewer features than a full bank |
| Novo | A simple US account for a freelancer or small online business | Invoicing and integrations with online sales and payment tools | Fewer products than a bank, and it runs through a partner bank |
| Tide | A UK business account that starts free | A free tier with invoicing and accounting integrations | Paid tiers add features, and some payment fees vary by plan |
| Revolut Business | Accounts, cards and several currencies in one app | Many currencies, cards and team tools together | Account limits and support vary by plan and country |
| bunq Business | A Dutch bank account for a European business | Sub-accounts and cards from a licensed bank | Features and pricing differ by country and plan |
Most online providers serve one country or region. Check yours is eligible before you apply.
Some providers hold a banking licence and others work through a partner bank. Check how deposits are protected in your country.
Look at monthly fees, card and ATM fees, and charges for international or same-day transfers.
Accounting software, payroll and card tools that sync with the account save a lot of manual work.
A business account keeps company money apart from your own. It makes bookkeeping and tax simpler, gives lenders and customers confidence, and is often required for a limited company. It is also the base for cards, payroll, invoicing and payment tools.
These are protected in different ways, so check which type you are dealing with and how your balance is covered.
Online providers can verify in minutes to a few days. Traditional banks can take longer.
Many small businesses keep an operating account and a separate account for tax or savings, so money for tax bills is not spent by accident. Some providers let you open several accounts under one login for this.
In most places it is strongly advised, and for limited companies it is often required. A separate account keeps records clean and makes tax and audits simpler.
Check whether the provider is a licensed bank or works through a partner bank, and how deposits are protected. The rules differ between the US, UK and EU.
A local business account suits daily operations. If you invoice or pay abroad often, add a multi-currency account. See our multi-currency guide.
Monthly fees, card and ATM fees, charges for international and same-day transfers, and any minimum balance.
Most online providers open accounts for new companies, but they ask for registration documents and identity checks. Opening can take from minutes to several weeks.
ExpenseBiz is an independent editorial publication. We may earn a commission if you sign up through some links on this page, at no extra cost to you. This page is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. See our methodology.
Typically replies instantly
We use essential cookies only. Privacy