Business Accounts

If you have a small business, and all you need to do is manage your cash flow effectively, you may find that a basic business bank account with a chequebook and a paying-in book is sufficient for your needs. Other features that you may need as turnover and staffing increase include the facility for setting up direct debits and standing orders and a debit card for making card payments and withdrawing cash from ATMs. Business accounts usually come with a monthly fee, and this increases the more cheque and cash transactions that you make. When you are shopping around for your first business account, don't be afraid to try and get a year's free banking or at least a reduction on the monthly tariff. Also if you do get a good deal for the first 12 months, pay close attention to the rates you are offered after this period to ensure that they are still competitive.

If your business is primarily online and this is how most of your transactions will be made, you should look into whether you can get a better deal on an online business bank account. Alternatively, if your clients usually pay you by cheque, you will need to have a good deal on in-branch services. Either way, it is important that you have access to help and support when you need it (crucially within office hours) so do take this factor into consideration. As well as asking colleagues and business contacts for recommendations, call the bank directly and gauge the level of customer service and the friendliness of the staff. If your business is in quite a specialist industry, it is worth researching which banks that have experience and knowledge in managing clients within this industry.

Business Bank Account Tips

• Don't necessarily open a business account in the same bank that you have your personal accounts.  Although it might be the easiest, fastest option, you are likely to be missing out on the most competitive deals in the market.
• Look out for additional features that come included with your business account, such as free accounting software or business consultation sessions.  As long as it does not cost you any extra to use these services, make use of them.
• Check your monthly statements very carefully.  Mistakes can be made, and this is more likely when you make a large number of transactions that need to be processed.  If you spot charges have been added to your account that should not have been, the sooner you raise the issue, the easier it will be to sort out.