Choosing a business bank account might seem like a formality, but it’s a decision that can have a real impact on your business’s finances, both now and down the line. The right account can make managing money simpler, tax time easier, and cash flow smoother.

With so many banks, fintechs, and challenger providers on the market, it’s hard to know which one actually works for real businesses. At Crunch, we’ve supported thousands of freelancers, contractors, and small business owners, and we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating sides of business banking.

Here are five things to keep in mind when choosing your business bank, plus our honest recommendation if you want a shortcut to something reliable.

1. Prioritise speed and simplicity

Opening a business bank account should be quick, stress-free, and entirely digital. If you’re being asked to visit a branch, wait days for ID checks, or provide endless documentation, chances are the bank’s not designed with modern businesses in mind.

Whether you’re launching your first venture or growing an existing one, getting set up fast matters. You need a bank that understands you don’t have time for red tape.

Crunch Tip: Look for banks that offer fully online applications, fast approvals, and well-designed apps to help you stay on top of your money without digging through spreadsheets.

2. Check that it’s a real, regulated bank

Some of the newer financial services providers aren’t actually banks. They’re “e-money institutions.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean your money may not be protected in the same way. If they went under, your funds might not be covered.

For peace of mind, choose a provider that’s a fully regulated UK bank, with Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection. That way, your money’s covered up to £85,000, just like with any traditional bank.

Crunch Tip: Look for FCA and PRA regulation, plus FSCS coverage. It’s the gold standard for security, especially if you’re holding significant funds in the account.

3. Make sure it integrates with your accounting

One of the most common frustrations we see at Crunch is business owners manually uploading statements or re-entering transactions because their bank doesn’t “talk” to their accounting software.

These days, open banking makes it easy to link your bank to tools like Crunch, allowing real-time data syncing, transaction categorisation, and easier bookkeeping. That means fewer mistakes and faster tax returns.

Crunch Tip: Check that your chosen bank supports open banking and integrates with your accounting software, or better yet, ask your accountant what they recommend.

4. Don’t overlook customer support

You might not think about customer service until something goes wrong, but when it does, you’ll want to speak to a real human who can help quickly. Some banks rely entirely on automated support or overseas teams, which can be less than helpful in a pinch.

Small businesses often have unique or urgent questions, so responsive, knowledgeable support can make a world of difference.

Crunch Tip: Check real customer reviews, not just testimonials. Look for banks that offer UK-based support, and bonus points if you can actually get someone on the phone when needed.

5. Only pay for features you actually use

Some business accounts charge monthly fees for features you may never touch, especially if you’re just starting out or working solo. In most cases, a simple, low-cost (or free) account is more than enough.

Of course, if your business grows and you need extra services, like multi-user access or international payments. You’ll want the option to scale. But you shouldn’t have to pay for things you don’t need yet.

Crunch Tip: Choose a bank with transparent pricing and flexible options. Avoid paying a premium for features you’re unlikely to use in the near future.

Why Crunch recommends Zempler

At Crunch, we don’t just recommend partners because it’s convenient, we recommend them because we trust them. That’s why Zempler is our preferred business banking partner.

Zempler is a fully licensed UK bank, backed by Trident Capital. It’s founder-led, laser-focused on serving small businesses, and they’ve been around for over 20 years. We’ve worked with them for 14+ years ourselves, so we know what they’re like behind the scenes: reliable, responsive, and aligned with our values.

They offer everything we look for in a great business bank:

• Super-fast digital onboarding
• FSCS protection and full regulation
• Seamless open banking integration with Crunch
• Simple, no-fee standard accounts
• Real customer service from real people
  
  

We think it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for a dependable business account, or even a second account to ringfence your tax money.

The right bank account can make running your business smoother, safer, and a lot less stressful. Keep these five tips in mind as you explore your options, and if you want a provider that’s trusted by real people, not just advertised on buses, we think Zempler is well worth your time.

Find out more today

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