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Community bank account

Do more with a Community bank account

We’re championing the power of community 

An everyday account for charities, clubs and societies

  • Existing Royal Bank personal or business banking customers* are eligible to apply for free banking on everyday transactions if your community account's annual credit turnover is less than £100,000**
  • Access award-winning*** online accounting software for free with this business banking current account as long as you retain your bank account (optional add-ons may be chargeable)
  • 24/7 Digital Banking and Phone Banking
  • Bank anywhere with our mobile banking app

 

This current account is for not for profit limited companies registered at Companies House, clubs and societies, churches and places worship, registered and unregistered charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) and non-personal trusts. This account can use our Mobile Banking app. Want to see our other business current accounts? See the range

*At least one of the parties named in the application must be an existing Royal Bank customer - if there is no existing relationship your application will be declined

** If your turnover exceeds £100k, your account will be moved onto our Standard Tariff.  Fees & charges apply.

***Friendliest Software of the Year, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Luca Awards 2023.

 

Business Account Terms (PDF, 279 KB)

This account in detail…

Features

Contactless debit card

Need to pay for business purchases in shops and online or withdraw cash? That’s where the contactless debit card comes in handy. Use Apple Pay and Google Pay™ for payments with your phone.

24/7 Digital Banking

Our Digital Banking service means you can access your business account, whenever it suits you.

Mobile Banking app

Our Mobile Banking app is secure, easy-to-use and lets you do loads of useful business banking tasks when you’re out and about.

Everyday support

Get text alerts, email alerts, manage Direct Debits and more.

Chequebook and paying in book

You can have a chequebook and a paying in book too (useful If you’re receiving cash or cheques).

Authorise signatories

Authorise up to four individuals as signatories on the account.

Benefits

Managing cashflow is easy

Because you can access your account 24/7 online or through the app, you know exactly where you stand. You can see what’s gone out, what’s come in and what invoices have been paid.

Free banking on everyday transactions

If you’re a not for profit organisation with an annual turnover that doesn’t go over £100,000, you could qualify for free banking on everyday transactions. If you have a turnover above £100,000, you will move on to our Standard Tariff after being provided with a 60-day notice period.

Free accounting software

This account gives you access to FreeAgent, which makes business bookkeeping really easy.

Charges

Simple terms and charges information

Our Terms and Charges info is clear and simple. Interest is calculated daily and is charged quarterly.
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Managing your Community account has never been easier

Visit our servicing hub for instant access to managing your business accounts, loans, credit cards and any other business service you have from Royal Bank of Scotland. 

Switch to Royal Bank

The Current Account Switch Service will do all the work when it comes to switching, moving everything across from your old account all within 7 business days, including Direct Debits and standing orders. All you need to do is tell us the details of your old bank account and when you want the Switch to start.

 

Current Account Switch Guarantee (PDF, 60KB)

A Guide to Switching Current Accounts (PDF, 532KB)

How does the Current Account Switch Service work?

Apply for our Community bank account

Got 10 minutes to fill in your application? Let's get started. 

Great, first let's check if you're eligible to apply.

  • You're aged 18 or over.
  • You're the owner or director of the business you’re applying on behalf of.
  • At least one person on the application must be a UK resident.
  • Your business must be registered for income tax or corporation tax purposes in the UK.
  • You haven't been declared bankrupt or received a County Court Judgement (CCJ) or Court Decree.
  • If your business turnover is over £2m, we'll ask you to provide evidence of this.

Important information

 

Business Account Terms (PDF, 279 KB) 

Business Account Charges Booklet (PDF, 549 KB) 

Financial Services Compensation Scheme Guide (PDF, 45KB)

 

Important things to consider before applying

 

 

Consider which account you need

 

During your application, you'll have to select the type of account you'll need:

  • Business Current Account - used for the day to day running of your business, OR
  • Loan Servicing Account - used ONLY for loan repayment purposes. You'll need this if you have a loan with us, but not your current account(s). 

Should you select the incorrect account, you will need to reapply choosing the correct option.

Which are you?
OK, so you're an existing customer. Is the bank account for...
Which statement best describes your organisation?
If your business turnover is over £2m, we'll ask to see evidence of this.

You can apply online

This is the fastest way to complete your application.

1. We may use Mitek, formerly HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to check your identity.

2. To see which documents are accepted for proof of identity and address you can visit our Mitek page.

3. Once we receive all your information, we'll review the application and will be in touch.

By starting your application online, you consent to the following:

  • Identity verification using our security partner Mitek.
  • A credit check on everyone on your application.

 

Apply by phone

 

Can’t apply online? You can complete your application via phone – discover how you can get in touch. After the call, you’ll need to bring your documents to us in branch or use a professional service provider. This is so we can verify your identity.

It’s likely that you will have to wait a few days for an appointment, and the appointment itself can take up to an hour. Please bear in mind that applying by phone can take longer than applying online.

You can apply online

We'll ask to see evidence that your annual turnover is more than £2m. If you cannot provide this or you’ve been trading less than a year, go back and select the other option.

This is the fastest way to complete your application.

1. We may use Mitek, formerly HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to check your identity.

2. To see which documents are accepted for proof of identity and address you can visit our Mitek page.

3. Once we receive all your information, we'll review the application and will be in touch.

By starting your application online, you consent to the following:

  • Identity verification using our security partner Mitek.
  • A credit check on everyone on your application.

Apply by phone

 

Can’t apply online? You can complete your application via phone – discover how you can get in touch. After the call, you’ll need to bring your documents to us in branch or use a professional service provider. This is so we can verify your identity.

It’s likely that you will have to wait a few days for an appointment, and the appointment itself can take up to an hour. Please bear in mind that applying by phone can take longer than applying online.

Do you have a Relationship Manager?

Call your Relationship Manager

You should have a direct number for them. You can discuss applying for an additional business account. They can start the application for you and arrange to get the appropriate signatures.


When can I call?

Business and Relationship Managers are available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

No problem, we can still help.

You can use the form below to open an additional account.

Alternatively, you can call us on 0345 600 2230, or use the Relay UK Service: 18001 0345 600 2230.

More information on accessibility.

Calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes. To see how much your call might cost, visit the call charge information page.

Which statement best describes your organisation?
If your business turnover is over £2m, we'll ask to see evidence of this.

You can apply online

This is the fastest way to complete your application.

1. We may use Mitek, formerly HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to check your identity.

2. To see which documents are accepted for proof of identity and address you can visit our Mitek page.

3. Once we receive all your information, we'll review the application and will be in touch.

By starting your application online, you consent to the following:

  • Identity verification using our security partner Mitek.
  • A credit check on everyone on your application.

 

Apply by phone

 

Can’t apply online? You can complete your application via phone – discover how you can get in touch. After the call, you’ll need to bring your documents to us in branch or use a professional service provider. This is so we can verify your identity.

It’s likely that you will have to wait a few days for an appointment, and the appointment itself can take up to an hour. Please bear in mind that applying by phone can take longer than applying online.

You can apply online

We'll ask to see evidence that your annual turnover is more than £2m. If you cannot provide this or you’ve been trading less than a year, go back and select the other option.

This is the fastest way to complete your application.

1. We may use Mitek, formerly HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to check your identity.

2. To see which documents are accepted for proof of identity and address you can visit our Mitek page.

3. Once we receive all your information, we'll review the application and will be in touch.

By starting your application online, you consent to the following:

  • Identity verification using our security partner Mitek.
  • A credit check on everyone on your application.

Apply by phone

 

Can’t apply online? You can complete your application via phone – discover how you can get in touch. After the call, you’ll need to bring your documents to us in branch or use a professional service provider. This is so we can verify your identity.

It’s likely that you will have to wait a few days for an appointment, and the appointment itself can take up to an hour. Please bear in mind that applying by phone can take longer than applying online.

Already started an application?

Log in to continue or check the status of your Community bank account application in our online application centre.

You can 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 can create a login now.

Due to increasingly high demand for our accounts, there could be a delay in opening your account. We are sorry for the inconvenience that this might cause you.

Questions about this account?

Helping your community group thrive

Savings accounts for your organisation

Your community group may be required to hold reserves. If not, it is still good practice to do so for those unforeseen events and our range of savings accounts may be ideal. 

See if you could start earning more on your savings. Eligibility criteria apply.

Information Message

Free accounting software? Yes please.

FreeAgent’s award-winning* accounting software makes it easy to stay on top of your organisation’s finances. As a NatWest business current account holder you can access this software for free** as long as you retain your bank account. Key features include:
 

Invoices, expenses and bank accounts in one place

Cashflow overview and 90-day cashflow forecast

Tax Timeline and Making Tax Digital-compliant tax returns
 

* Friendliest Software of the Year, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Luca Awards 2023

** Optional add-ons may be chargeable
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Join our community of entrepreneurs

We offer a range of programmes and helpful tools, plus you could tap into a network of specialists and like-minded peers who could offer help and guidance.

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Social and community capital

We’re sure you’ll make a big positive impact, but sometimes it's difficult to get the finance you need to grow. We can offer support and alternative funding. 

Security may be required. Product fees may apply. Over 18s only. Subject to status, business use only. 

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Something else we can help you with?