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Start-up bank account

Get a head start with our business bank account for start-ups

On your marks, get set, go!

Award-winning start-up banking

Free banking on everyday transaction for the first 2 years*

Free accounting software from FreeAgent

Free support to help you grow**

Winner of the 2024 Business Start-up Bank of the year award at the Business Moneyfacts® Awards 2024.

The Start-up business account is available for businesses that have been trading for less than 1 year and have a turnover of less than £1m. It is available for eligible customers who are over 18. Eligibility criteria and Terms apply. Click apply now for more information. 

*Free banking means the charges for the day to day running of your account (known as your service charges) won’t apply during the free banking period. At the end of this period, you’ll be automatically moved to the Standard Tariff. Charges for unarranged overdrafts, Bankline, international payments and any additional services are not part of the free banking offer. The 2-year free banking offer is available to eligible customers opening a Start-up account from 26th June 2023 onward.

**Our Entrepreneur hub offers a range of free programmes and tools. Plus you could tap into a network of specialists and peers who could offer guidance as you grow.

FreeAgent is free for as long as you retain your bank account. Optional add-ons may be chargeable.

What is a start-up business bank account?

A start-up bank account is specially designed to meet the needs of emerging businesses. These accounts can support new businesses by managing money, receiving payments, and paying bills. 

To open a start-up business bank account, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. For example, you can only apply for the Royal Bank of Scotland Start-up bank account if you’re the business owner or a director.

Start-up account fees

Transaction types
Automated payments (in or out, inc. cash machines)
Cash payments (in or out, inc. in our branches or Post Office)
Manual payments (in or out, inc. manual credits & cheques paid in at branches)
Monthly charge
FreeAgent: a digital accounting tool that helps with invoicing, cashflow & tax returns
First 2 years
Free
Free
Free
Not applicable
Free (Optional add-ons may be chargeable)
After 2 years
£0.35 per item
£0.70 per £100
£0.70 per item
Not applicable
Free (Optional add-ons may be chargeable)

For details of our full charges and to see a breakdown of what’s included within the above transaction types, please refer to ‘Info about charges’ section in the bottom of this page. This is based on our current pricing. Please note that our charges may vary from time to time and you will be notified of any changes to our charges prior to these taking effect.

Apply for our Start-up account

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

Continue

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:

  • a Business Current Account - used for the day to day running of your business, OR
  • a 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.

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

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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.

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Do you have a Relationship Manager?
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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.

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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.

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

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.

Previous

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.

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Already started an application?

Log in to continue or check the status of your Start-up 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.

Why choose Royal Bank of Scotland for your start-up banking?

Finding the best bank for your start-up business takes time and research. Here are just a few things we offer:
  • Bank anywhere with Digital Banking, our mobile app, or at our network of branches or local Post Office.
  • 24/7 messaging support, plus the option to give us a call or stop by your local branch
  • Instant payment notifications, in-app cheque deposit (limits and fees may apply), and business spending categories to help manage your money
  • Multi-director access so eligible directors can have full visibility of accounts and spending

Digital Banking available to customers with a Royal Bank of Scotland account. App available to customers with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. 

Start-up cash flow support

Loans and finance options

Explore options based on your size, your needs, and your goals.

Security may be required. Product fees may apply. Subject to Status.
 

See your options

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Business credit card

No annual fee for the first year (normally £30). Plus, you can manage your account with the ClearSpend app.*
 

Our credit card features

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The flexibility of an overdraft

Our business overdraft helps you prepare for the unexpected. You’ll only pay interest on what you borrow.

Security may be required. Product fees may apply. Subject to Status.
 

Find out about overdrafts

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Business savings accounts

Make your money work as hard as you do with a Business Savings account. As an example, our Liquidity Manager 95-day Notice Account has an interest rate of 3.75% AER, 3.69% Gross p.a. (variable).

Eligibility criteria apply. Interest rates are subject to variation. Early withdrawals from the Liquidity Manager Notice Accounts are not permitted.  Interest calculated daily and applied on the last business day of each month.
 

View all business savings accounts

Information Message

*To apply for a Royal Bank of Scotland Business credit card, you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over and maintain a business bank account in the same legal entity name with Royal Bank of Scotland. Your registered business must be in the UK and you should be registered for tax purposes in the UK. The Royal Bank of Scotland Business credit card is subject to status and for business use only. Applications for our Business credit card are subject to approval. If you apply for any other credit facilities, security may be required and product fees may apply.

Questions about this account?

Need more information before you apply?

Switch to Royal Bank

The Current Account Switch Service will do all the work. Once we have received a valid switch form it'll move everything across from your old business account to your new one, all within 7 business days.

Current Account Switch Guarantee (PDF, 60 KB)

Your Guide to switching your account to us (PDF, 532 KB)

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Info about charges

At the end of your 2-year free banking period, you’ll move on to our Standard Tariff, with no minimum monthly charge.

 

Business Account Charges Booklet (PDF, 549 KB)

Information Message

Your money is protected

Your eligible deposits held by a UK establishment of Royal Bank of Scotland are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK's deposit guarantee scheme. Any deposits you hold above the limit are unlikely to be covered.

Financial Services Compensation Scheme Guide (PDF, 45 KB)

Information Message

Business account terms

Read our Business account terms document.

 

Business Account Terms (PDF, 279 KB)

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Something else we can help you with?