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Start-up bank account

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

We have helped more business get started than any other UK bank*

*Based on NatWest Group results. MarketVue Business Banking from Savanta, Q2 2024

Award-winning start-up banking

Our current account for start-ups can help you stay on top of bills and payments as your business gets off the ground. It offers plenty of free support and tools. Here are some of the key features of our Start-up account:

Free banking on everyday transactions for the first 2 years*.

Free accounting software from FreeAgent.

Free support to help you grow**.

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 NatWest Start-up bank account if you’re the business owner or a director.

Start-up account fees

Apply for our Start-up account

Got 10 minutes? 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, 255 KB)

Business Account Charges Booklet (PDF, 70 KB)

Financial Services Compensation Scheme Guide (PDF, 45 KB)

 

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 711 4477, or use the Relay UK Service: 18001 0345 711 4477.

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 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

Why choose NatWest 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 Online 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.

Start-up cash flow support

When starting a business, you may need more than a bank account to manage cash flow. Here are some other ways we can support your start-up.

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

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Questions about this account?

Need more information before you apply?

Switch to us

Looking to switch to our Start-up bank account? 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,  40 KB)

Your Guide to switching your account to us (PDF,  2.3 MB)

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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, 70 KB)

Summarised Business Account Charges Booklet (PDF,  79 KB)

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Your money is protected

Your eligible deposits held by a UK establishment of NatWest 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)

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Register a company

Looking to form a limited company?

Our guide takes you through every step of the process - from checking whether your business's name is taken, to being registered with Companies House.

Form a company

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Business account terms

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