The Bank That Works For You (Not Against You)

Let’s be honest: choosing a business bank account isn’t exactly the sexiest part of running your business. You don’t wake up in the morning thinking, “I can’t wait to compare overdraft charges today!”

But get this wrong, and you’ll be bleeding cash faster than you can say “hidden fees.”

Because right now, the business banking world is a jungle.

• Mainstream banks offering shiny “intro offers” that vanish after 12 months.

• Challenger banks popping up with slick apps and “free forever” promises (until you need to send money abroad or pay in cash).

• Add to that bookkeeping bolt-ons, monthly charges, transaction fees, incentives, integrations, and… headache incoming.

Here’s what you really need to look for:

1. Simplicity. Banking should make your life easier, not harder. Can you send an invoice, pay a bill, and see your cashflow without a degree in financial wizardry?

2. Integration. Does it play nicely with your bookkeeping software, or are you left juggling spreadsheets like a circus act?

3. Cost vs Value. Forget free coffees in branch. What’s the real cost once the “intro period” is over? Are you paying through the nose for every transfer, or does it actually help your business grow?

4. Support. When something breaks (and it will), can you speak to a human who knows what they’re talking about?

At Volcano Publishing, we keep it simple. We use a Mettle account (backed by NatWest). Why? Because it hooks straight into FreeAgent bookkeeping software (included for free), meaning our sales, expenses, and tax return prep are all in one place. Less faff. More focus on what matters: growing the business.

⚡ The takeaway? Don’t be dazzled by freebies or gimmicks. Choose the account that works for you. The one that saves you time, cuts admin, and leaves more money in your pocket.

Because in business, the right bank account isn’t “just admin.” It’s your financial engine room. And you wouldn’t put diesel in a Ferrari, would you?

Provider & Website

Mettle by Nat West = https://mettle.co.uk

Tide = https://www.tide.co

Zempler Bank (formerly Cashplus) = https://www.zemplerbank.com

Monzo = https://monzo.com

Allica Bank = https://www.allica.bank

OakNorth Bank = http://oaknorth.co.uk

NatWest = https://www.natwest.com

Barclays = https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/

HSBC = https://www.hsbc.co.uk/business/

Starling Bank = https://www.starlingbank.com/business-account/

Revolut Business = https://www.revolut.com/business

Wise Business = https://wise.com/gb/business/

ANNA Money = https://anna.money