How to reduce your business bank charges as a sole trader
Practical tips for the self-employed on choosing the right bank account, understanding fee structures, and avoiding unnecessary or hidden charges.
Banking
Sole traders don’t usually need a separate business bank account, but there are good reasons to consider opening one.
Keeping business transactions separate can make bookkeeping easier, give you a clearer view of your cash flow and avoid problems where a personal account’s terms prohibit business use.
These guides explain how to choose and manage a business account, compare charges and features, understand FSCS protection, and switch banks safely.
Choosing a business bank account
Switching and software
Managing your business banking
Business account reviews
Zempler Business Go bank account fees + review (2026)
Our Zempler Business Go review covers features, fees, pros and cons, and how it compares with Extra and Pro. A good choice for the self-employed.
How to raise money to start and grow your own business
Starting on your own? Explore the main ways to raise money for a new business — from personal savings and bank loans to grants, crowdfunding and investors.
Tide small business bank account review (£50 cashback)
Our 2026 Tide business account review. Tide is used by over 1.5m UK businesses. See how the free account works, who it suits, and how to claim £50 cashback.
How Tide and Zempler connect to Xero, FreeAgent and QuickBooks
How Tide and Zempler bank accounts connect to Xero and QuickBooks, and how bank feeds improve reconciliation and digital record-keeping.
Can I open a business bank account with bad credit as a sole trader?
How to open a business bank account as a sole trader even with bad credit. Compare Tide and Zempler, see how their no-credit-check process works.
How long does it take to open a sole trader business bank account?
How long does it take to open a sole trader business bank account? Typical timescales for digital and high-street banks, plus what can cause delays.
Do you need a separate bank account if you’re self-employed?
If you’re starting up, do you need a separate bank account for your new business? The answer depends upon the type of business structure you work under.
Can you have multiple business bank accounts as a sole trader?
Can you use more than one business account as a sole trader? Learn when it makes sense, how to stay organised, and tips for managing multiple accounts.
Can you open a business bank account before you start trading?
Find out if you can open a business bank account before you start trading, and what banks need to see before activating your account.