Barclays business account: fees, features and catches

Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.

Quick answer

Barclays’ business current account had no monthly fee for 12 months for eligible start-ups and switchers, then £8.50 a month, as of 3 October 2026. Transaction charges apply.

It came with 12 months of Sage accounting software free, then 50% off.

Who it’s for

  • Start-ups and switchers who want a high-street bank with branches
  • Businesses that will use Sage

Who should skip it

These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:

  • You want a permanently free account — £8.50 a month applies after year one
  • You make many chargeable transactions

Fees and offers

ItemDetail
Monthly fee£0 for 12 months, then £8.50
Transaction chargesApply — see Barclays’ tariff
Software offerSage free for 12 months, then 50% off
Branch accessYes

Figures as of 3 October 2026, from Barclays’ business website.

The catch

Transaction charges apply on top of the monthly fee, so your real cost depends on how you bank.

Check Barclays’ business account terms.

These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.

FAQs

How long is Barclays business banking free?

12 months for eligible customers, then £8.50 a month, as of 3 October 2026.

Is a Barclays business account FSCS protected?

Barclays is a UK-authorised bank. Eligible deposits with a UK-authorised bank are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person, per banking licence (source: FSCS).

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Written by Steven — Editor, The Finance Lowdown

Fact checked by Angela — Editorial Reviewer

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