Business fees FAQs: accounts and cards
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
Quick answers about the fees on business bank accounts and business credit cards — what they are, which ones to watch and how to keep them down.
If you only read one thing: price your actual monthly activity on each account or card. Headline fees rarely tell the whole story.
Who it’s for
- Owners puzzled by a bank or card charge
- Businesses reviewing costs
- Anyone comparing a free plan with a paid one
- Bookkeepers explaining charges to clients
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. These FAQs may not be what you need if:
- You want a full list of account fees — see business account fees explained
- You want every card fee explained — see business credit card fees explained
- You’re disputing a specific charge — contact the provider, then the Financial Ombudsman Service
- You need tax advice
The catch
Fees change. Examples here are as of 3 October 2026. Always check the provider’s current tariff.
Full explanation
Where to go next
See The catch with “free” business accounts, Business credit card APR and fee comparison and Business accounts with no monthly fee.
FAQs
What’s the most common business account fee?
A monthly fee — though several accounts have none. Barclays charges £8.50 a month after 12 free months; Starling charges no monthly fee.
Why am I charged for money coming in?
Some plans charge on incoming payments above an allowance. ANNA’s Free plan takes 0.95% above £1,000 a month.
Are cash deposits always charged?
Often, especially on app accounts. Starling charges 0.7% at the Post Office, with a £3 minimum.
What is a minimum balance fee?
A charge if your balance falls below a set level. Allica charges £25 a month if your average balance is below £10,000, unless you have an Allica loan.
What’s the difference between APR and purchase rate?
APR includes compulsory fees and is annualised; the purchase rate is the interest on purchases. NatWest’s card shows 24.3% APR and a 16.9% p.a. purchase rate.
Do business cards charge annual fees?
Some do. American Express Business Gold is £195 after year one; Barclaycard Select Cashback has no annual fee.
How can I cut my bank fees?
Match the plan to your activity, avoid cash where you can, use a free switching period and review when free periods end.
Are bank and card fees tax deductible?
Fees for business accounts and cards used wholly for business are usually allowable expenses. Ask your accountant.
Do fees change during the year?
Providers can change fees with notice. Keep an eye on emails and in-app messages.
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