Opening a Start up Business Current Account – Important Information

Please note, new customers cannot open a Business Current Account to access the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. To access the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, you must have had an account with us before 2 March 2020.

If you manage your business through a Personal Current Account opened before 2 March and want to apply for a Bounce Back Loan do not apply via this page. You will need to open a Business Current Account or a Loan Servicing Account.

 

Switching business accounts

We’ve taken the difficult decision to temporarily stop accepting business account applications from customers looking to switch their banking to us.

This is undoubtedly going to cause a level of inconvenience, but please be reassured that we’ll reinstate the ability to accept new account applications for switching at the earliest opportunity. Thank you for your understanding at this time.

Simple business banking for new and established businesses

Whether you’re starting out or already trading, we have a simple Business Current Account to support your ambition – with dedicated business support when you need it..

Account for new businesses

For new businesses with a turnover up to £3 million, our Business Current Account includes:

  • 12 months’ free day-to-day³ business banking¹
  • Simple pricing and free electronic payments
  • Business support available by phone, in branch or through online guides

Switching to Bank of Scotland

Switch to us for a simple Business Current Account that lets you focus on growing your business.

  • Simple pricing and free electronic payments
  • 12 months’ free day-to-day³ business banking²
  • A guaranteed switch in 7 working days, from when your account is opened using the Current Account Switch Service
  • Dedicated support from our UK-based business management team
Current Account Switch Guarantee logo

Service Quality Information for business current accounts

The requirement to publish the Financial Conduct Authority Service Quality Information for business current accounts can be found here.

See how we compare in the market

Review alternative sources of business finance and compare products and services. 

What you'll need to open an account

We have worked with other providers of UK business banking accounts to help you prepare by agreeing a basic set of information that we’ll need from you.

 

View business account opening guide on UK Finance web site

 

For organisations such as clubs, societies or charities, the following guide brings you the essential details and documents you will need to open your account.

 

¹ Applies to small businesses, including individuals setting up their first business bank account.

² Twelve months’ free day-to-day business banking for customers when switching from a business account held elsewhere.

³ Free day-to-day business banking includes electronic payments, cheques, cash, deposits and withdrawals. All we ask is that you operate your account in credit or within agreed limits. Free electronic payments include Direct Debits, Standing Orders, Debit Card Transactions, Bank of Scotland/Other Bank ATM Withdrawals, Internet/PhoneBank Debits/Credits, Faster Payment Debits/Credits, Internet Bulk Payments and Automated Credits.
 

Due to FSCS eligibility criteria not all business customers will be covered.


While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is correct, no liability is accepted by Bank of Scotland for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement or omission. This is for information only and should not be relied upon as offering advice for any set of circumstances. Specific advice should always be sought in each instance.

*Free day-to-day business banking includes cheques, standing orders, cash, UK Sterling Direct Debits, deposits and withdrawals. All we ask is that you operate your account in credit or within agreed limits and don't go overdrawn without agreeing it with us first. Free electronic payments include UK Sterling Direct Debits, Standing Orders, Debit Card Transactions, Bank of Scotland/Other Bank ATM Withdrawals, Internet/Phonebank Debits/Credits, Faster Payment Debits/Credits, Internet Bulk Payments and Automated Credits.