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Start-up bank account

Get a head start with our business bank account for start-ups

On your marks, get set, go!

Designed to help you achieve more

Free banking on everyday transactions for the first 2 years*

Accounting software included from FreeAgent

Free support to help you grow**

To apply online your business must operate as a Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company and all owners must reside in the UK. The Start-up business account is available for businesses that have been trading for less than 1 year and have a turnover of less than £1m. It is available for eligible customers who are over 18 and have the right to be self-employed in the UK. 

*Free banking on everyday transactions means the charges for the day to day running of your account (known as your service charges) won’t apply during the free banking period. Charges for unarranged borrowing, Bankline, international payments and any additional services are not part of the free banking offer. At the end of your 2-year free banking period, you’ll start to incur fees for your everyday transactions. The 2-year free banking offer is available to eligible customers opening a Start-up account from 26th June 2023 onwards.

**Our Entrepreneur hub offers a range of free programmes and tools. Plus you could tap into a network of specialists and peers who could offer guidance as you grow.

FreeAgent is free for a long as you retain your business bank account. Optional add-ons may be chargeable.

What is a start-up?

A start-up is a new business that’s just taking the first big steps on its journey. It’s led by one or more entrepreneurs who have a fresh product or service to launch. 

What is a start-up business bank account?

A start-up bank account is specially designed to meet the needs of emerging businesses. These accounts can support new businesses by managing money, receiving payments, and paying bills. 

To open a start-up business bank account, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. For example, you can only apply for the Ulster Bank Start-up bank account if you’re the business owner or a director.

Apply for our Start-up account

Got 10 minutes to fill in your application? Lets get started.

Continue

Great, first let's check if you're eligible to apply.

  • You're aged 18 or over
  • You're the owner or a director of the business you’re applying on behalf of
  • Your registered business address must also be in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar or you should be registered for tax purposes in one of those jurisdictions
  • You haven't been declared bankrupt or received a County Court Judgement (CCJ) or Court Decree
  • If your business turnover is over £6.5m, we'll ask you to provide evidence of this.

Important information

 

Business Account Terms (PDF, 224 KB)

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme Information Sheet and Exclusions List (PDF, 81.5KB)

Anytime Internet Banking Terms and Conditions (PDF, 237KB)

Our charges are changing

Guide to Business Current Account Fees (PDF, 849 KB)
Effective until 15th August 2025

Guide to Business Current Account Fees (PDF, 86 KB)
Effective from 16th August 2025

Schedule of Services - Payment and International Banking Charges (PDF, 2.04 MB)
Effective until 31st August 2025

Schedule of Services - Payment and International Banking Charges (PDF, 2 MB)
Effective from 1st September 2025

CHAPS and International Payments Tariff document (PDF, 50 KB)
Effective from 1st September 2025

 

Important things to consider before applying

 

 

Consider which account you need

 

During your application, you'll have to select the type of account you'll need:

  • a Business Current Account - used for the day to day running of your business, OR
  • a Loan Servicing Account - used ONLY for loan repayment purposes. You'll need this if you have a loan with us, but not your current account(s). 

Should you select the incorrect account, you will need to reapply choosing the correct option.

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Which are you?
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OK, so you're an existing customer. Is the bank account for...
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Which statement best describes your organisation?
If your business turnover is over £6.5m, we'll ask to see evidence of this.
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You can apply online

This is the fastest way to complete your application.

1. We may use Mitek, formerly HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to check your identity.

2. To see which documents are accepted for proof of identity and address you can visit our Mitek page.

3. Once we receive all your information, we'll review the application and will be in touch.

By starting your application online, you consent to the following:

  • Identity verification using our security partner Mitek.
  • A credit check on everyone on your application.

 

Apply by phone

 

Can’t apply online? You can complete your application via phone – discover how you can get in touch. After the call, you’ll need to bring your documents to us in branch or use a professional service provider. This is so we can verify your identity.

It’s likely that you will have to wait a few days for an appointment, and the appointment itself can take up to an hour. Please bear in mind that applying by phone can take longer than applying online.

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You can apply online

We'll ask to see evidence that your annual turnover is more than £6.5m. If you cannot provide this or you’ve been trading less than a year, go back and select the other option.

This is the fastest way to complete your application.

1. We may use Mitek, formerly HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to check your identity.

2. To see which documents are accepted for proof of identity and address you can visit our Mitek page.

3. Once we receive all your information, we'll review the application and will be in touch.

By starting your application online, you consent to the following:

  • Identity verification using our security partner Mitek.
  • A credit check on everyone on your application.

Apply by phone

 

Can’t apply online? You can complete your application via phone – discover how you can get in touch. After the call, you’ll need to bring your documents to us in branch or use a professional service provider. This is so we can verify your identity.

It’s likely that you will have to wait a few days for an appointment, and the appointment itself can take up to an hour. Please bear in mind that applying by phone can take longer than applying online.

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Do you have a Relationship Manager?
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Call your Relationship Manager

You should have a direct number for them. You can discuss applying for an additional business account. They can start the application for you and arrange to get the appropriate signatures.


When can I call?

Business and Relationship Managers are available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

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No problem, we can still help.

You can use the form below to open an additional account.

Alternatively, you can call Business Banking on 0345 366 5592, or use the Relay UK Service: 18001 0345 366 5592.

Or Corporate & Commercial Services on 0345 601 4817, or use the Relay UK Service: 18001 0345 601 4817.

More information on accessibility.

Calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes. To see how much your call might cost, visit the call charge information page.

Previous
Additional account opening form
Which statement best describes your organisation?
If your business turnover is over £6.5m, we'll ask to see evidence of this.
Previous
Next

You can apply online

This is the fastest way to complete your application.

1. We may use Mitek, formerly HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to check your identity.

2. To see which documents are accepted for proof of identity and address you can visit our Mitek page.

3. Once we receive all your information, we'll review the application and will be in touch.

By starting your application online, you consent to the following:

  • Identity verification using our security partner Mitek.
  • A credit check on everyone on your application.

 

Apply by phone

 

Can’t apply online? You can complete your application via phone – discover how you can get in touch. After the call, you’ll need to bring your documents to us in branch or use a professional service provider. This is so we can verify your identity.

It’s likely that you will have to wait a few days for an appointment, and the appointment itself can take up to an hour. Please bear in mind that applying by phone can take longer than applying online.

Previous

You can apply online

We'll ask to see evidence that your annual turnover is more than £6.5m. If you cannot provide this or you’ve been trading less than a year, go back and select the other option.

This is the fastest way to complete your application.

1. We may use Mitek, formerly HooYu, our trusted online identification and security partner, to check your identity.

2. To see which documents are accepted for proof of identity and address you can visit our Mitek page.

3. Once we receive all your information, we'll review the application and will be in touch.

By starting your application online, you consent to the following:

  • Identity verification using our security partner Mitek.
  • A credit check on everyone on your application.

Apply by phone

 

Can’t apply online? You can complete your application via phone – discover how you can get in touch. After the call, you’ll need to bring your documents to us in branch or use a professional service provider. This is so we can verify your identity.

It’s likely that you will have to wait a few days for an appointment, and the appointment itself can take up to an hour. Please bear in mind that applying by phone can take longer than applying online.

Previous

Already started an application?

Log in to continue or check the status of your Start-up bank account application in our online application centre.

You can use the same details that you created when you applied for your business account. If you haven’t already set up access to your online application centre, you can create a login now.

Due to increasingly high demand for our accounts, there will be a delay in opening your account. We are sorry for the inconvenience that this might cause you.

Why choose Ulster Bank for your start-up banking?

Finding the best bank for your start-up business takes time and research. Here are just a few things we offer:
  • Bank anywhere with Anytime Banking, our mobile app, and our network of branches or local Post Office
  • 24/7 messaging support, plus the option to give us a call or stop by your local branch
  • Instant payment notifications, in-app cheque deposit (limits and fees may apply), and business spending categories to help manage your money
  • Multi-director access so eligible directors can have full visibility of accounts and spending

Anytime Banking available to customers with an Ulster Bank account. App available to customers with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. 

Start-up cash flow support

Loans and finance options

Explore options based on your size, your needs, and your goals. 

Security may be required. Product fees may apply. Subject to Status.
 

See your options

Information Message

Business Debit Card

Manage your everyday expenses with our Business Debit Card.

To apply for a Debit Card, you must be a business current account customer with Ulster Bank. Fees and charges may apply.

Find out more

Information Message

The flexibility of an overdraft

Our business overdraft helps you prepare for the unexpected. You’ll only pay interest on what you borrow.

Security may be required. Product fees may apply. Subject to Status.
 

Find out about overdrafts

Information Message

Business savings accounts

We’ve raised our rates across our savings account range. See if you could start earning more on your savings.

Eligibility criteria apply. 

View all business savings accounts

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FAQs about this account?

Need more information before you apply?

Switch to Ulster Bank

The Current Account Switch Service will do all the work. Once we have received a valid switch form it'll move everything across from your old business account to your new one, all within 7 business days.

Current Account Switch Guarantee (PDF, 40 KB)

Your Guide to switching your account to us (PDF, 2.3 MB)

Information Message

Info about charges

At the end of your 2-year free banking period, you’ll start to incur fees for your everyday transactions.

Our charges are changing

Guide to Business Current Account Fees (PDF, 849 KB)
Effective until 15th August 2025


Guide to Business Current Account Fees (PDF, 86 KB)
Effective from 16th August 2025

Information Message

Your money is protected

Your eligible deposits held by a UK establishment of Ulster Bank are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK's deposit guarantee scheme. Any deposits you hold above the limit are unlikely to be covered.

Financial Services Compensation Scheme Guide (PDF, 45 KB)

Information Message

Business account terms

Read our Business account terms document.

Business Account Terms (PDF, 224 KB)

Information Message