Business Bank Account - how long does it take?

**Alan @ BroomeAffinity** · 11 December 2014, 21:15

In my experience (or to be more accurate, my clients'), HSBC and santander can open same day, RBS group (inc NatWest) about a week. Barclays about a week. Cater Allen about a week. Lloyds TSB and HBOS too long to even consider.

**bluedrop** · 11 December 2014, 21:20

Originally posted by Alan @ BroomeAffinity View Post

In my experience (or to be more accurate, my clients'), HSBC and santander can open same day, RBS group (inc NatWest) about a week. Barclays about a week. Cater Allen about a week. Lloyds TSB and HBOS too long to even consider.

Thank you

Is that in branch or online application?

I tried getting an appointment with HSBC today. No appointments until 5-Jan !!

**PerfectStorm** · 11 December 2014, 21:23

I applied online for Natwest, 3 weeks later I was chasing, then they gave me an interview a week after that to set up.

Wouldn't go through all that palaver again, but it's done now. So not them, would be my recommendation.

**Alan @ BroomeAffinity** · 11 December 2014, 21:23

Same day requires branch appointment.

**Alan @ BroomeAffinity** · 11 December 2014, 21:25

If you're not in a desperate rush, cater Allan scores high in customer service. Online application process. Free banking.

**zappakat** · 11 December 2014, 21:38

Both Barclays and Natwest at least a week (usually requires a branch visit as they want to see something like a passport)

**DannyF1966** · 12 December 2014, 08:13

Barclays turned me down so I applied online with Lloyds. They didn't need to see any proof of ID as I've had a personal account with Halifax (same group) for several years. Still took about 6 weeks to send me through all the relevant paperwork, but because the account doesn't come with a debit card as standard I had to wait another two weeks to get internet banking set up before I could actually withdraw any funds.

Complete pain, but it's done now. I don't plan on setting up another business account any time in the near future!

Business Bank Account - how long does it take?