business bank account

**TheFaQQer** · 20 September 2007, 08:28

Originally posted by lukemg View Post

All,
I need a business bank account asap. Cater Allen are taking weeks to do anything and I am sick of waiting. Don't want to pay for transactions but don't care about interest rates I have got a big chunk of cash waiting for a home.
Anyone recommend a bank with a rapid setup process ?
TIA

HSBC did mine same day turnaround. I moved a year later once they started charging me, but for the first year it was fine.

**lukemg** · 20 September 2007, 08:33

Cheers FaQ - did you go into a branch, what info did you have to take ?

**MrRobin** · 20 September 2007, 08:47

I'm with LloydsTSB. They offer 18 months free banking, I applied through their website, got a call to arrange a meeting with a relationship manager at a local branch the next day and the account was live the day after. Got given the account number and sort code etc on the day which was useful to start invoicing with, got all the cheque books etc etc about a week later. Internet banmking took around a week to set up. I would imagine at one of the larger branches you could just walk in and meet someone rather than having to arrange a meeting...

Take with you all the usual proof of ID, address gubbins, along with your certificate of incorporation. If I remember correctly you have to get company secretary to sign some of the paperwork too.

**Nixon Williams** · 20 September 2007, 09:52

Cater Allen did have some delays earlier in the year but now takes only a few days. I suggest you speak to your accountant and see what they can do.

Other banks do offer packages but in my opinion do not match Cater Allen.

Whilst you can get slightly higher interest rates you have to have two accounts, with the associated extra work of remembering to transfer cash and free banking is often limited.

Alan

**r0bly0ns** · 20 September 2007, 09:59

Originally posted by lukemg View Post

Cheers FaQ - did you go into a branch, what info did you have to take ?

I'm with HSBC as well.

Needed to take ID (passport did me) for directors and Company Sec, all of us had to sign.
Also had to take Company Incorporation certificate.

Don't think there was anything else but give your local branch a call and they'll tell you.

Once the free period on the standard current account runs out, you can switch to "Business Direct" where you get free online and telephone banking (up to some limits).

**Cooperinliverp00l** · 20 September 2007, 10:35

I'm with my bank Barclays. They offer 12 months free banking and then it continues to be free if you don't pay in at the counter or withdraw from the counter too. As all my transactions are done via the net it will be free for me for life.

They set it up in 3 days.

**VectraMan** · 20 September 2007, 10:50

Originally posted by Cooperinliverp00l View Post

I'm with my bank Barclays. They offer 12 months free banking and then it continues to be free if you don't pay in at the counter or withdraw from the counter too. As all my transactions are done via the net it will be free for me for life.

I'm paying Barclays, now I've gone beyond 12 months. They offered me a choice, but I forget what it was and didn't send back so got the default. But anyway, just got a bill today for £11 for the quarter, hardly an issue.

**spoons** · 20 September 2007, 10:50

What account package are you on.

My free 12 months recently finished and they (Barclays) have started charging the £3 quarterly fee, and for sending statements.

**VectraMan** · 20 September 2007, 10:59

Found it now. It was free with no interest, or charges and interest.

I probably should have gone with the former as I have a deposit account.

business bank account