Best business bank accounts for pubs: compare accounts for landlords

Most pubs handle a mix of cash takings, card payments and supplier bills every day. A separate pub business account keeps that money apart from your personal finances and makes the books easier to manage. This article explains what a pub needs from a business account, how to compare your options, and how to open one. It is written for people in the early stages of taking on a pub.

You should always consult a professional adviser for advice tailored to your business's specific needs and circumstances.

Key takeaways

• A business bank account keeps your pub income and spending separate from your personal money.
• A limited company is a separate legal entity, so it needs its own business account. Sole traders are not required to have one, but most find it simpler.
• Look for cash deposit access, fast card settlement, staff access and accounting software links.
• You can often open a business account online in a short time, sometimes the same day.
• Banking is one of several money tasks for a new pub, alongside licensing, VAT, and bookkeeping.

Does your pub need a business bank account?

If you run your pub through a limited company, the company is a separate legal entity. Its money is not your personal money, so it needs its own business account. If you trade as a sole trader, you are not required to have one, but it usually makes managing money simpler.

Sole traders and limited companies

As a sole trader, you can use a personal account in theory, but many banks restrict business use in their personal account terms, so check what your account allows. A dedicated account also keeps your records clean for your tax return. As a limited company, mixing company and personal money can cause problems at year end. The right structure depends on your own situation, so speak to an accountant before you decide.

What a pub needs from a business account

Pubs handle money in ways that many businesses do not. You take cash and card payments, often late into the night, and you pay suppliers across the week. The right account makes that routine easier. Here are some of the key things to look for.

Cash deposits and takings

Many pubs still take a fair amount of cash. Check how you pay it in, where, and whether there are limits or charges. Some accounts include cash deposits up to a set amount, then charge above it. If cash is a big part of your trade, this point matters more than almost any other.

Card payments and settlement

Card payments, including contactless, now make up most UK payments. Pubs typically take a mix of card and cash. Your card reader pays those takings into your business account, often by the next working day. Settlement speed can vary between providers, so check it before you sign up. Faster settlement helps you pay staff and suppliers on time.

Staff and user access

You may want a manager or bookkeeper to view the account or make payments. Look for accounts that let you add extra cards or logins, with limits on what each person can do. This saves you handling every payment yourself.

Accounting and bookkeeping links

An account that connects to accounting software saves hours of manual entry. Look for links to the bookkeeping tools you plan to use. It also helps with Making Tax Digital, the HMRC system for keeping digital VAT records, which applies once you register for VAT.

Fees and clarity

Business accounts charge in different ways. Some charge a monthly fee that includes a set number of transactions. Others charge for each transaction or each cash deposit. Read the fees before you apply, then pick the option that fits how your pub trades.

How we compared these accounts

Every account below was reviewed against the same set of points:

• How long it typically takes to open.
• Whether the provider runs a credit check when you apply.
• Whether it takes cash deposits, and how. This matters if you take a lot over the bar.
• Monthly account fees and per-transaction costs.
• Whether it works with common card readers and tills.
• Whether the account is FSCS protected, meaning your eligible money is covered by the government-backed scheme up to £120,000 if the bank fails.
• Whether an overdraft is available to eligible customers.

Fees and features change. Always check the current terms on the provider's own website before you apply.

Features, fees and setup times correct as of Jul 2026. Check each provider's website for current terms.

Choosing the best account for your pub

Zempler Bank Business Current Account

Built to help pub owners keep on top of takings, manage cashflow and cut down on admin. Zempler Bank is a fully regulated UK bank with a no monthly fee Business Go tier from £0 a month.

• Applications handled online, often approved the same day.
• May accept owners with limited or poor credit history.
• Cash deposits through any Post Office.
• Connects to Xero, QuickBooks and Sage.
• Some accounts offer cashback on card spending.
• UK phone support from real people.

Starling Business

Starling's business account has no monthly fee and is app-based. Cash deposits go through the Post Office, with a per-deposit fee. Starling runs a credit check when you apply, so owners with limited credit history may not always be accepted. It may suit sole traders and limited companies with a reasonable credit profile who want a no-frills account.

Tide

Tide is an app-based business account with a free starter plan. Accounts are provided by ClearBank and eligible deposits are FSCS protected. Cash deposits can be made at the Post Office or PayPoint, with fees per deposit. Tide may work well for pubs that take more by card than cash and want an account open within hours.

Revolut Business

Revolut Business is built around international and multi-currency features, which may matter less to a UK pub. Its UK cash deposit options are more limited than the others here, which is worth checking if you take a lot of cash. Revolut received its banking licence in 2026 and is moving customers over in phases. Newer accounts are provided by the bank and are FSCS protected. Older accounts may still sit under its e-money structure, where your money is safeguarded but not FSCS covered. Check your account terms to see where you stand.High street banks (For example, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest)

The traditional banks offer in-branch cash handling, free banking periods for new businesses, and links to business loans or overdrafts once you have built a track record. The trade-off is speed. Applications can take weeks and may need a branch appointment. They may suit owners who want a long-term banking relationship and do not need to start trading next week.

How to open a pub business account

Opening a business account is usually quick once you have your details ready. Many providers let you apply online in minutes. Here is what you typically need, though requirements vary by provider.

Proof of identity for each owner and director, such as a passport or driving licence.

1. Proof of address for each owner and director.
2. Your business details, including trading name, address and what your pub does.
3. Your tax residency information and tax identification number.
4. Your company registration number if you run a limited company, from Companies House.
5. An estimate of your monthly turnover and cash takings.

Once approved, some accounts are ready the same day. Others take a few working days. If you need an account fast, check the provider's typical opening time before you apply.

Opening a business account quickly: Zempler Bank

If you need a separate account for your pub, Zempler Bank offers a UK business current account that you can apply for online in minutes. It accepts cash deposits at Post Office branches across the UK, which helps if you take a lot of cash over the bar. Zempler Bank accepts applications from people with limited or poor credit history, and those setting up their first business, subject to eligibility criteria.

Your eligible deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000 per person. It also connects to accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks and Sage, which keeps your bookkeeping in one place. Some Zempler accounts offer cashback on card spending too. You can check the current fees and features on Zempler's business account page before you apply.

Beyond banking: other money tasks for a new pub

Banking is one part of getting a pub ready. A few other money jobs come with the territory. Here is a short rundown.

Licensing

To sell alcohol, the premises usually need to be licensed, and the person responsible for authorising sales usually needs a personal licence. As a general guide, you apply through your local licensing authority. The exact rules, what the licences are called and where you apply depend on where in the UK your pub is, and your own circumstances can change what you need, so check the alcohol licensing guidance on GOV.UK and your local council before you start. Build licensing into your budget early to avoid delays.

VAT

Businesses are typically required to register for VAT once taxable turnover reaches £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, though some businesses need to register sooner depending on their circumstances (check current HMRC thresholds). Food and drink are taxed in different ways, so this area can get complex. An accountant can help you get it right.

Bookkeeping

Good records make tax time easier and show you how the pub is doing. Many owners use accounting software linked to their business account. If numbers are not your strength, a bookkeeper who knows hospitality can save you time.

Startup costs

Taking on a pub involves costs such as the lease or purchase, stock, equipment and deposits. Knowing these in advance helps you plan your cash flow and your banking needs.

Next steps

Compare a few business accounts against the points above, get your documents ready, and open the account that fits how your pub trades.