Business Banking, which bank?

[mally]

Hello

I'm looking to open a business bank account.

I would like no fee's if possible and also,

1) UK Only Call centres
2) The ability to process payments from my OScommerce shop.

Any advice from you guys?

thanks

Mally

 

[deconstruction]

HSBC provide the most cost effective (eg 100% free) business banking (as long as you dont cash more than 20 cheques a month and write more than 20 a month)

customer service is ok .. not sure if they are uk call centres

their online banking is ok (but not the best)

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barclays - costs a little bit about £3 a month i think (again no fees for automated stuff - but no free cheque allowance)

direct line to business manager (i can even just walk into the business section of mine and knock on her door... well handy)
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Lloyds - dont recomend.

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for taking online payments and processing i would recommend Protx and Bank of Scotland.

Most banks etc wont touch most people small companies (esp internet companies) - or if they do then you have to provide some insurance.

However there is nothing like this with Bank of Scotland (*not Royal bank of .. just Bank of)

I give them 2 thumbs up

let me know if you need to know anything else.. i typed this a bit quick and have to run off now :mrgreen:

 

[mally]

great stuff, thanks

 

[deconstruction]

i actualy have 1 with hsbc and 1 with barclays and 1 with Llyods.

so easy enough to give a comparision

i would go with Barclays and swallow the small charges personaly.

 

[paulc]

I would recommend Barclays as well, as I have had no problems with them and banked with them for years.

 

[GreyWing]

Yep going with Barclays has my vote, I walk in the Bank and the Business manager stumble across to say high and knows his clients first names. Can't fault the guy really, I have heard that Barclays personal get a bit of bad press but Business is A*