Best UK Business Accounts for Non-Residents 2025
Looking for a UK business account for non-residents? Discover top providers offering UK IBANs and easy online setup – no UK address required.
Expanding your business to the United Kingdom, but not a UK resident? Finding the right UK business account for non-residents can feel overwhelming – but great options exist. Whether you need a GBP account, a UK IBAN, or access to Faster Payments, this guide highlights the top providers that welcome international entrepreneurs.
Why Non-Residents Need UK Business Accounts
Opening a UK business account allows you to:
- Send and receive GBP payments with ease
- Build trust with UK-based clients and partners
- Simplify your tax and accounting obligations
- Access essential networks: SEPA, SWIFT, BACS, CHAPS, Faster Payments
Even without a UK address, having a UK business account ensures smoother operations and professional credibility.
Top UK Business Accounts for Non-Residents
1. Transferra — Best Overall for Non-Residents
Transferra specialises in offering UK IBAN business accounts for companies with directors or shareholders based outside the UK. With Transferra
Key features:
- UK IBAN accounts
- Support for SWIFT, SEPA, BACS, CHAPS, and Faster Payments
- No hidden charges, no payment delays and high transaction limits
- Virtual Visa cards
- Dedicated account manager for every client
Transferra is ideal for businesses looking to operate professionally within the UK market without physically being present.
2. Tide — Best for UK-Based SMEs
Tide is a UK fintech offering business accounts tailored for startups and SMEs. While designed for UK-registered businesses, they have worked with non-resident directors as long as the company is incorporated in the UK.
Key features:
- Fast online setup
- GBP accounts with a local sort code
- Expense management tools
- No monthly fees for a basic plan
Tide is ideal for UK-registered businesses seeking a fast and user-friendly digital account with built-in expense management tools.
3. Anna Money — Best for Freelancers and Startups
Anna Money is a UK EMI with a friendly, app-based approach. ANNA Money offers UK-based business current accounts with a unique sort code and account number, suitable for sole traders, limited companies, and LLPs.
Key features:
- UK GBP accounts
- Instant invoicing and receipt scanning
- 24/7 customer support
- No credit checks required
- Bulk payments
ANNA Money is great for freelancers who need fast account setup, intuitive financial tools, and 24/7 in-app support.
4. CardOneMoney — Best for UK-Based Directors with Poor Credit History
CardOneMoney specialises in providing UK business accounts with no credit checks. Their service includes a dedicated UK IBAN and sort code, with fast account setup and prepaid card access.
Key features:
- UK business current accounts
- IBAN and local UK sort code
- Account opening within 3–5 working days
- Cashback option
- Access to prepaid Mastercards
CardOneMoney is good for businesses that need a quick-to-open UK account without credit checks, especially for directors with limited financial history or new startups.
5. Zempler Bank — Best for Fully Regulated UK Banking
Zempler Bank is a UK-licensed bank that offers GBP business accounts for limited companies and sole traders. While they require the company to be UK-registered, directors do not always need to be UK residents.
Key features:
- Full UK bank with FSCS protection
- Real-time payment alerts
- Expense tracking and integrations
- Suitable for e-commerce and other services
Zempler Bank Bank is ideal for UK-registered businesses that want real-time alerts, and seamless accounting integrations.
How to Open a UK Business Account as a Non-Resident
The process usually involves:
- Company incorporation documents
- Passport or ID verification
- Proof of company address (or director’s address)
- Business description or activity information
Many providers, like Transferra, allow you to open a business account 100% online without visiting the UK.
What to Look for in a UK Business Account for Non-Residents
- GBP transactions: Look for low-fee currency handling
- UK IBAN: Crucial for UK and European operations
- Transparent pricing: No hidden maintenance or transfer costs
- Online setup: Save time and avoid red tape
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best UK business account for non-residents depends significantly on your company’s specific needs, current operational requirements, and future growth ambitions. Non-resident businesses often face unique challenges, such as rigorous compliance checks, cumbersome documentation, and prolonged account-opening procedures in traditional banks. Modern fintech providers, however, offer tailored, flexible solutions that specifically address these pain points.
Whether your priority is a swift onboarding process, seamless global payments, multi-currency account management, or integration with modern financial tools, there is an array of provider options designed specifically with non-resident businesses in mind. Selecting a provider that aligns closely with your company’s objectives not only facilitates immediate operational efficiency but also strategically positions your business for successful international growth.
Nick Kerpe 
Elina Grigorjeva