[Boss Hog]

If you have recently started up a design related business or looking to do so, which Bank to use may be a question that you have.

For all my businesses I use Abbey, they offer completely FREE business banking which is great for businesses just starting out (and established businesses).

Obviously FREE does come at a price, such as no over the counter service, and all cheques to be paid in must be done via post or one of Abbey's cash points. For me this is no problem and my business runs smooth like this, I also have online banking and can keep track of payments via the internet.

So glad I left Barclays 2 years ago, their charges were extortionate, I'm saving at least £1,000 a year now.

Give them a try: Abbey's free day to day business banking forever

[Maddy]

I agree. When I have enquired in the past about a business account, Abbey was my number one choice. Posting cheques was good for me too coz I hate parking in town

[dot design]

I'm with Barclays and their fees are high, I've been meaning to review my banking - time for a change to Abbey I think!

[Boss Hog]

Abbey are ideal for graphic designers and businesses operating online, I presume 99% of your business comes from online so how often do you get paid cash? Hardly ever I should imagine...

...in this case you won't really need over the counter services and Abbey is perfect for your needs.

Why pay Barclays, X pence per paying in slip and then X pence per cheque paid in? Do they still charge a monthly fee for the business account?

I suppose it depends how many cheques you pay in to be honest, in my case it was loads so it made financial sense.

It also works with ecommerce stores, I use PROTX and Streamline and funds are deposited into my FREE Abbey account, brilliant!

Make the change

[Pixels Ink]

hmmm, I'm tempted to look into this.

My business account is up for review at the end of November, (currently with RBoS).

[sabian1982]

Abbey sounds good- is it not FREE for just the first 18 months or is it truely free FREE? Think i'll have a look at them as im going to be using Protx on a new startup business shortly- sounds like it might be just what im looking for!

[Boss Hog]

FREEEE forever, or so they say.

PROTX - STREAMLINE - ABBEY (highly recommended)

[sabian1982]

Can you remember what the requirements were for setting it up? Proof of identification i presume, what about proof of the business name being registered etc?

[Boss Hog]

Not sure to be honest as it's a few years back now, in the past I had to show a letterhead with the business name on, although in this case I am sure I didn't need much at all, definitely didn't need to prove the business name was registered or anything. Maybe just passport/utility bill etc, sorry not sure, give them a call: 0845 6070 666

[Maddy]

For sole trader a letterhead. This was a couple of years ago and then obviously id.