How to open a small business account?

Published on : 18 May 20206 min reading time

Small business account opening is becoming mandatory for all forms of business. Banks, therefore, have been simplifying the process of opening the business bank accounts by digitizing their services. Business bank accounts are specifically meant to make the business survive in the ever-changing market. For example, it helps the business owner to keep track of the business transactions separate from personal expenses. Opening a small business account is procedural. www.bank4pro.co.uk.

Requirements for Opening Current account

The requirements for opening the account depend on the type of business you run, the number of directors, and whether or not you have a foreign entity. When visiting your bank for business bank registration, ensure you carry with you the following;
• Social security number
• Personal identification
• Your business license, proof of your monthly income and others.

Steps to open a business bank account

The main steps in opening a business bank account involve the provision of certain documents depending on the type of business, as said earlier. A successful small business account opening observes the following procedure.

Researching on banks

It would be best if you researched a few banks to find one that satisfies your banking needs. Get to know the banking rates offered, the banking services (whether the services are online or physical or both) loan insurance, and other additional services. Keep watch of the banks that charges monthly fees on current accounts. Providing asset management services is an added advantage, which is becoming essential.

Book an appointment with your preferred bank

Once you have identified your preferred bank, it is of importance to physically visit the bank. Physical appearance provides a face to face session with your account manager to answer questions you might have. Presence also offers an opportunity for signing off any sensitive document and identification by the bank through taking your photographs and biometrics vital for identification.

Filling business account forms

Filling the account opening forms are mandatory for all banks. These forms capture the signatures of the directors, names of the directors, addresses, telephone number, and mode of operation of the account, which will be used going forward.

Issuance of certificate of incorporation

Upon registration, the bank gives out a certificate of incorporation to the account holder. The document is what brings your business into existence as a legal entity; thus, it’s valuable. The certification holds the account name, proofs of identification of the directors through national identity cards or passports.
Also, providing passport photographs is a way to fulfil the know-your-customer rule, which is inevitable in banking. Thus, the law prevents cases of misrepresentation to reduce the chances of fraud.

Proof of address

To prove your address as the director of your small business, you may be required to produce tour utility bills, recent personal bank statements, or a valid address. These documents help to confirm your address and prevent misrepresentation in the future.

Submission of the board of resolution

The board of resolution states the intentions for opening the account, which absolve the bank from improprieties. It merely enables the bank to understand how the directors interface with each other and with business.
The board of resolution mandates who among the directors’ sign withdrawals as authorized signatories, which is of quite an importance to the banks.

Account opening

After submission of all the required documents and the full completion of the account opening forms, your account is activated in a few minutes. But for the activation to be successful, banks require you to make deposits, after which they may email or physically issue you your debit cards and pin before you leave.

What if you have a bad credit report?

Take note that some banks may reject your account opening based on your credit report. But, do not give up when the bank denies your account opening as there are still other options.

Opening a business account online.

Some banks have gone ahead to facilitating online bank account for freelancer and small businesses. The online banking is providing solutions to people who find walking to the bank hectic. Another reason why these accounts are getting popularity is its ability to use anywhere and everywhere.

Make a decision on kind of account you need

Before doing anything related to creating an account online, think deeply, and consider which account to settle on. You can choose either an interest-bearing business account or a business deposit account. A business checking account, for example, provides room for easy availability of money through debit cards, electronic payments, and it is ideal for controlling working funds in your business.
An online business savings account also provides room for storing money for your business to facilitate day-to-day activities. The account also minimizes your reachability to your savings, thus earning you interest. It is upon you to decide what you want for your business and what best meets your needs.

Get choices of the online business bank account

After getting the knowledge of different accounts, get a bank that offers an online opening option. Try to set up the checking bank account you require. It would be wise to compare the total monthly income from the business and the monthly account charges to determine if the service is reasonable.

Obtain the documents required

Just as traditional banks, you may have to provide the following; identity credentials, address testimonials, business identity, and registered address for accessibility in the future. You may also have to include; verification of your business type, plan of action in your business as required by UK law.

Make the online application

To apply online, visit the bank’s website, follow the instructions provided, and use the steps. Send the documents required by the bank, depending on the transactional account you are opening. The bank management will do a review, and then you will get the feedback.

CONCLUSION

Summing up, opening a business account is of help to the entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses. Creating a bank account may be tricky, but with the implementation of the steps above, it will be simple and faster. Never forget to know what your objective is when creating a transactional bank account.