NatWest vs Santander business account
Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.
FSCS protects eligible deposits up to £120,000 per person, per authorised institution.
Quick answer
Santander’s Business Current Account – Classic gave start-ups and switchers 12 months free, then £9.99 a month, for businesses with up to two owners. NatWest offered two years free to full CASS switchers with turnover up to £2 million.
NatWest and Santander side by side
| Feature | NatWest | Santander |
|---|---|---|
| Free period | 2 years for full CASS switchers | 12 months for start-ups and switchers |
| After free period | Standard tariff | £9.99 a month |
| Owner limit | — | Up to 2 directors, owners or partners |
| Software | FreeAgent free | 6 months of Xero free (terms apply) |
| Branches | Yes | Yes |
Figures as of 3 October 2026, from each provider’s own website. Rates and fees can change.
Who it’s for
- NatWest: switchers and businesses using FreeAgent
- Santander: start-ups with one or two owners who use Xero
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- Your business has more than two owners — Santander’s Classic account won’t fit
Full explanation
If you’re a new business rather than a switcher, NatWest’s two-year offer won’t apply, so compare Santander’s 12 months with app-based free accounts.
The catch
Santander’s Xero offer lasts six months; both move to standard fees after the free period.
Check each bank’s current business terms.
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
FAQs
Can a new business get NatWest’s two years free?
The offer we saw was for full CASS switchers.
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