Clubs, societies and other community organisations and not-for-profits have access to dedicated current accounts, which tend to be cheaper than regular business accounts.
It takes a bit of admin to set one up, but once it’s done, it will be a big help in running your organisation smoothly. A community bank account will also be required if you want to apply for grants or collect donations. If you are looking for information about opening a bank account for a charity, we have written separate guides on current accounts and savings accounts for charities.
How can I get a bank account for a club?
Many traditional banks offer dedicated “community” accounts, which are meant for non-profit organisations.
In most cases, your organisation doesn’t necessarily need to be a registered charity. It just needs to have a charitable purpose – a definition which covers a range of organisations including schools, community groups, sport clubs (including football clubs), societies and so on.
You should look for these accounts in the business banking section of banks’ websites, so you can get an idea of what they are like and compare different options. You’ll then usually need to apply for them in person at a branch.
It’s best not to, especially if your club or group is already formally set up as a non-profit. Your group is a separate legal entity and its funds should be managed accordingly, to safeguard both the organisation and yourself.
It’s also much more practical to have a separate account. While opening it may feel like a bit of a hassle, it means you won’t have to go through all your personal transactions to do your club’s accounting.
How to open a bank account for a club
First of all, make sure you are looking at the right account. You don’t want a personal bank account or a standard business account; instead, what you are looking for is usually called a “community account” by the big banks. It might also be called a “clubs and societies” account.
Secondly, look for an account without fees. Some accounts won’t charge a monthly fee and will offer fee-free everyday banking transactions too (bank transfers, transactions and ATM withdrawals). Conditions will be slightly different at different banks, so make sure you compare accounts and get the most suitable to your needs.
Thirdly, make sure your organisation meets the eligibility criteria, which will also vary bank by bank. For example, in order to qualify for a community account your organisation will usually need to have a turnover below a certain limit – this can be as low as £50,000.
You’ll often need to go into a branch to open a clubs account. Most traditional banks offer community accounts, while they are more rare among digital-only banks.
What documents do I need?
It will depend on how your organisation has been formally set up (for example, is it a registered charity?) but in a nutshell, you will need to provide:
The basic details of your organisation. Such as its name, address, organisation type and date of registration.
Personal details of two people in the organisation. One of them will usually be the treasurer and both will be signatories on the account. They’ll likely also have to provide their proof of identity and address.
Proof of your organisation’s purpose and status. Depending on the type of organisation, you could need to provide one of the following documents: – A copy of your group’s constitution; – Charity Registration confirmation or trust deed (if the group is a charity); – Memorandum and Articles of Association (if the group is a limited company).
Funding your society’s bank account
Different banks will have different rules around how you can fund your community account and if there are charges involved. As an incentive to get you to move your personal or business banking with them too, some larger banks will offer free transfers into the community account from another account at the same bank, while charging a transaction fee for money deposited by other means.
This means that it’s incredibly important to read the terms and conditions of a high street bank’s community account before you apply.
Savings accounts for clubs and societies
While it’s a little trickier to find savings accounts for clubs and societies (as opposed to charities or profit-making businesses) there are still a variety of options available.
Building societies are usually more willing to open savings accounts for these types of organisations and community groups. Some even offer fixed rate bonds for those looking to lock away money in exchange for a better interest rate.
Depending on the way your club or society is structured, you might also be able to open a charity savings account. As with opening a current account for a club (as described above), your organisation will usually need to meet certain criteria. These could include:
Your organisation being a registered charity (with a Charity Commission number), a community interest company or a company limited by guarantee
Proof of your organisation’s purpose
Proof that your club or society has a constitution or a set of rules governing how it is run
Finally, you might also be able to save your organisation’s money with the Charities Aid Foundation, a charity and bank which offers financial services to charities, philanthropers and the voluntary sector.
How do I compare bank accounts for clubs and societies?
Features are mostly the same as for standard business accounts. Here are some of the things you want to look at before picking your bank:
Fees. Community groups tend to run on little money, especially at the start. Make sure your account allows you to do your banking comfortably without paying many fees.
Opening the account. Does your organisation meet the eligibility criteria? Is the account easy and quick to open?
Account management. Can you manage the account online? How good is the app?
Taking payments. Do you need to set up a system that will allow you to take card payments from people? How much will it cost?
Cash. Will you need to deposit cash on the account? If so, how easy is it to do?
Extra features. Do you get any extra perks with the account, such as an accounting system?
If you want to learn more about business accounts in general, how they work and what features they offer, you can have a look on our business banking hub page.
How should my club’s or community organisation’s finances be managed?
You’ll need to appoint a treasurer, who will be in charge of taking care of all things money and will be regularly reporting to the organisation’s management committee.
You should also agree on a set of financial standards and rules. Think about what types of financial records you will be keeping, how you will do your accounting, how you will deal with cash if you have to, how much you will put aside in reserves, and so on.
Many banks will also offer you some kind of accounting software together with your community account. If you can get it for free or at a cheap price, it’s a great way of streamlining your finances and will save your treasurer a lot of time and headaches.
Latest reviews of bank accounts for clubs and communities
Virgin Money Business Current Account - Business Tariff
25 months' fee-free monthly and transactional banking for established small businesses with a turnover below £6.5m switching to Virgin Money from another provider.
This account from Virgin Money is designed for clubs and societies and offers free day-to-day business banking when you make 10 transactions or less each month. You’ll also be able to earn 0.35% cashback on your debit card transactions and you will automatically be registered for the Mastercard Business Savings Programme which will give you discounts whenever you use your debit card with participating retailers. What’s more, businesses will get access to a package of free tools and tech. This will help you get a long-term overview of cash going in and out of your account each day for the next year, so that you can plan ahead. You’ll also have access to a smart cashflow projection, and you’ll receive support with invoice creation and management, as well as be able to set a budget which will update automatically with each transaction. An overdraft is available on the account.
Pros
Free business banking if you make 10 transactions or less each month
Earn cashback on debit card transactions
Benefit from discounts at certain retailers
Access to free money management tools
Overdraft available
Cons
Fees apply if you make more than 10 transactions per month
"Boost" a free programme connecting small businesses and offering access to relevant experts and resources to help your business grow.
The Community account from NatWest is free of charge, provided at least one person named on the account is an existing NatWest personal or business banking customer and your organisation’s annual credit turnover is less than £100,000. By signing up to the account, you'll have free access to FreeAgent’s online accounting software to help you with invoices and expenses, time tracking and your tax timeline. You’ll also be able to digitally sign payments and account changes with other members of your group and you can authorise up to four individuals as signatories on the account. In addition, there is the option of having a cheque book and paying in book which could be useful if you’re receiving cash or cheques, and the account offers 24/7 online and phone banking, plus access via the app.
Pros
Free account (provided you qualify)
Access to free online accounting software
Authorise up to four individuals as signatories on the account
Multiple ways to bank
Cons
At least one account holder must be an existing customer
If your turnover exceeds £100,000, your account will be moved onto the standard tariff (fees apply)
This account from Lloyds Bank is a free, everyday bank account for non-profit organisations such as charities, churches, clubs or societies. To qualify, you must have a turnover of less than £50,000. There is no minimum deposit requirement and you can withdraw funds as and when you need to. You’ll also have the option of adding a second signatory onto the account. The account can be managed online or by phone and it offers free presentation cheques to use when making a large donation or awarding a major prize. You’ll also be able to benefit from a free three-month trial of online accounting software Business Finance Assistance to help manage your invoices and submit your VAT tax returns. Its Cardnet service helps businesses manage accepting card payments, and you will have access to the Lloyds online digital skills training.
Pros
Free account (provided you qualify)
Three month trial of accounting software
Access to digital skills training
Cons
You’ll need to have an annual turnover of less than £50,000
You can only authorise one other signatory on the account
This no-nonsense bank account from Metro Bank has no monthly maintenance fees and offers up to 200 free transactions per month. It also allows you to withdraw or deposit up to £10,000 per month with no fee and gives you the option of applying for an arranged overdraft. You’ll also be able to take advantage of free giant cheques, perfect for prize givings or charity donations, and you’ll have a local business manager as a dedicated point of contact. If you regularly travel as part of your club, another big selling point of the account is that you won’t be charged for using your debit card in Europe (fees apply outside Europe). You can manage the account online, in store, over the phone or in the app. To qualify for the account, you must have an annual turnover of below £2 million and be a club, society or charity.
"Boost" a free programme connecting small businesses and offering access to relevant experts and resources to help your business grow.
If you (or another person named on the account) are an existing RBS personal or business banking customer, you’ll be eligible to apply for this free community account, as long as your annual credit turnover is less than £100,000. There are many benefits to using the account, including access to free online accounting software FreeAgent. This helps customers take care of their business admin, whether that’s managing expenses, running payroll or sending invoices. The account also offers a cheque book and paying in book, and allows you to authorise up to four individuals as signatories on the account. You’ll have access to 24/7 digital banking and the account can also be managed by phone or via the app. The account comes with a Visa debit card but you can also make payments with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Pros
Free account (provided you qualify)
Authorise up to four individuals as signatories on the account
Access to free online accounting software
Multiple ways to bank
Cons
At least one account holder must be an existing customer
If your turnover exceeds £100,000, your account will be moved onto the standard tariff (fees apply)
This account from Bank of Scotland is suitable for those running a non-profit organisation that has an annual business turnover of under £50,000. You can apply whether you’re an organisation, sole trader, partner or director, as long as you’re over the age of 18. The account offers free day-to-day banking as long as you’re in credit and the option to withdraw funds whenever you need to, without the need to give notice. It also provides guidance and support from the bank’s dedicated business management team. In addition, you can add a second signatory onto the account and benefit from free presentation cheques to use when making a large donation or awarding a major prize. The account can be managed online or by phone or via the app.
Pros
Free account (provided you qualify)
Access funds without notice
Guidance and support from a business management team
Cons
You’ll need to have an annual turnover of less than £50,000
You can only authorise one other signatory on the account
Santander’s Treasurer’s account offers free day-to-day banking for clubs, societies and charities, provided your organisation has an annual turnover of up to £250,000. All directors, owners and partners must be aged 18 or over and a UK resident and the account can only be used for business purposes. Up to three signatories can be added to the account which can be managed online, via app, by phone or in branch. The account also offers text and email alerts so you’ll know if your balance falls below zero and you start using an unarranged overdraft, or if you have regular payments due but there are insufficient funds to cover them, or if a payment is refused due to insufficient funds. You’ll have the option of signing up for additional alerts too. The account comes with a cheque book and contactless debit card.
Pros
No monthly account fees
Free day-to-day banking
Up to three signatories can be added to the account
Some accounts offer features such as access to accounting software.
Opening an account can help you to better manage your group’s finances.
Cons
Strict eligibility criteria applies.
There may be fees for certain transactions.
A good credit rating is usually required.
Bottom line
Opening a community bank account can help you to better manage your organisation’s finances and fees are often lower compared to other types of business account. However, it’s important to compare your options carefully to ensure you qualify for your chosen account and that it will be suitable for your organisation.
Frequently asked questions
Just like with any other kind of business account, they are protected by the FSCS as long as you open one with a fully licensed bank.
It mostly depends on the bank, but it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.
If you think you will need to travel for business purposes, you want to look for a bank account that doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees.
You can, but it’s much better to keep your own finances separate from that of your organisation. You’ll also need a community bank account if you want to apply for grants or collect donations.
This will depend on the provider so it’s important that you check. With the Co-operative Bank, for example, your account must not exceed any one of the following annual account limits: credit turnover of more than £1 million, deposits of more than £100,000 in cash, or deposits of more than 5,000 cheques.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Rachel Wait, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
Valentina Cipriani was a writer at Finder UK. She wrote news, features and guides about banking and credit cards, helping people to improve their financial lives. She holds an MA in International Journalism. See full bio
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