written by on 10/02/2012
i have 2 laugh at the people that are complaining about the way the bank runs, i think people forget that the bank is also a business. if people cant manage there business accounts that is there issue! u want free business banking so they charge less which means no branch access, if you want branch access pay the extra charges with the other banks, yes, dont get me wrong can be a pain phoning the bank to do your transactions but have to say they are just keeping your account secure if you moan about the security process because you have no clue about your account then you just need to think wait just now at least i know they are looking after the account, but i bet you would complain if they didnt do this type of security and your account is attacked by a fraudster. I have to admit there customer service is a lot better than it used to be! But i guess people just cant be pleased either way.
written by alanhayward on 18/02/2009
I'm surprised by the amount of negative reviews on this site concerning Abbeys free business banking. I've just started up on my own as a Sole Trader and filled in all the necessary paperwork. The account was opened about 2 weeks later. I received a cheque book, paying in book, debit card and paying in envelopes. So far the service has been flawless and I can't recommend them enough. If you stay within their guidelines the account remains free of bank charges, plus you'll make a small amount of interest also. I've read on this website about people going overdrawn IN THEIR FIRST MONTH! and then whining about the charges. I have NO sympathy for these people at all. Abbey gives you the opportunity to have a business bank account, for FREE! And if you abuse that privilage, then you should pay the price.
Written on: 13/09/2017
I'm coming up to almost 9 years being self employed and still with Santander free online business banking, working beautifully!
Written on: 12/02/2016
It's been over 7 years now and still no issues with the free Santander business account, I now have a small SumUp credit card machine (and I do mean small!) which connects to an app on my Android phone, so I can take card payments at the house, it's brilliant! The money goes in my account 3 days later.
Santander have been excellent since I opened the account in 2009.
Written on: 05/03/2011
Well, it's been over 2 years since opening my free Abbey business (now Santander) account and everything has been fine.
<br/>My local Lloyds bank are trying to tempt me away with free business banking for 2 years, but I'm not going to switch. One comment I would like to add, no matter what person and whatever call centre you end up speaking with, treat them with some respect. Shouting or swearing down the phone doesn't get you anywhere and the person on the other end of the phone isn't going to go that extra mile for you to resolve the issue, if you decide to be verbally abusive. I know I wouldn't...
Written on: 02/06/2009
MrMarmot, I'm sorry to read about your experience with Abbey Business Banking. As for the 'Order Stationery' button, it seems to work fine. My envelopes and paying in book arrived yesterday.
Written on: 02/06/2009
Alan, give it time and I guarantee you'll become disillusioned with the Abbey business banking service. I could write a book the length of War and Peace regarding the aggravation they have caused me over the past year.
<br/>By the way, don't bother with the 'Order Stationery' button on their website because nothing will turn up. I've tried dozens of times and found that if you instead beg someone on the telephone banking service very nicely, a few deposit envelopes might turn up about a month later. Also don't bother with the Business Relationship Management Team in Glasgow, they are a waste of time of anyone's time!
Written on: 09/05/2009
Follow up: It's been almost 4 months now since I opened my Free Abbey business account and so far it's been flawless. Cheques are going in 2-3 days after I post them in the supplied pre-paid envelopes and their customer service has been very helpfull (I needed to order more paying in envelopes). They've since added the ability to re-order more paying in envelopes on their website (it's under the 'stationary' link on the left hand side). I added a direct deposit for my N.I. contribution and that went smoothly also. Well done Abbey for a great service so far!
written by colinboyes on 01/01/2009
Live system on web - brilliant. It is important that you read full terms and conditions as some services, such as counter service, is not available to business customers.
written by on 11/05/2008
This bank provides a great basic service for a small business. Efficient, professional, good Internet banking. I have found that Abbey high street branches do not like doing anything for business customers if they can avoid it.
written by on 22/04/2008
Abbey have been very efficient at setting up a business account for us. The overdraft limit suits our needs and they sent out all the things we need for our start up business.
written by on 03/04/2009
I spent 3 weeks with trying to set up a business accoint with 5 other banks before I chose Abbey.
I am glad I did, as the setting up process was simple, straightforward and I was aided by a helpful customer services agent.
Having banked with Abbey on business for 2 years, I've had no issues.
The service I have received has been excellent, with a reliable and straighforward internet banking service - they used to shut the service down over-night, but it is now open 24x7!
I made a purchase that was an anomoly to my usual payments. Abbey stopped this as they suspected fraud, which it wa not. They promptly called me, confirmed the transaction as positive and let the payment through. I was pleased with this, as it shows a pro-active nature.
Any queries I've had, have been deal with efficiently.
Highly recommended, over any other business account, as I've had experience with several and Abbey come out top.
written by Brian Hyams on 27/09/2007
Excellent business account - Apart from when I failed to login properly several times (my fault) I have never had a problem - even that was sorted out quickly and politely following a 'phone call.'
written by FreebieLover on 02/05/2006
The point is this... The Abbey National Business Bank Account is free of bank charges! Sure, if I was paying over £300 in bank charges (as I used to), and if things weren't perfectly executed, I'd complain. But this account is saving me money. I only use it for paying money in and out through the ATM, and paying bills via Abbey's online banking. I don't have complex needs. If you require more than 'basic' services from your business bank, go elsewhere (and pay for the service). If all you want is a 'no-frills' business account, this is it. Plus, it was a breeze to open.
written by derekbruce on 24/04/2005
Given that if you operate the business bank account within the requirements stated by Abbey, I have found the service to be good. I wish it was open 365 days and for 24 hours with minor outs for upgrades as if I am working late, it is nice to be able to access the account then (we don't all work from 9 am to 5 pm).
It would also be sensible for local Abbey offices to hold stocks of business stationary.
written by carantec1 on 25/03/2005
The Abbey National provide an ideal account for the small club or business.
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As rated by our community of reviewers
Zarahemna's Response to alanhayward's Review
Written on: 02/04/2009
I found this review helpful because it clearly explains the persons experience of banking with Abbey and helps potential customers evaluate the service provided.