Which is the best bank account for your charity?
Many banks and building societies offer special current accounts for voluntary organisations and charities, and most give free banking if the account is in credit.
Conditions and benefits vary, and can change over time, but we have highlighted the main features of current accounts from institutions that have strong links to the voluntary sector, or who have a significant high street presence in Scotland in our bank account comparison table below.
Owned and operated by a charity, CAF Bank provides tailor-made financial products and services for the voluntary sector. Any profits made are reinvested into the charity sector.
CAF Cash Account
- Free online and day-to-day banking services
- Access to high street branch network - HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland
- Minimum deposit required - £1,000
- Account management online, by phone or by post
- Online banking with dual authorisation
- £5 monthly fee
Works specifically with organisations that bring about positive social, environmental and cultural change.
Triodos Charity Current Account
- Account management online, by phone or by post
- Online banking with a choice of level of authorisation
- Access to high street branch network - NatWest Royal Bank of Scotland
- No credit or debit card available on any current accounts
- Must have an expected turnover of more than £5,000 and be registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator or the Charity Commission
Works with organisations to have a positive impact on society through economic, community and social change.
Unity Current Account
- Account management online or by phone
- Online banking with single, dual or triple authorisation
- Minimum deposit required - £500
- Access to high street branch network - NatWest Royal Bank of Scotland
- For organisations with an annual turnover of up to £100,000 (other accounts available for organisations with a turnover of over £100,000)
- Fees from £6 a month
- No debit card available on any current account
Treasurers' Account
(for not-for-profit organisations with a turnover below £50,000)
- Free online and day-to-day banking services when in credit
- Access to high street branch network
- Account management online or by phone
- Online banking with dual & triple authorisation
Treasurers' Account
(for not-for-profit organisations with a turnover below £50,000)
- Free online and day-to-day banking services when in credit
- Access to high street branch network
- Account management online or by phone
- Online banking with dual authorisation
- Free presentation cheques to use when making a large donation or awarding a major prize
- No minimum deposit required
Gives registered charities, community interest companies, co-operatives and credit unions an ethical way to bank for free.
Community Directplus
- Free online and day-to-day banking services when in credit
- Access to high street branch network and at Post Office branches
- Account management online, by phone or by post
- Can apply for project funding for up to £1,000 from the Customer Donation Fund
Part of The Salvation Army, all profits made by the Bank go to support its ongoing work.
Charity Current Account
(for charities with a turnover below £500,000)
- Free online and day-to-day banking services when in credit for the first six months, with an average credit balance of £5,000 and no more than 25 transactions on average per month
- Access to high street branch network
- Account management online with dual authorisation
- Clubs, trusts or societies that are not charities offered the initial first 6 months with free banking if in credit followed by a review
Community Account
(for clubs, charities, societies or other not-for-profit organisations with a turnover below £100,000)
- Free online and day-to-day banking services
- Access to high street branch network
- Account management online and by phone
Clubs and Societies Account
(for clubs, societies, charities and non-profit making organisations)
- Access to high street branch network and at post office branches
- Free telephone, mobile and internet banking
Treasurer's Current Account
(for not-for-profit organisations with an annual turnover of up to £250,000)
- Free online and day-to-day banking services
- Access to high street branch network
- Account management online and by phone
- No option for dual authorisation
Community Account
(for not-for-profit organisations with a charitable purpose and an annual turnover of less than £100,000)
- Free online and day to day banking services
- Authorise up to three individuals as signatories on the account
- Up to six debit cards and a cheque book
- Support and guidance from Barclays ‘Digital Eagles’
Community Bank Account
(for clubs, societies and charities with an annual turnover under £100,000)
- Free online and day to day banking services
- Authorise up to four individuals as signatories on the account
- Support and guidance on running and financing your organisation
All information featured above collated by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Information correct as of February 2021.
