Is Barclays or Ulster Bank better for your small business?
Below we look at both Barclays and Ulster Bank reviews on Trustpilot along with their App reviews from Apple and Google.
We then look at typical fees, business savings rates, foreign currency options and a whole bunch of other account features to help you make up your mind.


Barclays vs Ulster Bank Trustpilot Reviews
Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 1.4 | 1.5 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 8% | 8% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 86% | 86% |
Total Number of Reviews | 9,859 | 114 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.barclays.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ulsterbank.co.uk
Barclays vs Ulster Bank App Reviews
Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 1,700,000 | 15,700 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | 4.1 |
Number of Android Reviews | 506,000 | 15,000 |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/barclays/id536248734
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ulster-bank-ni-mobile-banking/id469523324
Barclays vs Ulster Bank Account Fees & Charges
Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | 12 Months | 24 Months |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | £8.50 | £8 |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £8.50 | £12 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | Free (up to 500 per month; 35p after) | 43p |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | 60p per £100/Free | 70p per £100 |
Cheques (in/out) | 60p each/60p each | 40p |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £15 | £18.75 |
SEPA Payments Cost | 35p | €0.51 |
Barclays vs Ulster Bank Business Savings Rates
Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Instant access, Fixed-term Treasury Reserve Accounts | Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 1.51% | 1.46% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 1.96% | 1.92% |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1 | No |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
Barclays vs Ulster Bank Account Opening Times
Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | Up to 7 Working Days | 24 working hours |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | Yes |
Barclays vs Ulster Bank Features & Account Types


Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
Business Current Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Savings Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Credit Card | Yes, via Barclaycard | Yes |
Business Overdraft | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Startups | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Charities | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Sole Traders | Yes | Yes |
Joint Business Accounts Available | Yes | Yes |
Card Type | Mastercard | Mastercard |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | Yes |
Branch Locations | UK-wide | Northern Ireland Only |
Barclays vs Ulster Bank Customer Support Options
Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
Phone Support Available | Yes | Yes |
Email Support Available | Yes | Yes |
App Based Support | Yes | Yes |
Web Based Support | Yes | Yes |
In person Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
Barclays vs Ulster Bank Foreign Currency Accounts
Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
US Dollar (USD) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Euro (EUR) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Other Currencies Available: |
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Other Business Services From Barclays and Ulster Bank


Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | Yes | No |
Invoice Financing | Yes | Yes |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes, via Barclaycard | Yes |
Card Machines | Yes, via Barclaycard | Yes |
Free Accounting Software | Yes, FreshBooks | Yes |
Barclays vs Ulster Bank Banking Basics
Barclays | Ulster Bank | |
Bank Type | High Street | High Street |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 122702 | NA |
Website | Barclays Website | Ulster Bank Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does Barclays or Ulster Bank have better customer reviews?
Barclays scores 1.4 out of 5 based 9,859 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 8% are 5-star and 86% are 1-star.
Whereas, Ulster Bank scores 1.5 out of 5 based 114 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 8% are 5-star and 86% are 1-star.
Does Barclays or Ulster Bank have a better App?
Barclays’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 1,700,000 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 506,000 reviews.
In comparison, Ulster Bank’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 15,700 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.1 out of 5 based on 15,000 reviews.
Does Barclays or Ulster Bank have better business savings rates?
Barclays offers the following types of business savings accounts: Instant access, Fixed-term Treasury Reserve Accounts with interest rates ranging from 1.51% to 1.96%. (AER)
In contrast, Ulster Bank offers Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts accounts with interest rates ranging from 1.46% to 1.92% (AER).
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For other business bank accounts see our guide here.