Is HSBC or Cater Allen better for your small business?
Below we look at both HSBC and Cater Allen 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.


HSBC vs Cater Allen Trustpilot Reviews
HSBC | Cater Allen | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 1.5 | 1.9 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 7% | 7% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 88% | 80% |
Total Number of Reviews | 8,399 | 136 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.hsbc.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.caterallen.co.uk
HSBC vs Cater Allen App Reviews
HSBC | Cater Allen | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | No Rating |
Number of iPhone Reviews | 1,400,000 | No Reviews |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | 4.8 | No Rating |
Number of Android Reviews | 260,000 | No Reviews |
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/hsbc-uk-mobile-banking/id1220329065
https://www.apple.com/uk/app-store/
HSBC vs Cater Allen Account Fees & Charges
HSBC | Cater Allen | |
Free Business Bank Account | Yes | No |
Free Business Account Term Length | 12 Months | NA |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | £6.50 | Free |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £10 | £25 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | 35p | £2 |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | £1.50 | Free |
Cheques (in/out) | 50p per cheque | £6 |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £17 | £25 |
SEPA Payments Cost | 20p | £2 |
HSBC vs Cater Allen Business Savings Rates
HSBC | Cater Allen | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Business Money Manager, Business Money Market, Clients Deposit | Fixed Term, Notice Account |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 0.10% | 3.00% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 2.02% | 4.70% |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1 | No |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | Yes | Yes |
HSBC vs Cater Allen Account Opening Times
HSBC | Cater Allen | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | 7 to 10 Working days | 7 days |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | Yes | No |
HSBC vs Cater Allen Features & Account Types


HSBC | Cater Allen | |
Business Current Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Savings Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Credit Card | Yes | No |
Business Overdraft | Yes | No |
Accounts For Startups | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Charities | Yes | Yes |
Accounts For Sole Traders | Yes | Yes |
Joint Business Accounts Available | Yes | Yes |
Card Type | Visa | Mastercard |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | Yes | No |
Branch Locations | UK-wide | None, online and phone only |
HSBC vs Cater Allen Customer Support Options
HSBC | Cater Allen | |
Phone Support Available | Yes | Yes |
Email Support Available | Yes | Yes |
App Based Support | Yes | No |
Web Based Support | Yes | Yes |
In person Customer Support | Yes | No |
HSBC vs Cater Allen Foreign Currency Accounts
HSBC | Cater Allen | |
US Dollar (USD) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Euro (EUR) Bank Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Other Currencies Available: |
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Other Business Services From HSBC and Cater Allen


HSBC | Cater Allen | |
Business Loans | Yes | No |
Commercial Mortgages | Yes | No |
Invoice Financing | Yes | No |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes | No |
Card Machines | Yes | No |
Free Accounting Software | No | No |
HSBC vs Cater Allen Banking Basics
HSBC | Cater Allen | |
Bank Type | High Street | High Street |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 765112 | 178737 |
Website | HSBC Website | Cater Allen Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does HSBC or Cater Allen have better customer reviews?
HSBC scores 1.5 out of 5 based 8,399 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 7% are 5-star and 88% are 1-star.
Whereas, Cater Allen scores 1.9 out of 5 based 136 Trustpilot reviews. Of which 7% are 5-star and 80% are 1-star.
Does HSBC or Cater Allen have a better App?
HSBC’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 1,400,000 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 260,000 reviews.
In comparison, Cater Allen’s iPhone App is rated No Rating out of 5 based on No Reviews reviews. And it’s Android App is rated No Rating out of 5 based on No Reviews reviews.
Does HSBC or Cater Allen have better business savings rates?
HSBC offers the following types of business savings accounts: Business Money Manager, Business Money Market, Clients Deposit with interest rates ranging from 0.10% to 2.02%. (AER)
In contrast, Cater Allen offers Fixed Term, Notice Account accounts with interest rates ranging from 3.00% to 4.70% (AER).
See Other Comparisons:HSBC vs AIB (Allied Irish Bank)
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For other business bank accounts see our guide here.