Merchant Machine

Nationwide VS Ulster Bank: Business Banking Review & Fee Comparison


By: Ian Wright | Last Updated: May 22, 2025

Is Nationwide or Ulster Bank better for your small business?



Compare UK Business Bank Accounts

Powered By BusinessBankAccounts.co.uk



Below we look at both Nationwide 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.

Nationwide Homepage
Nationwide Homepage


Ulster Bank Homepage
Ulster Bank Homepage
 

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank Trustpilot Reviews

NationwideUlster Bank
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5)1.71.5
Percent 5-Star Reviews15%8%
Percent 1- Star Reviews75%86%
Total Number of Reviews5,509114
Sources:
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.nationwide.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ulsterbank.co.uk

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank App Reviews

NationwideUlster Bank
iPhone Review Score (out of 5)4.84.8
Number of iPhone Reviews595,00015,700
Android Review Score (out of 5)4.54.1
Number of Android Reviews106,00015,000
Sources:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/nationwide-mobile-banking/id542355130
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ulster-bank-ni-mobile-banking/id469523324

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank Account Fees & Charges

NationwideUlster Bank
Free Business Bank AccountNoYes
Free Business Account Term LengthNA24 Months
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee£6.50£8
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee£30£12
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out)Free43p
Cash Payments Cost (in/out)1%70p per £100
Cheques (in/out)£1.5040p
CHAPS Payments Cost£15£18.75
SEPA Payments CostNo€0.51

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank Business Savings Rates

NationwideUlster Bank
Types of Business Savings AccountsInstant access, Limited access, Fixed rateInstant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts
Lowest Savings Rate (AER)2.25%1.46%
Maximum Savings Rate (AER)6.50%1.92%
Minimum Savings Amount£1No
Interest Paid On Foreign CurrenciesYesYes
 

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank Account Opening Times

NationwideUlster Bank
Can You Apply Online?YesYes
How Long Does Opening An
Account Typically Take?
7 Working days24 working hours
Do They Check Your Credit?YesYes
Current Account Switch ServiceYesYes

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank Features & Account Types

Nationwide Account Types
Nationwide Features & Account Types


Ulster Bank Account Types
Ulster Bank Features & Account Types


NationwideUlster Bank
Business Current AccountYesYes
Business Savings AccountYesYes
Business Credit CardYesYes
Business OverdraftYesYes
Accounts For StartupsYesYes
Accounts For CharitiesYesYes
Accounts For Sole TradersYesYes
Joint Business Accounts AvailableYesYes
Card TypeVisaMastercard
Online BankingYesYes
Mobile BankingYesYes
In Person/Branch BankingYesYes
Branch LocationsUK-wideNorthern Ireland Only

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank Customer Support Options

NationwideUlster Bank
Phone Support AvailableYesYes
Email Support AvailableYesYes
App Based Support YesYes
Web Based SupportYesYes
In person Customer SupportYesYes

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank Foreign Currency Accounts

NationwideUlster Bank
US Dollar (USD) Bank AccountsYesYes
Euro (EUR) Bank AccountsYesYes
Other Currencies Available:
  • Canadian Dollar
  • Australian Dollar
  • Swiss franc
  • Japanese yen
  • Australian dollar
  • Canadian dollar
  • New Zealand dollar
  • Swedish krona

Other Business Services From Nationwide and Ulster Bank

Nationwide Account Types
Other Nationwide Services


Ulster Bank Account Types
Other Ulster Bank Services


NationwideUlster Bank
Business LoansNoYes
Commercial MortgagesYesNo
Invoice FinancingNoYes
International PaymentsYesYes
Merchant Payment ServicesNoYes
Card MachinesNoYes
Free Accounting SoftwareNoYes

Nationwide vs Ulster Bank Banking Basics

NationwideUlster Bank
Bank TypeBuilding SocietyHigh Street
FSCS ProtectionYes, up to £85,000Yes, up to £85,000
FCA Number106078NA
WebsiteNationwide WebsiteUlster Bank Website

Common Comparison Questions

Does Nationwide or Ulster Bank have better customer reviews?

Nationwide scores 1.7 out of 5 based 5,509 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 15% are 5-star and 75% 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 Nationwide or Ulster Bank have a better App?

Nationwide’s iPhone App is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 595,000 reviews. And it’s Android App is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 106,000 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 Nationwide or Ulster Bank have better business savings rates?

Nationwide offers the following types of business savings accounts: Instant access, Limited access, Fixed rate with interest rates ranging from 2.25% to 6.50%. (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).

See Other Comparisons:
Nationwide vs Kent Reliance
Nationwide vs Cynergy Bank
Nationwide vs Zempler Bank (formerly Cashplus)
Nationwide vs Co-operative Bank
Nationwide vs Aldermore


For other business bank accounts see our guide here.

 



Please note: Merchant Machine is an information and comparison website only.
We do not provide merchant services nor can we recommend which solution is right for you and your business.
Blog · About · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Contact Us
Copyright © 2025 Brilliant British Ltd trading as Merchant Machine

Registered Office Address:
3rd Floor Great Titchfield House, 14-18 Great Titchfield Street, London, United Kingdom, W1W 8BD
Company number 10490224