Is Shawbrook Bank or Ulster Bank better for your small business?
Below we look at both Shawbrook Bank 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.


Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Trustpilot Reviews
Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5) | 4.7 | 1.5 |
Percent 5-Star Reviews | 85% | 8% |
Percent 1- Star Reviews | 7% | 86% |
Total Number of Reviews | 10,747 | 114 |
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.shawbrook.co.uk
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ulsterbank.co.uk
Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank App Reviews
Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
iPhone Review Score (out of 5) | No Rating | 4.8 |
Number of iPhone Reviews | No Reviews | 15,700 |
Android Review Score (out of 5) | No Rating | 4.1 |
Number of Android Reviews | No Reviews | 15,000 |
https://www.apple.com/uk/app-store/
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ulster-bank-ni-mobile-banking/id469523324
Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Account Fees & Charges
Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Free Business Bank Account | No | Yes |
Free Business Account Term Length | NA | 24 Months |
Cheapest Monthly Account Fee | Free | £8 |
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee | £12 | £12 |
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out) | Free | 43p |
Cash Payments Cost (in/out) | Free | 70p per £100 |
Cheques (in/out) | Free | 40p |
CHAPS Payments Cost | £35 | £18.75 |
SEPA Payments Cost | No | €0.51 |
Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Business Savings Rates
Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Types of Business Savings Accounts | Easy Access, Fixed Rate, Notice Accounts | Instant access accounts, Fixed term accounts, Currency savings accounts |
Lowest Savings Rate (AER) | 3.66% | 1.46% |
Maximum Savings Rate (AER) | 5.03% | 1.92% |
Minimum Savings Amount | £1,000 | No |
Interest Paid On Foreign Currencies | No | Yes |
Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Account Opening Times
Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Can You Apply Online? | Yes | Yes |
How Long Does Opening An Account Typically Take? | 5 Working days | 24 working hours |
Do They Check Your Credit? | Yes | Yes |
Current Account Switch Service | No | Yes |
Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Features & Account Types


Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Business Current Account | No | Yes |
Business Savings Account | Yes | Yes |
Business Credit Card | Yes | 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 | None | Mastercard |
Online Banking | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Banking | No | Yes |
In Person/Branch Banking | No | Yes |
Branch Locations | Limited locations accross the UK | Northern Ireland Only |
Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Customer Support Options
Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Phone Support Available | Yes | Yes |
Email Support Available | Yes | Yes |
App Based Support | No | Yes |
Web Based Support | Yes | Yes |
In person Customer Support | No | Yes |
Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Foreign Currency Accounts
Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
US Dollar (USD) Bank Accounts | No | Yes |
Euro (EUR) Bank Accounts | No | Yes |
Other Currencies Available: | No |
|
Other Business Services From Shawbrook Bank and Ulster Bank


Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Business Loans | Yes | Yes |
Commercial Mortgages | Yes | No |
Invoice Financing | Yes | Yes |
International Payments | Yes | Yes |
Merchant Payment Services | Yes | Yes |
Card Machines | No | Yes |
Free Accounting Software | No | Yes |
Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Banking Basics
Shawbrook Bank | Ulster Bank | |
Bank Type | Challenger | High Street |
FSCS Protection | Yes, up to £85,000 | Yes, up to £85,000 |
FCA Number | 204574 | NA |
Website | Shawbrook Bank Website | Ulster Bank Website |
Common Comparison Questions
Does Shawbrook Bank or Ulster Bank have better customer reviews?
Shawbrook Bank scores 4.7 out of 5 based 10,747 Trustpilot reviews. Of these reviews 85% are 5-star and 7% 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 Shawbrook Bank or Ulster Bank have a better App?
Shawbrook Bank’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.
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 Shawbrook Bank or Ulster Bank have better business savings rates?
Shawbrook Bank offers the following types of business savings accounts: Easy Access, Fixed Rate, Notice Accounts with interest rates ranging from 3.66% to 5.03%. (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.