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Shawbrook Bank VS Ulster Bank: Business Banking Review & Fee Comparison


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

Is Shawbrook Bank or Ulster Bank better for your small business?



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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 Homepage
Shawbrook Bank Homepage


Ulster Bank Homepage
Ulster Bank Homepage
 

Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Trustpilot Reviews

Shawbrook BankUlster Bank
Trustpilot Review Score (out of 5)4.71.5
Percent 5-Star Reviews85%8%
Percent 1- Star Reviews7%86%
Total Number of Reviews10,747114
Sources:
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 BankUlster Bank
iPhone Review Score (out of 5)No Rating4.8
Number of iPhone ReviewsNo Reviews15,700
Android Review Score (out of 5)No Rating4.1
Number of Android ReviewsNo Reviews15,000
Sources:
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 BankUlster Bank
Free Business Bank AccountNoYes
Free Business Account Term LengthNA24 Months
Cheapest Monthly Account FeeFree£8
Most Expensive Monthly Account Fee£12£12
Electronic Payment Cost (in/out)Free43p
Cash Payments Cost (in/out)Free70p per £100
Cheques (in/out)Free40p
CHAPS Payments Cost£35£18.75
SEPA Payments CostNo€0.51

Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Business Savings Rates

Shawbrook BankUlster Bank
Types of Business Savings AccountsEasy Access, Fixed Rate, Notice AccountsInstant 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£1,000No
Interest Paid On Foreign CurrenciesNoYes
 

Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Account Opening Times

Shawbrook BankUlster Bank
Can You Apply Online?YesYes
How Long Does Opening An
Account Typically Take?
5 Working days24 working hours
Do They Check Your Credit?YesYes
Current Account Switch ServiceNoYes

Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Features & Account Types

Shawbrook Bank Account Types
Shawbrook Bank Features & Account Types


Ulster Bank Account Types
Ulster Bank Features & Account Types


Shawbrook BankUlster Bank
Business Current AccountNoYes
Business Savings AccountYesYes
Business Credit CardYesYes
Business OverdraftYesYes
Accounts For StartupsYesYes
Accounts For CharitiesYesYes
Accounts For Sole TradersYesYes
Joint Business Accounts AvailableYesYes
Card TypeNoneMastercard
Online BankingYesYes
Mobile BankingNoYes
In Person/Branch BankingNoYes
Branch LocationsLimited locations accross the UKNorthern Ireland Only

Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Customer Support Options

Shawbrook BankUlster Bank
Phone Support AvailableYesYes
Email Support AvailableYesYes
App Based Support NoYes
Web Based SupportYesYes
In person Customer SupportNoYes

Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Foreign Currency Accounts

Shawbrook BankUlster Bank
US Dollar (USD) Bank AccountsNoYes
Euro (EUR) Bank AccountsNoYes
Other Currencies Available:No
  • Swiss franc
  • Japanese yen
  • Australian dollar
  • Canadian dollar
  • New Zealand dollar
  • Swedish krona

Other Business Services From Shawbrook Bank and Ulster Bank

Shawbrook Bank Account Types
Other Shawbrook Bank Services


Ulster Bank Account Types
Other Ulster Bank Services


Shawbrook BankUlster Bank
Business LoansYesYes
Commercial MortgagesYesNo
Invoice FinancingYesYes
International PaymentsYesYes
Merchant Payment ServicesYesYes
Card MachinesNoYes
Free Accounting SoftwareNoYes

Shawbrook Bank vs Ulster Bank Banking Basics

Shawbrook BankUlster Bank
Bank TypeChallengerHigh Street
FSCS ProtectionYes, up to £85,000Yes, up to £85,000
FCA Number204574NA
WebsiteShawbrook Bank WebsiteUlster 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).

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


For other business bank accounts see our guide here.

 



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