Countingup
Business current account with built-in accounting, invoicing and tax for UK sole traders and small businesses
About Countingup
Countingup is a UK app-based business current account that bundles banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and tax tools in one subscription. Transactions are categorised automatically, receipts are captured in the app, and a real-time tax estimate shows what you are likely to owe. It is aimed at sole traders, freelancers and small limited companies, with accounts provided by Griffin Bank and eligible deposits protected by the FSCS.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Combines a business bank account with bookkeeping, invoicing and tax tools, replacing separate accounting subscriptions
- Every plan includes all features; price scales only with monthly deposits
- Three-month free trial and sign-up in a few minutes
- Real-time tax estimate and tax pots help sole traders budget for Self Assessment
- MTD-compliant VAT filing to HMRC included at no extra cost
- Accountant Hub gives accountants direct access to records
Cons
- UK-only; not available to businesses outside the UK
- Mobile-app-first experience with limited desktop functionality
- Per-transaction fees after 3 free transfers per month, plus £1 ATM withdrawals and 3% foreign transaction fees
- No overdraft facility or cheque support
- Accounting features are lighter than dedicated tools like Xero or QuickBooks for growing companies
Key Features
Business current account
UK business account with sort code, Mastercard debit card and FSCS protection on eligible deposits up to £120,000 via Griffin Bank.
Automatic bookkeeping
Incoming and outgoing transactions are categorised automatically to keep income and expenses organised.
Invoicing and payment links
Create and send personalised invoices and payment links from the app, with notifications for paid and unpaid invoices.
Receipt capture
Snap photos of receipts and attach them to transactions for storage and record keeping.
Real-time tax estimate
Shows an ongoing estimate of how much tax the business is likely to owe, plus deadline reminders.
Tax pots
Set money aside for tax in a pot that earns variable interest (1.2% at time of research).
MTD VAT filing
File Making Tax Digital-compliant VAT returns directly to HMRC at no extra cost.
Accountant Hub
Give your accountant secure access to the financial data they need.
Financial reporting
Track cash flow and business performance with in-app reports and insights.
Business loans
Apply for business finance up to £1 million through iwoca from within the app.
Pricing
- Total monthly deposits £0–£750
- All banking, accounting and tax features
- 3 free transfers/Direct Debits per month, then 27p each
- 3-month free trial
- Total monthly deposits £750.01–£7,500
- All banking, accounting and tax features
- 3 free transfers/Direct Debits per month, then 27p each
- Unlimited total monthly deposits
- All banking, accounting and tax features
- 3 free transfers/Direct Debits per month, then 27p each
Best For
Sole traders and freelancers
Run banking, expense tracking and tax estimates from one app without paying for separate accounting software.
New limited companies
Open a business account and register a company, then keep records organised from day one.
VAT-registered small businesses
File MTD-compliant VAT returns directly to HMRC from categorised transaction data.
Working with an accountant
Share live, categorised records through Accountant Hub to cut year-end prep time.
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