Business bank accounts can be had for free - most contractor-friendly accountants have an arrangement with Cater-Allen, for instance.
It is a requirement for partecipating in certain contests (eg: Microsoft had a program for investing in indie games company and they required to use a business account entitled to the company) but I still haven't heard such requirement from a client.
I'd be surprised if it wasn't a requirement with many clients though, it shows a level of professionalism.
>> and they're certainly not free AFAIK.
You haven't looked very hard then...
Agree, but I've never seen such clause in a contract.
> You haven't looked very hard then... I guess it's a service provided by only certain accountants? All the (chartered) accountants I've talked to never offered a free business account. They offered introduction to paid business account but that's the usual.
If it's not and there is a free business banking account with a reputable bank out somewhere I'll be happy to look into it.