1. Choose the right type of account
Look for a community or treasurer’s account — many banks offer these specifically for clubs, societies, and voluntary groups. They’re often fee-free or low-cost.
Recommended features to look for:
- No monthly fees
- Online banking
- Dual authorisation for payments
- Debit card (if needed)
2. Gather the required documents
Banks will usually ask for:
- A governing document or constitution (even a simple one)
- Minutes from a meeting confirming who will be the signatories
- Details and ID (proof of identity and address) for all signatories and sometimes key contacts
- Your group’s name, address, and purpose
💡 Tip: If you don’t have a formal constitution, you can find templates online
3. Choose your signatories carefully
You’ll need at least two unrelated signatories for most accounts. Choose people who are reliable, trustworthy, and happy to handle admin. Ideally, they should not be from the same household.
4. Keep it transparent
- Set clear rules for how decisions about spending will be made.
- Keep records of income and outgoings — even simple spreadsheets are fine.
- Report back regularly to the group.
Transparency builds trust, especially if you’re fundraising or receiving donations.
5. Shop around
Popular UK banks for community groups include:
- Co-operative Bank (great for ethical banking and community groups)
- CAF Bank (designed for charities and community groups)
- Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, and TSB also offer community/club accounts
Check eligibility and whether they require a registered charity number (many don’t for informal groups).
Bonus tips
- Use a separate email just for the account (e.g. yourgroupname@gmail.com) to keep things tidy.
- Avoid using personal accounts — it creates confusion and can be a red flag for funders.