The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.
Bank account comparison table
Which is the best bank account for your charity?
Many banks offer special current accounts for voluntary organisations and charities, and most give free banking if the account is in credit.
Conditions and benefits vary, and can change over time, so check directly with the bank you're considering opening an account with. We have highlighted the main features of current accounts from institutions that have strong links to the voluntary sector, or who have a presence in Scotland in this bank account comparison table.
Bank of Scotland
Charity Account
For registered charities if no more than £250,000 will get paid in every 12 months, across this and any other Charity Account held by the organisation. Registered charitable trusts are not eligible.
All trustees listed on the governing documents in Scotland or on the Charity Commission website need to be applied to the bank account as a Key Account Person. There is a limit of 12 Key Account People if you’re applying for a Charity Account and are new to Bank of Scotland.
- Free online and day-to-day banking services when in credit
- Access to high street branch network
- Account management online or by phone
- Up to four signatories on the account
Community Account
For clubs or societies that benefit the local or wider community but are not registered charities, and organisations that don’t operate for the personal benefit of members, shareholders or for the generation or distribution of profit, if no more than £250,000 will get paid into this account every 12 months.
- Monthly account fee £4.25
The above information also applies to Lloyds Bank in Scotland.
Charities Aid Foundation Bank
Organisations must be charities and/or organisations that have a social purpose, and not operate for the benefit of shareholders. Should be based primarily in the UK with a UK business address. Have an account holder who is resident and contactable in the UK.
CAF Cash Account
- Deposit cash and cheques at the Post Office, RBS and HSBC branches.
- No minimum deposit required and no turnover limitations
- UK-based call centre with specialist staff
- Online banking with dual authorisation
- Pays interest
- £5 monthly fee
Co-operative Bank
For registered charities, community interest companies, co-operatives and credit unions.
Charity and Community Bank Account
- Free online and day-to-day banking services when in credit
- Access to high street branch network and at Post Office branches
- Account management online, by phone or by post
- Can apply for grants from the Customer Donation Fund
- Can have up to four signatories for the account
HSBC
Charitable Bank Account
For charities and not-for-profit organisations with a charitable purpose. You must have less than four people to add to your application and key controllers should all be based in the UK.
- Free online and day-to day banking services when in credit
- Online banking with dual control
- For organisations with a credit turnover of £6.5m or less
- Support and guidance on running and financing your organisation
Reliance Bank
Part of The Salvation Army, all profits made by the Bank go to support its ongoing work.
Charity Current Account
(for charities with a turnover below £500,000)
- Access to high street branch network - RBS
- Account management online and by telephone with dual authorisation
- Visa debit card with fees
- £7.50 monthly fee
Royal Bank of Scotland
Community Account
For charities, clubs and societies. To open a Community bank account all personal details of members or directors are needed. Can only apply if one of the parties named in the application has an existing RBS account/mortgage, and organisational turnover is below £100,000.
- Free online and day-to-day banking services
- Access to high street branch network
- Account management online and by phone
- Maximum of four signatories
- Access to free online accounting software
Unity Trust Bank
Business Current Account
For charities and organisations, businesses and third-sector entities that create positive social, economic, or environmental impact in the UK.
- Online banking with single, dual or triple authorisation
- Minimum deposit required - £50
- Pay in cash and cheques at RBS and NatWest, and cash only at the Post Office
- Differing accounts depending on annual turnover
- Fees from £6 a month
Virgin Money
Charities Choice Account
For registered charities. There is also a Clubs & Societies Current Account available.
- Access to high street branch network and at Post Office branches
- Free day-to-day banking if annual turnover less than £1 million
- Charities with an annual turnover over £1 million pay a monthly fee of £6.50 and a charge for each transaction
- Cash back on debit card transactions
- Multiple charity savings accounts available
All information featured above collated by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Information correct as of September 2026.
As well as providing practical information, we're also using our policy influence to make sure that the voluntary sector has access to the bank accounts and services we need. Find out more about the work we're doing on access to banking.
Information service
SCVO's information service is an online knowledge bank and enquiry service delivered by experts.
We provide: