SMEs could earn £10k from their bank account in 2026 (aff)
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Small business owners could be missing out on thousands by leaving cash sitting idle. Here’s how a business current account paying up to 4.08% AER and up to 1.5% cashback could change that.
Could your business bank account quietly make you £10,000 this year?
If you run your own business, you know how hard every pound is earned. You chase payments, manage suppliers, juggle tax deadlines and try to keep cash flow steady. But here’s the question many small business owners rarely ask: what is your business bank account actually doing for you?
For plenty of sole traders and small SMEs, the answer is simple. Not much. Money comes in, bills go out, and whatever balance remains just sits there earning very little. In today’s climate, leaving serious cash idle could quietly cost you thousands over a year.
That is why Allica Bank’s Business Rewards Account is attracting attention. Built specifically for established UK businesses, it combines competitive interest on spare cash with cashback on everyday spending – meaning your existing working capital could start earning properly.
For firms holding larger balances, the figures can be significant. A business keeping around £250,000 in its account could potentially earn close to £10,000 across 12 months through a mix of interest and cashback – without locking money away or taking on investment risk.
Earn up to 4.08% AER and keep instant access
At the heart of the Business Rewards Account is an instant access Savings Pot paying up to 4.08% AER*. The important part is instant access. There are no fixed terms and no notice periods. Your money stays available while it earns.
Put into practical terms, £200,000 at 4.08% AER would generate around £7,660 in interest over a year. Increase that to £250,000 and you move towards £10,000. Even more modest balances can see a meaningful uplift compared with many traditional business current accounts.
If your business keeps a buffer for VAT, payroll or supplier costs, that cash could potentially be doing more than just sitting there. You can explore how the Business Rewards Account works and check eligibility directly.
Up to 1.5% cashback on everyday spending
The account also offers up to 1.5% cashback on card spend, credited monthly on eligible transactions.
If you are already paying for materials, fuel, stock, travel or subscriptions via your business debit card, those regular payments could generate a return. Many business debit cards offer little to no direct cashback. In contrast, up to 1.5% on eligible spend means routine expenses may start paying something back.
Full details of how cashback works are available on the Business Rewards Account page.
Digital tools with real human support
Beyond rates and rewards, the Business Rewards Account blends digital convenience with personal service. Customers receive a dedicated relationship manager alongside app-based banking and a clear online dashboard.
The account integrates directly with Xero, Sage and QuickBooks, helping reduce manual admin and improve real-time visibility of cash flow. Businesses can issue employee cards with spending limits, separate funds into different pots for payroll or expenses, and manage permissions securely. Accounts can typically be opened within two weeks, and switching via the Current Account Switch Service is designed to be straightforward.
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For sole traders and small business owners who see themselves as people first and businesses second, it is a refreshingly practical approach.
If your business cash is currently underperforming, it may be worth asking whether it could be working harder in 2026.
You can check eligibility and see whether the Business Rewards Account suits your business here.
*Rates are variable and correct as of 24 February 2026. Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Visit https://www.allica.bank/business-rewards-account/product-information
Cashback is variable and based on card spend. Exclusions apply. Visit https://www.allica.bank/business-rewards-account/product-information
Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. Visit https://www.allica.bank/business-rewards-account/product-information