What banks should a UK drinks business use, particularly for international transfers and bonded warehouse compatibility?

Banking for drinks businesses requires careful selection as no single provider excels across all needs. Members recommend having multiple bank accounts with different providers to spread risk and access specialised services.

**Banks to avoid:** - **Barclays** — Multiple members reported serious problems, including poor handling of overdrafts and corporate relationships. Several described experiences as "horrible" and recommended avoiding "like the plague."

**Recommended providers:** - **Virgin Money** — Praised for excellent in-branch service and quick, easy international transfers. - **Standard Chartered** — Recommended for international business operations. - **Starling** — Listed as a viable option, though members note it has both pros and cons like other providers.

**Key considerations:** - **Bonded warehouse compatibility** — Members flagged that opening a bonded facility can create banking issues, so confirm your chosen bank can support bonded warehouse operations before committing. - **Multiple accounts strategy** — Members advise holding accounts with at least two providers: one optimised for international transfers and currency exchanges, and others with FSC protection as backup. This approach mitigates single-provider risk and ensures access to specialist services. - **No perfect solution** — Members acknowledged banking feels like "searching for the holy grail but [it] doesn't exist," with various providers having different merits depending on your specific needs.

When selecting a bank, prioritise those with proven international transfer capability and confirm bonded warehouse compatibility upfront.