Countingup’s blend of banking and accounting is designed for UK small businesses, but it may not be the right fit for every company, particularly those concerned with transaction fees or customer support accessibility. This guide will break down Countingup's offering, detail the reasons you might consider other options, and introduce several alternatives tailored to different business requirements.
What is Countingup?
Founded in 2017, Countingup is a UK-based company that provides a business current account with integrated accounting software for small businesses. The platform offers features like instant invoicing, automatic expense categorization, and real-time tax estimates to help automate financial administration.
Business owners can also capture receipts and gain live insights directly within the app. This integrated approach is designed to let entrepreneurs focus more on their core operations rather than bookkeeping.
What to Consider When Selecting a Countingup Alternative?
When searching for a platform to replace Countingup, it's important to evaluate your specific business needs against what different services offer:
- Pricing and Fee Structure:Evaluate whether a platform's monthly subscription and per-transaction fees align with your company's deposit volume and transaction frequency.
- Customer Support:Consider the availability and responsiveness of support channels, as some providers offer dedicated managers while others rely on slower, ticket-based systems.
- International Capabilities:Determine if you require multi-currency accounts or low-cost international transfers, as many alternatives specialize in global finance beyond the UK.
- Business Niche:Look for a provider that caters to your specific industry, whether you're a startup, a Web3 company, or a freelancer needing specialized tools.
- Integrated Features:Assess what financial tools are included, such as advanced expense management, corporate cards, or invoicing, to see if they go beyond basic bookkeeping.
If any of these considerations strike a chord, take a look at the top alternatives we've detailed in the following section.
10 Best Alternatives to Countingup
1. OneSafe
OneSafe is a finance platform designed to modernize banking for businesses, particularly those operating in the Web3 and crypto sectors. We provide essential tools for effortless fund management, quick payments, and access to both traditional and digital assets.
Our platform facilitates a direct 1:1 conversion from USD to USDC on Polygon, which simplifies global payroll and expense management. Businesses also experience rapid account setup, efficient transfers, and highly responsive customer support tailored for the digital asset space.
Pricing
Here’s a look at our straightforward pricing structure:
- Free Account Services:Enjoy no fees for account opening, monthly maintenance, or virtual and physical card issuance. We also don’t require a minimum balance.
- Low-Cost Domestic Transfers:US domestic ACH and standard wire transfers are just 0.1% per transaction, with a flat $25 fee for Fedwire payments.
- Competitive International Payments:SEPA payments in EUR are 0.2% per transaction, while international wires are 0.2% plus a $50 SWIFT fee.
- Transparent Crypto Transactions:We charge a simple 0.1% fee for USDT transactions, and our fiat-to-crypto conversions are included at market rates with no hidden charges.
- Corporate Card Usage:A 3% foreign exchange fee applies to all non-USD spending on your corporate card.
Reviews
Clients consistently praise our platform for its exceptional customer support and for being a game-changing solution that resolves major financial headaches for modern businesses.
- “OneSafe has the best customer support I've ever experienced from a bank.” - Amit Chu, Investments @ Celo Foundation
- “OneSafe is a game-changer. They solve so many headaches for our company. Finally a banking solution that gets it.” - Marco, CEO of Ensuro
Want a banking solution that gets it? Check us out here.
2. Payhawk
Payhawk is a spend management platform that integrates corporate cards, expense management, accounts payable, and procurement into a single system. It is designed to give businesses visibility and control over company expenditures through unified tracking and reporting.
The platform provides multi-currency Visa cards, automated receipt collection, and AI-powered data extraction in over 65 languages. It also supports multi-entity management for businesses with multiple subsidiaries and connects with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite.
Pricing
Payhawk does not publicly disclose its pricing structure. Prospective customers must schedule a demo to discuss pricing tailored to their business needs.
Reviews
User feedback often centers on the platform's interface and expense management capabilities, though some customers have reported issues with mobile app synchronization, transaction update delays, and the initial setup process. Check out more Payhawk reviews here.
3. Bunq
Bunq is a Dutch fintech company founded in 2012 that provides mobile banking services across 30 European countries. The company offers both personal and business accounts with features designed for international finance.
The platform gives users multiple International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs), multi-currency support, and a public API for developers. Bunq also has a sustainability focus, planting trees based on the user's subscription plan and allowing customers to invest in environmental projects.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free bunq Free: Free for sole proprietors and includes 3 bank accounts with IBANs.
- €7.99/month bunq Core: Includes 3 bank accounts with IBANs.
- €13.99/month bunq Pro: Includes 5 bank accounts with IBANs.
- €23.99/month bunq Elite: Includes 25 bank accounts with IBANs.
Reviews
User feedback often points to the app's interface, budgeting tools, and features like cryptocurrency exchange, while some customers report issues with customer support and slow problem resolution. Check out more Bunq reviews here.
4. Wise
Wise, formerly TransferWise, is a UK-based financial technology company founded in 2011. It specializes in international money transfers for a customer base that includes both individuals and businesses.
The platform operates on a pay-as-you-go model, using the mid-market exchange rate for transfers. It offers a multi-currency account to hold funds in over 40 currencies and a debit card for global spending.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- From 0.57% Sending Fee: Fees for sending money are variable and depend on the currency.
- $9 Multi-Currency Card: A one-time fee is charged for the card, with additional fees for ATM withdrawals over $100 per month.
- $31 Business Account Setup: A one-time fee is required for businesses to receive account details in multiple currencies.
- Free Account Holding: There are no fees for holding money in the account.
- Variable Receiving Fees: Receiving domestic payments in certain currencies is free, while international wire transfers incur fixed fees that depend on the currency.
Reviews
User reviews for Wise describe a range of experiences. Some customers report issues with account freezes and unresponsive customer support. Check out more Wise reviews here.
5. Blank
Blank is a French company that provides online professional accounts tailored to freelancers and small businesses. Their services are built around a professional account that comes with a French IBAN and a Visa Business card.
The platform offers automated Urssaf declarations, simplified accounting, and tools for managing quotes and invoices. It also provides access to professional insurance solutions and various partner offers.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- €6 excluding tax per month Simple: Includes 30 SEPA transfers, quote and invoice creation tools, automated Urssaf declarations, and expense tracking.
- €17 excluding tax per month Confort: Includes all Simple plan features plus phone support (5 days a week), 30 additional SEPA transfers, higher card limits, and income maintenance insurance.
- €39 excluding tax per month Complète: Includes all Confort plan features plus unlimited SEPA transfers, email and phone support (6 days a week), and higher card limits.
Reviews
User reviews for Blank describe a range of experiences, with some customers reporting issues related to account closures and delays in accessing funds. Check out more Blank reviews here.
6. Mercury
Mercury is a financial technology company that offers online business banking services tailored for startups and small businesses. The platform provides FDIC-insured checking and savings accounts, corporate cards, and integrated financial tools like bill pay and invoicing.
It supports U.S.-incorporated companies, allowing founders from around the world to open accounts without being U.S. residents. While there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, a 1% fee applies to currency conversions, and other charges exist for treasury management and mass payments.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free Mercury Plan: Includes checking and savings accounts, corporate cards, bill pay, invoicing, and reimbursements.
- $35/month Mercury Plus: Contains all features of the Mercury Plan with additional reimbursement and invoicing capabilities.
- $350/month Mercury Pro: Encompasses all features of Mercury Plus along with advanced workflows and dedicated support.
- Custom Pricing: Available for businesses with balances over $10 million, offering tailored plans and options.
- Additional Fees: A 1% fee applies to currency conversions, and charges exist for treasury management and mass payments via API.
Reviews
User feedback indicates a range of experiences, with some customers reporting issues such as sudden account closures, fund freezes, and payment processing delays. Concerns have also been raised regarding the responsiveness of customer support. Check out more Mercury reviews here.
7. Finom
Finom is a European financial technology company established in 2019, offering digital banking and financial management services for small to medium-sized enterprises and freelancers. The platform provides online accounts with local IBANs, invoicing capabilities, accounting integrations, and expense management tools.
Users receive free physical and unlimited virtual debit cards, with the potential for up to 3% cashback on business purchases. The service also supports multiple currencies and international payments, aiming to streamline financial operations for businesses across Europe.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free Solo Plan: Includes one user, a personal IBAN for global transfers, free physical VISA cards, and basic invoicing features.
- €9/month Start Plan: Includes two users, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and advanced invoicing features.
- €28/month Premium Plan: Offers five users, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and invoicing and accounting integrations.
- €149/month Corporate Plan: Provides ten users, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and advanced invoicing and accounting features.
- €339/month Enterprise Plan: Includes fifteen users, a personal IBAN, free physical VISA cards, and all features available in the Corporate Plan.
Reviews
User feedback points to a range of experiences, with some customers reporting issues related to account management, unexpected fees, and transaction processing. Check out more Finom reviews here.
8. Anna Money
ANNA Money is a UK-based financial service provider that offers business accounts for small to medium-sized enterprises, freelancers, and creative professionals. The platform provides tools for invoicing, receipt scanning, and tax calculations to assist with financial management.
Account setup can be completed in under 10 minutes, and the company provides 24/7 customer support. Users can manage expenses by matching receipts to transactions and can facilitate payroll through bulk payment services.
Pricing
ANNA Money's pricing is structured on a usage basis, beginning at £0 per month. Customers are charged only for the services they use, and no monthly fee is applied if the account is inactive for a month.
Reviews
User feedback for ANNA Money indicates varied experiences, with some customers reporting issues such as account freezes and difficulties in accessing funds. Check out more Anna Money reviews here.
9. Multipass
Multipass is a UK-based financial technology company that provides businesses with multi-currency virtual International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) and local accounts in the EU, UK, and US. The platform also offers corporate cards for daily expenses and online banking services.
The service enables businesses to send, receive, and exchange over 70 currencies. Additionally, clients are provided with dedicated relationship managers for support.
Pricing
Multipass provides a pricing structure tailored to each business's specific needs, requiring direct contact for a bespoke quote. The fee components include charges for onboarding, account maintenance, local and international payments, and corporate card services.
Reviews
User reviews frequently mention the platform's international payment capabilities, multicurrency functions, and the support from dedicated account managers. While 9% of reviews are 1-star, the specific issues raised are not detailed in the available information. Check out more Multipass reviews here.
10. Kontist
Kontist is a German financial service provider offering business banking solutions designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals. The company provides users with a business account that includes a German IBAN and a physical Visa debit card.
The service incorporates automatic tax estimation and real-time tax calculation to assist with financial planning. It also enables users to set aside funds specifically for tax obligations.
Pricing
Here's their pricing at a glance:
- Free Business Account:Includes a German IBAN, a physical Visa debit card, and real-time tax estimation.
- €11/month + VAT Start Plan:Adds subaccounts and 30 SEPA transfers.
- €25/month + VAT Plus Plan:Includes VAT return and business evaluation.
Reviews
User feedback indicates a range of experiences, with some customers reporting issues related to high fees and technical problems with the app. Concerns have also been raised regarding the responsiveness of customer support and account closures. Check out more Kontist reviews here.
Which One Should You Go With?
Choosing the right financial partner from this list depends on your business's unique needs, and any of these platforms could be a great fit. If you're looking for a modern banking solution that understands the demands of today's digital landscape, we recommend giving OneSafe a try. Ready to see how we can solve your financial headaches? Sign up for OneSafe today.
