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Frequently asked questions

What is Business Online Banking?

Business Online Banking is The Co-operative Bank’s internet service for business customers.

Business Online Banking is protected by the latest security features allowing you to manage your business account safely and easily, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Why not take a closer look at Business Online Banking.

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How much does Business Online Banking cost?

Business Online Banking is a free internet service available to all our Business banking customers.

Standard account charges may apply – please see the terms and conditions of our business account options below:

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What functionality does Business Online Banking offer?

When using Business Online Banking, you can:*

  • Check your account balance
  • View your recent statements on screen and print them off
  • Search for transactions of a particular type (eg cheques), date or amount range
  • Transfer funds between connected Co-operative Bank accounts
  • Future-date a funds transfer between Co-operative Bank accounts
  • Arrange bill payments / fund transfers to other UK bank accounts
  • Arrange bill payments / fund transfers to be made in the future
  • Check the progress of items on your account
  • Enquire if a cheque has been presented, stop cheques and remove stops
  • Cancel Standing Orders or Direct Debits

You can also order the following:*

  • Copies of cheques/credits/debits
  • Copies of statements
  • An up to date statement
  • Paying in books
  • Cheque books
  • Change of signature forms
  • Pre-addressed envelopes

*Standard charges may apply for these services, please refer to your tariff.

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How do I apply for Business Online Banking?

Registering for Business Online Banking (for existing Business Banking customers)

Registering for Business Online Banking is simple.

Please ensure that you read and understand your Business Account terms and conditions regarding the Business Online Banking Service (section 13) and then complete the Business Online Banking application form.

Register for Business Online Banking now (PDF - 0.1Mb)

Not yet registered for Business Banking? Join us now (for new customers)

Whether you’re a Business, a member of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), or a Charity, we have an account to suit your needs. Find out more and join us below:

Switching to The Co-operative Bank couldn't be easier.

Our specialist Account Switching Team is ready to take care of every step of your transition. As soon as we've approved your application, your account can be fully up and running within ten working days.

Once we have your details, the process is simple:

  • We promise to start processing your application within 48 hours
  • Our Account Switching Team contacts your old bank, to obtain a list of all your Direct Debits and standing orders
  • The team writes to you to confirm which of these you wish to keep, and the dates from which they should be effective
  • With your approval, we then request that your old account be closed and any balance transferred across.

Our promise is to open your account without any errors. But if we do make a mistake at any point, we'll apologise and credit your account with £25.

Switching to The Co-operative Bank really is that easy. So if you feel it's time for a change, contact our Account Switching Team and start the move today.

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Is this a secure service?

Yes. Business Online Banking is VeriSign secure, utilising a 256-bit encryption to protect your information in-line with our stringent fraud prevention and online security policy.

It also has increased security through the use of security tokens.

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How do I log onto Business Online Banking for the first time?

Before logging onto the system you’ll first need to Activate your security token.

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How do I activate my security token?

  • Call Business Online Banking support on 0845 601 9938 lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12pm Saturday. You will need to answer a couple of security questions to confirm your identity. You will then be asked for the Serial Number (S/N) of your security token (this is located on the back of your device).
  • The Customer Services advisor will ask you to turn on your security token by pressing the OK button.
  • Now enter the PIN (four-digit number) provided by the Customer Services advisor.
  • Your device will prompt you to enter New PIN.
  • Enter a New PIN (four-digit number) of your choice and click OK. You will need this number each time you use your security token. Do not share your PIN with anyone – including the Customer Services advisor.
  • Confirm your PIN by entering your new four-digit number again. Click OK.
  • The activation process is now complete and your security token is ready for you to use.

For more information please download our Security token instructions - (PDF - 0.7Mb).

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What do I need to log onto Business Online Banking?

To logon to Business Online Banking you will need:

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I’m having trouble logging on. What should I do?

In the first instance, please refer to the online demonstration video that you can access here, and check the FAQs around logging on to the system.

If you’re still having trouble logging on, please contact Business Online Banking support on 0845 601 9938 (lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12pm Saturday).

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I’m unsure how to complete certain processes online. Where can I go for more information?

To help you use Business Online Banking, we have produced a range of online demonstrations, which you can access below:

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How do I add additional users to my Business Online Banking service?

Please contact Business Online Banking support on 0845 601 9938 (lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12pm Saturday).

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Can a colleague activate the security token on my behalf?

No. The information we send you (Customer ID, unique User ID and security token) is for your use only, and should not be shared with anyone else. We’ll ask you some security questions to confirm your identity when you call us to activate your security token. Once you’ve set your new PIN number, you will be the only person able to log onto Business Online Banking using your security token.

If you need help while setting up the service and activating your security token, please ensure that in doing so you do not compromise your security details.

Security tip: keep your PIN secret. We will never ask you to reveal your security token PIN.

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I've forgotten my security token four-digit PIN number. How do I reset my PIN number?

Please contact Business Online Banking support on 0845 601 9938 (lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12pm Saturday).

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I want to access the service but have mislaid my Customer ID. What do I do?

Your Customer ID was included in the welcome letter issued with your security token.

If you have mislaid this information and can’t remember your Customer ID please contact Business Online Banking support on 0845 601 9938 (lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12pm Saturday).

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I want to access the service but have mislaid my User ID. What do I do?

Your unique User ID was included in the welcome letter issued with your security token.

If you have mislaid this information and can’t remember your User ID please contact Business Online Banking support on 0845 601 9938 (lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12pm Saturday).

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Can I change my Customer ID and User ID?

No. Your Customer ID identifies your business. Your User ID is unique to you and allows Business Online Banking to recognise which user on your account has completed online transactions.

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Can I download my account activity?

Yes. You can download and print statements and reports from Business Online Banking in a range of formats including Adobe pdfs and Microsoft Excel.

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How do I log off?

When you have finished with a Business Online Banking session, click on the Logout option on the top right hand navigation.

It is important that you logout before closing your browser window. If you don’t, you will remain logged on until the session times out.

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Why is it necessary to log off from Business Online Banking?

You should always use the Logout option to exit Business Online Banking.

If you do not exit the service, your Business Online Banking session will remain open until it automatically ‘times out’.

We recommend you use the logout option before:

  • you close the browser window
  • you use another application
  • any time you leave your desk

Do not leave your computer unattended when you are logged on to Business Online Banking, always make sure that you logout, closing the session.

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Are there any hardware requirements necessary to use Business Online Banking?

We recommend using a screen resolution of 1024 X 768. Session cookies must also be enabled in your browser.

Minimum specification:

  • Windows 2000 / XP / Vista
  • Mac OS X
  • Adobe Reader 6.0

Browser compatibility:

  • Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
  • Mozilla Firefox 2.0 and 3.0
  • Apple Computers Safari 2.0 or later

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Contact us

  • For general business banking queries:
    08457 213 213
  • For Business Online Banking queries:
    0845 601 9938
    Call charges