FAQs

Find answers to our frequently asked questions or contact our customer success team.

No results

General

How much does it cost to open a business account? What fees do you charge?

You can choose from different GoSolo plans based on the features you need. For current and most up-to-date details about the costs, please refer to our pricing page.

What countries does GoSolo support?

GoSolo offers business accounts only for UK-based and UK-registered companies.

If you're living abroad and want to set up a business in the UK, we can register a limited company for you. You will get a virtual business address and a virtual debit card for all your business transactions, quick and easy.

We are currently accepting users from:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Guernsey
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man)

Canada
United States (including Puerto Rico)

Australia
Hong Kong
New Zealand
Singapore

Our current pricing plans are here.

What company types are there in the UK and which one can I open with GoSolo?

Here’s a guide to UK company types for business owners:

Private Limited Company (Ltd)
This is the most common business structure in the UK, with over 2 million companies registered. In an Ltd, the company is owned by shareholders, and their personal assets are protected if the business faces financial problems. This means if your business struggles, your personal savings and property are safe.

Other Business Structures

Public Limited Company (PLC)


These are larger companies whose shares can be bought and sold on the stock market. Think of companies like Tesco or BP - anyone can buy shares in these businesses.

Community Interest Company (CIC)

These companies are set up to help society or the environment. Instead of paying profits to shareholders, the money goes back into doing good for the community. They’re perfect for social enterprises and community projects.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)


This is ideal for professional services like accountants or architects. It combines the flexibility of a partnership with the protection of a limited company. Partners share management and profits while protecting their personal assets.

Company Limited by Guarantee

Usually chosen by non-profits and charities. Instead of having shareholders, members agree to pay a small amount (often £1) if the company goes bust. This structure shows that you’re running the organisation for a purpose rather than profit.


Currently, GoSolo is focusing on helping people set up Private Limited Companies (Ltd/limited), as this is the most straightforward and popular choice for new business owners.

Is GoSolo a bank? How safe is it to use?

GoSolo is not a bank. Yet, it provides security to its users. You can read about our security standards in the blog post.

GoSolo is a technology platform that allows its users access to electronic money business accounts that are supplied by 3rd party providers. 

Electronic money is not a deposit, and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not cover electronic money products. No other compensation scheme exists to cover losses from your electronic money account. The funds are held in segregated accounts in accordance with the provisions of the Electronic Money Regulations 2011.

Gosolo is the trading name of Gosolo Financial Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 12053066). Our registered office is 128 City Road, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 2NX.

For accounts with sort code 04-29-28, opened before 22/04/2024:

GoSolo Financial Limited is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority as an EMD Agent to distribute or redeem electronic money (Register number 902961). GoSolo operates via our partner, PayrNet Limited, which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (register number 900594) as an Electronic Money Institution. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. The Card is issued by PayrNet Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International Inc. PayrNet Ltd is authorised by Financial Conduct Authority to conduct electronic money service activities under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (Ref: 900594). Payrnet Limited is an electronic money institution authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with register number 900594. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not cover electronic money products. No other compensation scheme exists to cover losses from your electronic money account. Your funds will be held in one or more segregated bank accounts with a regulated third-party credit institution in accordance with the provisions of the Electronic Money Regulations 2011.

For accounts with sort code 04-29-57, opened after 22/04/2024:

Business accounts are offered by Adyen N.V. which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority (reference number: 779800) as an overseas branch of an EEA-credit institution in the UK and is authorised to issue electronic money. The cards are issued by Adyen N.V. pursuant to license by Mastercard International. Business Accounts include issuance of electronic money. Electronic Money is not a deposit. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not cover electronic money products. No other compensation scheme exists to cover losses from your electronic money account. Adyen is however subject to stringent capital and liquidity requirements in order to ensure its financial resilience in periods of economic stress.

Can you guarantee that you will get me a UK business account?

GoSolo has its own policy and makes a final decision based on multiple factors, so we cannot guarantee that your application will be successful.

But if you applied for a paid service and we could not open you an account, we will make a full refund unless the application was fraudulent.

Can I open a UK business account from overseas?

Yes, you can. GoSolo is available to founders and entrepreneurs from around the world.

GoSolo provides the UK company formation and a business account for non-residents. Here, you can read more about how it works.

We are currently accepting users from:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Guernsey
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom (including Channel Islands and Isle of Man)

Canada
United States (including Puerto Rico)

Australia
Hong Kong
New Zealand
Singapore

Can I open a business account if I don’t have a passport or a driving licence?

In order to open a business account, banks are required to verify the identity/identities of the director(s) of a company. This is done in order to make sure that you are who you say you are. Similarly, GoSolo requires directors of a company to complete ID verification checks. As we are 100% digital, we ask you to complete ID verification online. We currently only accept passports, driving licences, and identity cards as valid ID documents. If you do not have any of these documents, we suggest applying for a business account in one of the UK high-street banks that can accept other ID documents (such as Barclays, Lloyds Bank, HSBC, etc.).

Can I set up a business account online?

With GoSolo, you can open a business account in the UK online and register an Ltd company at the same time. Actually, you get everything you need to start and run your business, including Mastercard debit, various options to accept and release payments, the ability to generate and send invoices, and more. You can review the full list of features and pricing plans on the Pricing page.

GoSolo is available on web, iOS and Android, ready to manage your business account 24/7.

Do you have a mobile app?

Glad you asked! Yes, we GoSolo is available as a web, iOS, and Android app, so you can access your business account on the go.

How quickly can I set up a business account?

Opening a business account in GoSolo takes less than 10 minutes of your time, then your details will be sent for verification. If everything is ok, you will get a business account the same or the next day.

If you're opening a business account and creating a new company at the same time, the verification might take a little bit longer because we'll be sending your claim to Companies House.

How do I complain?

We want all of our users to have a fantastic experience when using GoSolo, so when we hear that we have not provided a service to that standard, we want to do all that we can to make things right. You have a few options:

  1. You can send a support request inside the application by clicking on the Contact us button
    GoSolo support
  2. You can send a support request on our website, https://gosolo.net/support
  3. You can write an email addressed to we@gosolo.net

After you submit your complaint, you will receive an acknowledgement email from us within 7 business days. A member of our team will review your complaint and will respond within a few days. This initial response may offer a resolution or may begin a dialogue in an attempt to reach the best possible outcome.

If we were unable to resolve your issue or our suggested resolution does not satisfy you, you can refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. For more details, you can visit their website at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

How do I sign in to GoSolo business account?

Sign in with the GoSolo Business Account web app

  1. Open GoSolo web app 'Sign in' page on any web browser: https://app.gosolo.net
  2. Enter your email address and password associated with your GoSolo business account.
  3. Once you’ve signed in successfully, you will be redirected to the main dashboard.

Sign in to your GoSolo business account through mobile apps

  1. Download GoSolo business account apps for iOS or Android.
  2. Enter your email address and password associated with your GoSolo business account on the 'Sign in' screen.
  3. Once you’ve signed in successfully, you will be redirected to the main dashboard.

What to do if I don’t receive a text message with a one-time code on my phone?

If you do not receive a text message with a one-time code to your phone, please check:

  • Have you entered your phone number correctly?
  • Is your phone online and able to receive SMS messages?
  • Have you tried to re-send a one-time code by clicking “Re-send code” on the app?
  • Have you allowed at least 60 seconds to pass?

If you’ve checked all of these already and still cannot receive a one-time code, do not hesitate to contact GoSolo customer support via the contact form or email.

I want to request a new feature

You can send your new feature request to we@gosolo.net. We are happy to improve GoSolo together with our clients.

I forgot my GoSolo password and need to reset it

If you have forgotten your password and are unable to sign in, navigate to the 'Sign in' page either on your mobile app or web app:

  • Mobile app: click on “Forgot Password” in the top right corner
  • Web app: click on “Forgot Password” link located below “Password” field

To reset your password, enter the email associated with your GoSolo account and follow the instructions given on the screen. Once you are verified as the owner of the account, you will be prompted to reset your password. You will then be asked to sign in to your account using your new password.

If you still have questions, feel free to drop us an email.

Company formation

Why register a limited company in the UK?

What advantages does it provide compared to being a sole trader or a freelancer?

Registering a limited company in the UK offers several key advantages over operating as a sole trader or freelancer:

Financial protection

The biggest benefit is limited liability protection. If you want to avoid having to worry about losing your house, car, and savings to a business failure, forming a limited liability company is a better bet than being a sole trader.

Tax efficiency

Limited companies often prove more tax-efficient than sole trading:

  • Companies pay 19% corporation tax on profits, compared to 20-45% income tax for sole traders.

  • Directors have the option to maximise their income by combining salary and dividends.

  • A wider variety of business expenses that can be deducted from taxes.

Professional credibility

A limited liability company can help you stand out from the competition:

  • Many larger companies prefer or require working with limited companies.

  • Adding the "Ltd" suffix gives a company a more credible and well-established appearance.

  • When you register your business name, it becomes legally protected.

Business growth

A limited company structure provides better opportunities for growth:

  • Easier access to business funding and investment.

  • Ability to sell shares to raise capital.

  • More options for structure and ownership of businesses.

Other perks

  • Because of its unique legal status, your business is able to own assets and engage in contracts independently.

  • Tax planning and financial management become more flexible.

  • Enhanced privacy, as sole traders have to share more personal financial information with the public.

It takes more work and paperwork to run a limited company than to be a sole trader, but the benefits usually outweigh the problems, especially once your business reaches a certain size or level of income.

GoSolo provides free support to entrepreneurs starting a limited company. Plus, you get a business account and a debit card for all transactions related to your business. It takes less than 10 minutes to set up a GoSolo account and apply for a new company, and then we will do the rest while you can focus on your business.

What do I need to register a limited company via GoSolo?

Registering a UK limited company is simple with GoSolo. All you need is the following documents:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID document (passport, driving licence, BRP)
  • Proof of your UK address (council tax, utility bill, bank statement), issued in the last three months

The company formation fee is included in the New Company plan. Please refer to our Pricing page for the latest details about which services are included in the packages.

We will also automatically open a business account for your new company.

There is detailed information about new limited company registration in our blog: How can I register my company with GoSolo?

What is the share structure for a newly registered company, opened using GoSolo service?

If you register a company via GoSolo, the default share structure is 100 shares for the total value of £100.

All shares issued are non-redeemable and rank equally in terms of each of:

  1. Rights to take part in all approved dividend distributions
  2. Voting rights – each share being entitled to one vote
  3. Rights to participate in any distribution of capital on winding up of the company.

What are the legal documents that I will receive after company formation?

You will receive official Articles of Association and a Certificate of Incorporation. These documents are approved by Companies House. They are not apostilled.

Account and card

What do I need to open a GoSolo business account?

Opening a business account is simple with GoSolo. All you need is the following documents:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID document (passport, driving licence, BRP)
  • Proof of your address (council tax, utility bill, bank statement), issued in the last three months

The process is very easy:

1. Fill out the application form (takes less than 10 minutes).

2. Our team will review your documents and respond to you as soon as possible with our decision.

3. Once your application is approved, you will have immediate access to a GoSolo business account and a Mastercard debit card.

When will I receive my card?

Instantly after opening a business account. We currently issue virtual payment cards only, so there's no need to wait—just add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay and start using it immediately.

Is it easy to open a business account in the UK?

In GoSolo we made the business account opening process quick and simple, even for non-UK residents.

If you live in the United Kingdom, you need a valid government-issued photo ID document (passport, driving licence, BRP) and proof of your UK address (council tax, utility bill, bank statement).

For non-UK residents, you can check our dedicated page for international clients.

Can I have multiple business accounts for my businesses?

At this time, you can only have one business account for one company. If you have several limited companies, you can keep all of them under one GoSolo login, with a separate business account for each.

As part of our future development of the GoSolo app, we are planning to offer multiple business accounts for a single company.

Can I provide other people with access to view my business account?

Yes, you can grant permissions to other users to access your account, for instance, your accountant or team member. You don't put your account at risk because you do not share your credentials or other sensitive information.

You can add up to 2 people to view your GoSolo Business Accounts. People with access to your GoSolo accounts will be able to view your transactions, contacts, and invoices history as well as download bank account statements. Once added, you can easily revoke access for those people who no longer need it.

How can I close my GoSolo account?

Before you close your GoSolo business account, please check if there’s any money that you owe us.

If you owe any money to GoSolo, you would need to repay your financial obligations first. After you’ve repaid any money you owe us, any remaining funds on the account will need to be transferred to an alternative account before we can close your account.

If you don’t have any outstanding financial obligations to GoSolo, and you have a positive balance in your GoSolo account, any remaining funds on the account will need to be transferred to an alternative account before we can close your account.

After you have completed all of the actions highlighted above, to close your account, please get in touch with us.

After you have contacted us asking to close your account and you have completed all the required payments, you will have a 30-day grace period when you will no longer be able to make payments, but you will still be able to download your bank account statements and invoices. If you change your mind about closing your account during the 30-day grace period, you must notify the GoSolo support team, and your GoSolo access will be restored. After the 30-day grace period, once we've closed your business account, your card won't work, and you won't be able to access your account.

Payments

Can I pay internationally or accept payments from abroad?

We are working hard to bring international payments and currency exchange directly to the GoSolo app, but at the moment, these features are not available.

For now, you can use alternative services such as Payoneer, Paysend, or Wise to send and accept payments from abroad.

What is the limit on bank account transfers in GoSolo?

The limit on making payments using online banking and inbound payments is £50,000 per transaction.

What is the limit on card transactions in GoSolo?

Card limit is £1000 per transaction, £5000 per day.

Can I pay myself?

GoSolo only opens business accounts. Please bear this in mind: your account is not a personal one. 

We recommend that you consult with your accountant on ways you, as an owner or director, can get paid from a GoSolo business account.

What follows may not, under any circumstances, be treated as official advice from us. We do not accept any liabilities.

As a general rule, there are several ways a company can pay its individual owner:

  1. Pay a salary
  2. Pay a dividend
  3. Lend a loan

Each option requires careful consideration from the tax and legal points of view, especially if the individual is not a UK resident. There is no general rule that can cover all possible scenarios.

How do I deposit cash?

You cannot deposit cash into your GoSolo business account. We are constantly making changes to GoSolo, and if cash deposit is an important feature to you, please let us know at we@gosolo.net.

Do you have Direct Debit on GoSolo accounts?

Direct Debit is not a part of the GoSolo offering yet. But we are constantly adding new functionality to the GoSolo app and are determined to deliver Direct Debit soon.

How do I deposit cheques?

Currently, it is not possible to deposit cheques to GoSolo accounts. We are constantly making changes to GoSolo, and if cheque deposits are an important feature to you, please let us know here.

Why is the reference field when making a payment only limited to 18 characters?

This is done in order to standardise the way a payment is recorded between different UK banks.

What is the cash withdrawal limit of GoSolo card?

Cash withdrawal limit is £250 per transaction, £1000 per day.

Invoices

Can I create and send invoices?

Yes. And you don't even need to figure out what information to include: in the GoSolo app, you can generate and send professional, branded invoices within a simple, guided 3-step process.

Can I issue recurring invoices?

We plan to introduce the recurring invoice functionality in future versions of the GoSolo application. However, we made sure that raising invoices against the same client remained quick and straightforward. You can duplicate and send existing invoices in a couple of clicks.

How can I chase my client for payment?

You can configure email reminders, and GoSolo will send them automatically. Adjust the date and frequency of reminders for due and overdue invoices.

Can I reconcile invoices against the payments received?

When you receive a payment on your GoSolo account, the system will check its reference and amount. If there is a corresponding unpaid invoice, GoSolo will automatically match it with the payment received.

Can I mark invoices as paid?

Yes. Once you receive the payment, you can change the invoice status, marking it as paid.

How can I make sure that my client received and downloaded an invoice?

GoSolo sends invoices as a webpage where your client can see a preview of the invoice or download the document's PDF. He may also notify you about his acceptance of the payment conditions settled out in the invoice. In GoSolo you can see the exact date and time when your client opens the invoice page, downloads PDF or accepts the invoice.

Multi-company accounts

How do I add another company to my GoSolo account?

Adding another company to GoSolo account is very simple:
  1. Check if you already have a GoSolo business account. If you haven’t got it yet, you’d need to complete an application to open one.
  2. Sign in to your GoSolo account via the web app, i.e., in any web browser.
  3. Navigate to your Profile section (person icon in the top right corner).
  4. Under the “Manage companies” section, click on “Add company”.
  5. Complete a short form and submit your application.
  6. Once your application is successful, you will be able to view your new company’s accounts in GoSolo.
 

How do I switch to view another company?

To switch views between different companies:
  • In your mobile app, go to “Other” tab and select a Company you wish to view
  • In your web app, open the sidebar menu and click on drop-down of companies to choose another company, or click on drop-down of companies to choose another company

GoSolo Checkout

What is GoSolo Checkout?

GoSolo Checkout allows you to accept card payments online and in person directly with your business account app. It also has a QR code and payment link options that create a checkout page for your clients. No app or account is required to pay, making the checkout hassle-free and secure.

What is the transaction fee and how is it charged?

We charge 1.49% + 20p for all types of card payments accepted.

This is how it works. Let's say you accept a card payment of £100:

  • 1.49% of £100 is £1.49 (the percentage fee)
  • On top of that, we add a flat fee of 20p

So, for a £100 transaction:

  • Percentage fee: £1.49%
  • Flat fee: 20p
  • Total commission: £1.49 + 20p = £1.69

The fees are automatically deducted from your payout amount. After deducting them, you will receive £98.3.

What if the payment I get via Tap to Pay is over £100?

When you're getting paid more than £100 in person, using a POS terminal or card reader device, customers usually need to enter their PIN to proceed with the payment. GoSolo doesn't provide any hardware devices, but you still can use the tap-to-pay feature on your phone to accept payments over £100 offline. Due to the “PIN on Glass” technology, your customers can enter their card PIN right on the phone screen to release larger card payments.

What devices are compatible with Tap-to-Pay technology?

Tap-to-Pay is currently available only on iPhone and requires iPhone XS or later running iOS 16.4 or later.

What is Tap-to-Pay?

Tap-to-pay is a contactless payment method that lets you pay quickly and securely by holding your phone, watch, or credit card near a payment terminal (GoSolo mobile app). It uses near-field communication (NFC) technology to transmit your payment information wirelessly.

Tap-to-pay is becoming increasingly popular as it's

  • Fast: No waiting to swipe or insert your card.
  • Secure: Uses one-time codes for transactions.
  • Convenient: Works with various devices like phones, watches, and some contactless cards.

Is Tap to Pay safe?

Tap to Pay is a secure way to make contactless payments. Here's what makes Tap to Pay safe:

  • One-Time Codes: Instead of transmitting your actual card details, Tap to Pay uses near-field communication (NFC) to send a unique, encrypted code for each transaction. Even if someone intercepts this code, it can't be used for future purchases.
  • Short Range: NFC has a very limited range (usually a few centimetres). 
  • Security Measures: Most mobile wallets and contactless cards require additional security measures like fingerprint or PIN verification before processing payments, adding another layer of protection.

Closing of accounts with 04-29-28 sort code

Can I keep using my GoSolo app after 20 August 2024?

Yes. We will be offering you to switch to a new account inside the app. 

We understand this is an extra hassle. We apologise for the trouble and hope the new features are worth it

Here is how to make the switch:

If you are using the web app, you should see an orange banner with the message "Time to take action." By clicking on the banner, you can start the process of opening a new account.

If you are using a mobile app, you should first update it from your Apple/Google Store. After logging in to the updated app, you'll see the orange banner with the message 'Time to take action'. By clicking on the banner, you can start the process of opening a new account.

If you have closed the banner on your web or mobile app, you can always start the new account opening process from the "Other" section of the menu.

More info

Why is GoSolo closing these accounts?

We are bringing a lot of new features and upgrading the security of the GoSolo business accounts and App. You will be able to:

  • Accept physical card payments on your phone (with iPhone Tap-to-Pay)
  • Accept online card payments with invoices
  • Monitor your sales goals and performance
  • Get an all-new Virtual Master Card debit card

To enable these changes, we need to switch to a different account supplier. As a result, accounts operated by PayrNet Limited (Sort code 04-29-28) will be closed on 20 August 2024.

What happens to my money if I don't take action before 20 August 2024?

You will be able to reclaim the funds directly from the accounts supplier, PayrNet. Instructions will be provided on how to reclaim your remaining funds via a digital transfer only to a bank account held in your business name.

Will I get a new account?

Yes. You can apply for a new account and card using the GoSolo app.

You will need to complete the ID check and agree to the new terms of service.

I did not receive any notifications.

Please check your spam filters and folders. 

Please make sure you have the latest version of the app installed.

If you are not sure about the status of your account, please don't hesitate to contact us at we@gosolo.net

I am not offered a new account by the GoSolo app

In certain circumstances, we might not be able to offer you a new account in the GoSolo app. In this case, you will need to open a new account with a different provider and withdraw the funds before 20 August 2024 to avoid the inconvenience of losing online access to your funds. If you do not withdraw the funds before 20 August 2024, you will be able to reclaim the funds directly from the accounts supplier, PayrNet. Instructions will be provided on how to reclaim your remaining funds via a digital transfer only to a bank account held in your business name.

Can I still access my account and use my card?

Yes. You can use your account and “White” Master Card Business Debit Card as normal until 20 August 2024. However, we recommend that you withdraw the funds ahead of to avoid any potential inconvenience.

When do I need to take action?

You will need to apply for a new account and withdraw funds from the old account by 20 August 2024.

I have received a “Time to take action” notification in my app; what is going on?

This is not a scam.

We are upgrading our app by adding important features and upgrades to your GoSolo account to help you succeed.

We are changing our account supplier to enable these changes. As a result of this change, your existing PayrNet Limited account (Sort code 04-29-28) with GoSolo will be closed on 20 August 2024

We understand this is an extra hassle. We apologise for the trouble and hope the new features are worth it. 

We made it easy for you to apply for and activate the new account within the GoSolo App. Please follow the instructions here or contact us at we@gosolo.net if you need help.

Is my money safe?

Yes, the electronic money in your business account remains safe. All regular e-money rules and conditions apply.

Will I have access to my transaction history and bank statements after 20 August 2024?

Yes. We will provide you with a closing account statement. You may also continue accessing your app after the account is closed and download the account statement yourself.

No answer to your question?

we@gosolo.net
For help using GoSolo, general enquiries, or security vulnerability, please email
In-app chat
You can start communication in the application by clicking the "Contact Us" button inside the program.
Open App