Do I need a separate bank account for delivery work?
Not legally, as a sole trader. Practically it makes the bookkeeping much easier and is worth doing on day one.
Last checked 12/09/2026.
Not legally. A sole trader and their business are the same person, so there is no rule saying the money has to be kept apart. Limited companies are different.
It still makes life much easier. When every platform payment and every work cost sits in one account, reconstructing a year takes an afternoon instead of a weekend, and it is far easier to show HMRC what happened if they ask.
It does not have to be a business account. A second personal current account is usually fine for a sole trader and avoids monthly fees, though check your bank's terms, as some prohibit business use of a personal account.
The other reason is behavioural. Money for tax that is sitting in the account you buy groceries from is money that gets spent.
Related
What records do I actually need to keep?
Every payment in, every allowable cost out, and a mileage log with dates and journeys. Enough that somebody else could rebuild your return from it.
HMRC & taxUpdated 19/08/2026
How do I register as a sole trader?
Online at gov.uk, through your Government Gateway account. It takes about ten minutes and you need your National Insurance number.
HMRC & taxUpdated 19/08/2026
Riding for Deliveroo: the full guide
How Deliveroo works for a rider: what you need to join, how each fee is worked out, the pay floor agreed with the GMB union, when the money arrives, the insurance Deliveroo gives you for free, and the parts that are left to you.
Getting startedUpdated 29/09/2026
Delivering for Uber Eats: the full guide
How Uber Eats works for a courier: signing up, how each delivery is paid, Quests and batched orders, the weekly pay cycle and the two ways to cash out early, the free Allianz cover, Uber Eats Pro, and the tax side.
Getting startedUpdated 29/09/2026
Delivering for Just Eat: the full guide
Just Eat works differently from the other food apps. You set your availability each week and are scheduled into delivery runs, each order pays Transit Pay, and your acceptance rate decides how quickly offers reach you. Here is how all of it fits together.
Getting startedUpdated 29/09/2026
Delivering for Evri: the full guide
Evri couriers are self-employed and paid per parcel, once a month. You choose between Evri Flex and Evri Plus, which trades a five-day commitment for holiday pay, a pension and guaranteed earnings. Here is how it works and what it means for your tax.
Getting startedUpdated 29/09/2026