Do I need a business bank account as a sole trader?

There's no legal requirement for a sole trader to have a separate business bank account, unlike a limited company, so you can technically keep using a personal account. That said, it's strongly recommended, as it makes it far easier to track income and expenses, speeds up bookkeeping and your tax return, and looks more professional to clients and suppliers. Many banks now offer free or low-cost sole trader accounts, so the hassle of switching is usually well worth it.