Charities today are under increasing pressure to do more with less. Finance managers, trustees, and operations teams are juggling complex compliance requirements, donor expectations, and day-to-day operations, all while staying focused on their mission. Yet many still rely on manual, paper-based banking processes that slow them down and create unnecessary administrative burdens.
Research commissioned by Cambridge & Counties Bank in early 2025 among its charity customer base revealed that almost 40% ranked a simplified application process as one of their top priorities. This was part of a wider survey exploring what charities look for in savings products. The findings highlight that while competitive interest rates remain the most important factor, ease and speed of opening an account is increasingly critical for larger organisations.
This insight underpins our approach: creating a streamlined, digital-first process for charities, supported by a team that ensures smooth execution without compromising on security or governance.
Why Digital Matters
In today’s world, nearly everything is digital - our conversations, our money, even our experiences. Charities deserve banking that reflects this reality. Manual forms and slow processes can be frustrating, especially when your work is so vital to so many.
Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a practical necessity for modern financial stewardship. For charities, embracing digital banking means unlocking time, improving accessibility, and streamlining operations. It’s about removing friction from everyday tasks so teams can focus on what really matters: delivering impact.
What Cambridge & Counties Bank Has Introduced
We’ve launched a fully digital application journey for our Charity Savings Accounts, designed specifically with the needs of the sector in mind.
- No printing or posting forms
- Online servicing for account management
- Faster, easier applications – for both new and existing customers
This end-to-end digital experience removes the hassle of paperwork and makes it easier for charities to open and manage savings accounts securely and efficiently. No more trips to the post office or printer jams, just a streamlined, secure way to manage your finances.
And here’s what makes us different - even with a fully digital process, you’re never on your own. We have real people at the end of the phone to guide you through the application steps, answer questions about the process, and make sure everything runs smoothly. This support is particularly valuable for more complex charity applications, which can involve multiple trustees and additional checks.
Real Benefits for Charities
The new digital journey isn’t just about convenience; it's about meaningful improvements that support operational efficiency:
- Time-saving: Applications can be completed in minutes, not days.
- Reduced admin: Online servicing means fewer manual tasks.
- Improved accessibility: Manage accounts from anywhere, at any time.
- Greater flexibility: Digital banking is designed to adapt to the needs of larger, more complex organisations – giving you the tools to manage accounts efficiently and securely.
Plus, you’ll always have access to a friendly, knowledgeable team who can guide you through every step if needed.
Ethical Banking You Can Trust
Cambridge & Counties Bank isn’t just investing in technology; we’re committed to doing business the right way. With over 1,390 charity customers and £111 million in deposits, we understand the importance of keeping money somewhere safe and trusted.
We’re proud to be a certified B Corp, with an impact score of 92.8, reflecting our commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. In 2024 alone, we donated £75,000 to charitable causes and our team contributed 276 volunteer hours, from creating community garden spaces to supporting local food banks and delivering school learning sessions.
We’re also accredited by Investors in the Environment (iiE) and have held the Green Award for eight consecutive years. In 2024, we offset 140 tonnes of CO₂. Through our partnership with fellow B Corp Treedom, we’ve planted a forest of trees dedicated to our colleagues—supporting biodiversity and micro-entrepreneurship around the world.
Ready to Learn More?
Digital transformation is reshaping charity banking for the better, and Cambridge & Counties Bank is proud to lead the way. If you're ready to simplify your savings journey with the reassurance of real human support whenever you need it, we’re here to help.
If you are interested in opening a charity savings account, or would like more information, call our dedicated team on 0344 225 3939. Alternatively, you can explore our savings accounts online.