Whether I lie or not the bank can clearly see payments to HMRC.

As it is at the first private financial advice appointment I was offered, I asked would they like to update the nature of my business, nope they didn't have a category so left it as it was.

I was lucky enough to be asked about my deposits quite early on in branch, I explained I'm paid in cash the reason they asked was because I'd been flagged up for a mortgage their systems seemed to think I might be saving up for a deposit.

 

I don't know what other traders do I do hear moans about business banking, and as mentioned here and elsewhere business accounts aren't necessarily required to receive cash from self employment. Perhaps if other trades find out they may do the same?

Business accounts are worthwhile, imo.

They may not be required, but a bank may decide that you're not worth the hassle of the free current account. Depositing cash puts a strain on their manpower. The free accounts are only offered in order to someday sell you a loan or something. They don't have to give you one.