Opening a Trade Account: What Wholesalers Ask For

What do you need to open a trade account with a food wholesaler?

Most food wholesalers ask for proof that you run a business, and for cash and carry cards you usually present it in person. Commonly accepted evidence includes a VAT registration, Companies House details, business bank statements, a business rates bill, your food business registration with the council, or a trade letterhead. Wholesalers also usually ask for photo ID. For credit terms, expect a credit check and sometimes trade references. What each asks for differs, so check the wholesaler's own site first.

What do the main wholesalers publish?

From each company's own published information, checked in September 2026:

Booker: you must be over 18 and the manager, proprietor or director of a registered business or charity, and take two proofs of business to your local branch after registering.

Costco: business membership is for business owners and managers, who present one piece of business evidence, valid or dated within the last three months, in person at a warehouse membership desk. There is an annual fee.

Bestway and Batleys: register online, then bring photo ID and a utility bill to the depot; you must be the owner or a director of the business.

JJ Foodservice: states that anyone can order, with no membership, fee or application.

Brakes: asks that customers work at or represent a UK business and meet a £150 minimum order.

Bidfood: new customers apply through a "become a customer" route.

What if you are newly set up?

A sole trader starting out may not have a VAT number or a company registration. Useful documents then include your food business registration confirmation from the council, a business bank account statement, your HMRC self-employment registration letter (your Unique Taxpayer Reference), and insurance documents in the business name. Ask the branch which of these it accepts before you go.

Cash accounts and credit accounts

Most accounts start on a pay-as-you-go basis: card at the till or card online. Credit terms, where you pay on invoice at 7, 14 or 30 days, need a credit check and sometimes a trading history or references. A new business may be offered credit after a few months of regular orders. Keep payments on time; wholesalers share credit information.

Does a trade account need a hygiene rating?

Wholesalers do not usually ask for a food hygiene rating to open an account. They may ask what kind of business you run. Separately, as a food business you must be registered with your council, and that registration is useful evidence of your business when opening accounts.