Mettle offers eligible UK small businesses a standard business account with no monthly fee, plus invoicing tools, tax pots and access to FreeAgent accounting software subject to eligibility conditions.
Its eligibility rules are tight, and it can’t send money abroad, which matters if you pay overseas suppliers.
This Mettle Business Account review covers its fees, features, pros and cons for anyone considering a Mettle account, and compares Mettle with Tide and Monzo Business, and covers where WorldFirst fits if you pay overseas suppliers.
Key Takeaways
- Mettle is backed by NatWest Group and provides business banking for eligible UK sole traders and small limited companies.
- Mettle’s standard business account has no monthly maintenance fee, but cash deposits, cash withdrawals, some card replacements and incoming international payments are charged.
- The account includes invoicing, receipt uploads and transaction categorisation, helping business owners manage everyday finances more efficiently.
- Mettle supports eligible incoming international payments but doesn’t offer outgoing international transfers, which may limit businesses paying overseas suppliers.
- Mettle suits straightforward banking and accounting tools. Tide and Monzo Business are worth comparing for everyday banking, and WorldFirst offers multi-currency services for international payments.
What Is Mettle?
Mettle is a UK business account provider backed by NatWest Group, designed for sole traders and small limited companies. Alongside everyday banking, it offers tools for invoicing, bookkeeping and tax management, helping business owners manage their finances in one place.
The account includes features such as customisable invoices, automatic tax savings through Money Pots and access to FreeAgent accounting software, subject to eligibility conditions. Eligibility is tight, so check the criteria before you apply.
Is Mettle a Bank?
Yes. National Westminster Bank plc, part of NatWest Group, provides the Mettle business bank account and trades under the Mettle name. The Prudential Regulation Authority authorises the bank, and the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority regulate it.
Eligible deposits in the Mettle bank account are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £120,000, subject to the scheme’s rules. This limit applies across eligible deposits held with National Westminster Bank plc, including those under the NatWest, Ulster Bank and Mettle brands.
Mettle also has an older e-money account, provided by a separate electronic money institution. It doesn’t qualify for FSCS deposit protection.
Who Can Open a Mettle Business Account?
Mettle is available to eligible UK sole traders and limited companies with up to two owners. To apply, you must be a UK resident, have a UK phone number, and pay tax only in the UK. You must also be at least 18 and not be a US person for tax purposes.
For sole traders, Mettle supports most business activities, although some industries and business types are excluded. For limited companies, the business must be active on Companies House, and the person applying must be both a director and a person with significant control (PSC). The company can have no more than two PSCs, who must be individuals. Only one owner can access and operate the account.
Mettle also caps the main account balance at £1 million. It does not support every business structure, including limited liability partnerships (LLPs), public limited companies (PLCs), charities and certain other organisations. Check Mettle’s official eligibility criteria before applying, as additional restrictions apply to certain business activities.
How to Open a Mettle Business Account
You can’t apply on Mettle’s website. You apply in the Mettle app, on an iOS or Android device with a UK phone number.
- Check you meet Mettle’s eligibility criteria.
- Download the Mettle app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Answer questions about your business and give details of its owners.
- Add your personal details and photo ID, then complete a short in-app video check.
- Wait for Mettle to review your application. Mettle says this takes 5 days on average, and it can’t speed up individual applications.
Opening an account is free (correct as of 27 October 2026).
Mettle Business Account Fees
Mettle’s pricing depends on what you use. Here’s what it charges:
Monthly Account Fees
Mettle’s standard business account has no monthly maintenance fee. Eligible customers can use FreeAgent accounting software at no additional cost, as long as they make at least one transaction through their Mettle account each month. If this condition isn’t met, FreeAgent fees may apply.
Businesses can also subscribe to Mettle+ for £4 per month. This optional add-on lets users create and send quotes and convert them into invoices directly in the app.
Payment and Transfer Fees
Mettle supports domestic business payments and incoming international payments, with fees depending on the payment amount and currency conversion requirements. Fees correct as of 26 October 2026.
| Service | Fee |
| Maintaining the account | Free |
| Incoming international payment above £10 | £4 fixed fee, plus a 1.5% conversion fee if a foreign-currency payment must be converted into GBP |
| Incoming international payment below £10 in foreign currency | 1.5% conversion fee, if conversion is required |
| Incoming payment below £10 sent in GBP | Free |
Mettle converts incoming foreign-currency payments into pounds sterling before crediting them to the account. If you need to pay overseas suppliers, you’ll need another provider as Mettle doesn’t currently support outgoing international payments.
Other Charges and Optional Add-ons
Mettle also charges for some cash and card services. The current published fees include the following:
| Service | Fee |
| Cash deposit through the Post Office | £2.75 per deposit |
| Cash withdrawal using the business card | £1 per withdrawal |
| Replacement card if lost or damaged | £5 |
| Replacement card if stolen | Free |
| Mettle+ subscription | £4 per month |
Correct as of 26 October 2026.
Fees correct as of 26 October 2026. Mettle’s fee information document has the current charges.
Mettle Cash Deposit and Transaction Limits
You can pay cash into a Mettle account at the Post Office using a barcode from the app. Each deposit must be between £10 and £500, with a £500 daily limit and a £23,000 annual limit. Mettle doesn’t publish a monthly deposit limit.
| Limit | Amount |
| Cash deposit, per deposit | £10 to £500 |
| Cash deposit, daily | £500 |
| Cash deposit, annual | £23,000 |
| Cash withdrawal, daily | £500 |
| Cash withdrawal, 30 days | £4,000 |
| Bank transfer, per payment | £10,000 |
| Main account balance | £1 million |
Correct as of 27 October 2026. Check the app for the limits on your own account.
Key Features of the Mettle Business Account
Mettle combines everyday business banking with practical tools to help small businesses manage invoices, bookkeeping and tax savings. Here are the key features and how they can support your day-to-day business finances:
- Customisable invoicing: Create and send invoices from your phone or computer, add your business logo, apply multiple VAT rates and include notes for individual clients. You can also track invoice statuses and see which payments are outstanding.
- Automatic invoice matching: Mettle can match incoming payments to invoices and help reconcile multiple payments against invoices, reducing the amount of manual bookkeeping needed to keep records up to date.
- FreeAgent accounting software: The integration helps you manage bookkeeping, cash flow and tax obligations. Access is free if you meet the monthly transaction condition (see the fees section).
- Automatic tax savings with Money Pots: Set aside a percentage of incoming payments in a separate pot for tax, helping you build up funds throughout the year. You can also schedule transfers into pots for planned business expenses.
- Tax calculation tools: When connected to FreeAgent, Mettle can show an up-to-date estimate of how much tax you may owe and when payments are due. This can help sole traders plan ahead for tax bills.
- Receipt uploads and transaction categorisation: Upload photos or PDF receipts and categorise business transactions to keep financial records organised. Receipts and transaction information can also be synced with FreeAgent, helping simplify bookkeeping.
- Interest on savings pots: Mettle offers an interest-bearing savings pot, with its website currently advertising a variable rate of 0.95% AER (correct as of 26 October 2026). The rate can change and the pot has eligibility and balance limits (rate correct as of 26 October 2026).
- Everyday payment features: The account supports domestic payments, Direct Debits, scheduled payments, standing orders on working days, payment notifications and eligible card-wallet services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Mettle+ subscription: Create and send quotes and turn them into invoices in the app. It’s an optional add-on and you can cancel at any time.
Pros and Cons of Mettle
Advantages of Mettle
No monthly account fee: Mettle’s standard business account has no monthly maintenance charge.
FreeAgent accounting software included: Eligible customers get FreeAgent without a separate subscription fee.
Built-in invoicing and bookkeeping tools: Users can create customised invoices, track payments, categorise transactions and upload receipts, helping them manage routine financial administration.
Automatic tax savings: Money Pots allow users to set aside a percentage of incoming payments for tax, helping them prepare for future tax bills.
Interest-bearing savings pot: Mettle offers an interest-bearing pot with a variable rate, giving eligible customers a way to earn interest on some business funds. The current rate and applicable limits should be checked before applying.
FSCS protection: Eligible deposits in the Mettle bank account are protected up to £120,000, subject to the FSCS rules.
Limitations to Consider
Restricted eligibility: Mettle primarily supports eligible sole traders and limited companies with up to two owners. It does not accept certain structures, including LLPs, charities and public limited companies.
Only one owner can operate the account: Even when a limited company has two owners, only one can access and operate the Mettle account. This may be inconvenient for businesses that need shared account access.
No outgoing international payments: Mettle supports eligible incoming international payments, but businesses cannot currently use it to send international payments to overseas suppliers.
Charges for some services: Although the standard account has no monthly maintenance fee, incoming international payments, cash deposits, cash withdrawals and replacement cards in certain circumstances incur charges.
Optional features cost extra: Mettle+ costs £4 per month. FreeAgent access is also conditional on making at least one transaction each month, and optional FreeAgent add-ons may incur additional fees.
Limited suitability for complex businesses: Businesses requiring an overdraft or other lending facilities, cheque services or unsupported business structures may need a provider that offers these services.
Is Mettle Any Good?
Mettle is worth considering for UK sole traders and small limited companies that want everyday business banking with built-in invoicing and bookkeeping tools. Its eligibility rules and single-user access won’t suit every business.
Mettle has a TrustScore of around 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot, from over 6,500 reviews (correct as of 27 October 2026). Reviewers most often praise the app, invoicing tools and customer support. The main complaints are slow or unexplained application decisions, declined payments and slow replies from support. Read recent reviews for issues that matter to your business, rather than relying on the headline score alone.
Who Is Mettle Best For?
- Sole traders who need an account for business payments, invoicing and setting aside money for tax.
- Small limited companies with up to two owners, provided they meet Mettle’s eligibility criteria and only one owner needs account access.
- Businesses looking to simplify bookkeeping through transaction categorisation, receipt uploads and FreeAgent accounting software, subject to its monthly transaction requirement.
- Businesses building tax savings using Money Pots to set aside a percentage of incoming payments.
When Might You Need an Alternative?
Mettle may not be suitable if your business needs services or account access that it doesn’t provide.
- Paying overseas suppliers: Mettle supports incoming international payments but does not currently offer outbound international transfers. Businesses that regularly pay suppliers abroad, including in China, may need a separate provider, such as WorldFirst.
- Multiple users accessing the account: Only one owner can access and operate a Mettle account, which may not suit businesses that need shared access.
- Unsupported business structures: Mettle does not accept certain organisations, including LLPs, PLCs, charities and some other business types.
- Lending or cheque services: Mettle does not offer lending facilities or cheque services, so businesses requiring these will need to consider other providers.
Mettle vs Other Business Account Providers
Mettle’s fees, features and payment options differ from those of other business account providers. Compare Mettle with Tide, Monzo Business and WorldFirst to see how their services, costs and capabilities align with your business needs.
If Starling is also on your shortlist, the main differences are access, eligibility and cash deposits. See the Mettle vs Starling comparison below.
Mettle vs Tide
Mettle and Tide offer business accounts for UK small businesses, but they differ in pricing, accounting tools and payment options. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Mettle | Tide |
| Monthly account fee | Free standard account | Free plan; paid plans £12.49, £27.49 and £69.99 a month |
| Accounting software | FreeAgent included for eligible customers meeting monthly transaction conditions | Xero connector on paid plans; Tide Accounting on Pro; third-party integrations on all plans |
| Invoicing | Built-in invoicing tools | 3 invoices a month on Free, Smart and Pro; unlimited on Max |
| Account access | One owner can operate the account | Team access on every plan, including Free; team cards from Smart |
| Domestic transfers | Domestic payments supported | Domestic bank transfers: 5 a month on Free, 30 on Smart, unlimited on Pro and Max |
| Outgoing international payments | Not currently supported | International bank transfers and SWIFT payments on all plans; fees aren’t shown on Tide’s pricing page |
Correct as of 26 October 2026.
Mettle may suit small businesses looking for straightforward banking and bookkeeping tools. Tide may be more suitable if you need team access, different plan options or outgoing international transfers.
Learn more: Tide business account review
Mettle vs Monzo Business
Mettle and Monzo Business both offer UK business accounts with tools to manage everyday finances. The main differences are their accounting features, account access and options for international payments.
| Feature | Mettle | Monzo Business |
| Monthly account fee | Free standard account | Free Lite plan; Pro £9 a month (first month free); Team from £25 a month |
| Accounting software | FreeAgent included for eligible customers meeting monthly transaction conditions | Making Tax Digital software on Lite; integrated accounting, including Xero, and Tax Pots on Pro and Team |
| Invoicing | Built-in invoicing tools | Invoicing on Pro and Team; not on Lite |
| Team access | One account operator | Team access levels on Pro and Team; larger teams and payment approvals on Team only |
| International payments | Receives eligible international payments; no outgoing international transfers | International payments on all plans; sending abroad costs a fixed fee of up to £9 plus 0% to 1.80%, depending on destination and currency |
| Multi-currency balances | Incoming foreign-currency payments are converted to GBP (1.5% conversion fee, plus £4 on payments over £10) | Incoming foreign-currency payments are converted to GBP (1% fee, capped at £1,000 per payment) |
Correct as of 26 October 2026
Learn more: Monzo review: is it right for UK businesses?
Mettle vs Starling
Mettle and Starling both offer UK business accounts with no monthly fee. Mettle is built around invoicing and FreeAgent bookkeeping, while Starling gives more directors access and handles larger cash deposits.
| Feature | Mettle | Starling |
| Monthly account fee | Free | Free |
| Who can open | Sole traders and limited companies with up to two owners; no LLPs | Sole traders, limited companies and LLPs; no general partnerships or charities |
| Account access | One owner | Multiple directors, who must be UK residents |
| Invoicing | Built in; quotes with Mettle+ (£4 a month) | Free invoicing |
| Accounting software | FreeAgent for eligible customers | Syncs with Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent |
| Cash deposits | £2.75 per deposit at the Post Office; £500 a day, £23,000 a year | 0.7% of the deposit (minimum £3) at the Post Office; £5,000 a day, £100,000 a calendar year for sole traders |
| Outgoing international payments | Not supported | 0.4% conversion fee on foreign-currency payments |
Correct as of 27 October 2026.
Mettle costs less for small, regular cash deposits: £2.75 against £3.50 on a £500 deposit. Starling is the better fit if more than one director needs access, you pay in larger amounts of cash, or you need to send money abroad.
Managing International Payments with WorldFirst
If you pay overseas suppliers, particularly in China, or manage revenue in different currencies, WorldFirst offers a dedicated multi-currency account for international transactions.
WorldFirst isn’t a bank. World First UK Limited is an Electronic Money Institution regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 900508). Customer funds are safeguarded, but they aren’t covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Businesses considering WorldFirst for overseas supplier payments can review its account and transfer fees below. Charges vary by currency and destination.
| Fee type | UK Pricing |
| Account opening | Free |
| Monthly account fee | Free |
| GBP payments within the UK via Faster Payments or CHAPS | £0.31 |
| GBP payments to other destinations | £4.62 |
| EUR payments via SEPA | £0.27 |
| EUR payments to other destinations | £5.38 |
| USD payments to the US | £0.77 |
| USD payments to mainland China | £11.55 |
| USD payments to other destinations | £7.69 |
| Payments in other currencies | £4.62 to £23.00 |
| Payments between WorldFirst accounts | Free |
| Currency conversion for major currencies | Up to 0.50% |
| Receiving marketplace payouts | Free |
| Holding multiple currencies | Free |
USD payments to mainland China cost £11.55, against £7.69 for USD payments to other destinations. In return, around 90% of payments to China settle the same day when you pay before the bank cut-off. Fees and exchange rates vary by route and currency, so check WorldFirst’s pricing page for current charges (correct as of 26 October 2026).
WorldFirst offers several features to help businesses manage international transactions:
- Pay overseas suppliers: Send payments in 100+ currencies to 210+ countries and regions.
- Hold and convert multiple currencies: Hold funds in more than 20 currencies and convert them when needed.
- Receive marketplace payouts: Collect payments from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy and Shopify, into one multi-currency account. Receiving marketplace payouts is free, with no ongoing account fee or minimum balance requirement.
- Pay Chinese suppliers: Send payments in USD or RMB to suppliers in China. Around 90% of payments settle the same day when you pay before the bank cut-off (3pm China Standard Time), and there’s a next-day option if you miss it.
- Earn cashback with the World Card: Use the multi-currency virtual business card for eligible expenses, such as advertising, software subscriptions and shipping, to earn cashback. Check the World Card page for the current rate.
- FX tools: Use spot contracts for immediate currency conversions, forward contracts to lock in exchange rates up to 24 months ahead, and firm orders to automatically convert currencies when your target rate is reached. These tools manage risk rather than make money. If the market moves your way after you’ve locked in a rate, you won’t benefit, and a firm order only converts if the market reaches your target.
Open a World Account to manage international payments, receive marketplace payouts and pay overseas suppliers from one multi-currency account.
Final Verdict: Is Mettle Right for Your Business?
Mettle suits eligible UK sole traders and small limited companies looking for everyday banking, invoicing and bookkeeping tools without a monthly account fee. Its single-owner access and lack of outgoing international payments won’t suit businesses with more complex needs.
FAQs
1. Is Mettle a bank?
Yes. The Mettle business bank account is provided by National Westminster Bank plc, part of NatWest Group. The FSCS protects eligible deposits up to £120,000, subject to the scheme’s rules.
2. Is the Mettle business account free?
Yes, Mettle’s standard business account has no monthly maintenance fee. Some services are charged, and the optional Mettle+ subscription costs £4 a month. Eligible customers can also access FreeAgent accounting software at no extra cost by making at least one transaction each month from their Mettle account.
3. Is Mettle better than Tide or Monzo Business?
Mettle is better for free invoicing and bookkeeping; Tide and Monzo Business are better if more than one person needs access or you need to send international payments, which Mettle doesn’t offer. Mettle includes invoicing and, if you make a transaction each month, FreeAgent at no plan fee. Monzo’s invoicing starts on its £9-a-month Pro plan, and Tide’s free plan allows three invoices a month (correct as of 26 October 2026).
4. Can Mettle send international payments?
No, Mettle does not support outgoing international transfers. Mettle converts eligible incoming international payments into GBP, and fees may apply. Businesses paying overseas suppliers can use WorldFirst to send international payments, hold multiple currencies, and convert them.
5. Is WorldFirst a bank?
No. World First UK Limited is an Electronic Money Institution regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 900508). Customer funds are safeguarded, but they aren’t covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
6. What are Mettle’s cash deposit limits?
You can deposit between £10 and £500 at a time, up to £500 a day and £23,000 a year. Each deposit costs £2.75 (correct as of 27 October 2026).
7. How do I open a Mettle account?
Download the Mettle app, check you’re eligible and sign up in the app with your business details and photo ID. Mettle says reviews take 5 days on average.
8. Is Mettle good? What do the reviews say?
Mettle has a TrustScore of around 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot from over 6,500 reviews (correct as of 27 October 2026). Reviewers praise the app and support, with complaints about slow application decisions and declined payments.
Sources:
- https://www.mettle.co.uk/business-bank-account/
- https://www.mettle.co.uk/eligibility/
- https://www.mettle.co.uk/fee-information-document/
- https://www.mettle.co.uk/fscs-key-information/
- https://www.mettle.co.uk/features/international-payments/
- https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/pay/
- https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/fx/
- https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/pricing/
- https://www.tide.co/pricing/
- https://monzo.com/business-banking/plans-pricing
- https://monzo.com/business-banking/features/international-payments
- https://monzo.com/help/business-accounts/receive-int-payments-business-banking
- https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/pay/pay-chinese-suppliers/
- https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/pay/world-card/
- https://faqs.mettle.co.uk/en/articles/2422534-are-there-limits-on-my-transactions
- https://faqs.mettle.co.uk/en/articles/2420973-how-do-i-open-a-mettle-account
- https://www.mettle.co.uk/onboarding/
- https://mettle.co.uk/blog/simple-and-quick-onboarding
- https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/mettle.co.uk
- https://www.starlingbank.com/business-account/
- https://www.starlingbank.com/business-account/eligibility/
- https://www.starlingbank.com/docs/legal/account/starling-business-soletrader-account-schedule-and-rfc-apr-2026.pdf
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
