Mettle review
A genuinely free account backed by NatWest, with built-in bookkeeping.
Updated 2026-07-03 • Last reviewed 2026-07-12
Features
- No monthly fee, no paid tiers on the standard account
- Built-in invoicing and bookkeeping tools
- Backed by NatWest
Fees
- Free
Pros
- One of the cleanest genuinely free business accounts available
- NatWest backing adds a layer of established-institution trust
Cons
- No free company formation bundle
- Fewer advanced features for larger teams
Eligibility
UK sole traders and limited companies.
We earn nothing from this recommendation, we're pointing you here because it's genuinely a strong option.
Alternatives
FAQs
Is Mettle a real bank?
It's backed by NatWest but operates as an e-money service rather than holding its own banking licence, so deposits are safeguarded rather than FSCS-protected in the same way Starling's are.
Is Mettle really free with no catches?
Yes, for the standard account there's no monthly fee and no forced upgrade to access core features.
Not sure Mettle is the right fit?
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll recommend the setup that actually fits your situation, with an honest reason behind it.
Or see the full comparison.