Backed by NatWest
A dedicated app-based account with the confidence of a trusted, regulated high-street bank behind it.
Business banking · Partnered with Mettle
The business bank account built for the self-employed.
We've partnered with Mettle, by NatWest — a free business account designed around how freelancers and the self-employed actually work, with the backing of a major UK bank.
By NatWestFCA regulatedFSCS protectedNo monthly fee
Why we recommend Mettle
Free banking that talks to your accounts
FreeAgent, free forever*
Mettle customers get FreeAgent included — and since our packages include FreeAgent too, your whole money stack costs nothing extra.
Invoices and receipts in-app
Create invoices, capture receipts and organise money into pots — admin handled at the point it happens.
Help from real people
A human support team when you need it — the same way we work.
Safe and secure
Eligible funds protected by the FSCS, with balance limits up to £1 million.
Made to pair with us
Bank feed → FreeAgent → your dedicated Buzz accountant. Three pieces, zero friction, one monthly price.
Eligibility
See if Mettle fits
- Sole trader, or limited company with up to two owners (one owner accesses the account)
- UK-based, with owners who are UK tax residents
- Main balance limit of up to £1 million
*FreeAgent is free while you keep your Mettle account. Mettle is provided by National Westminster Bank plc. Eligible deposits protected by the FSCS.
Banking questions
Asked all the time
Who can open a Mettle account?
Sole traders and limited companies with up to two owners (one owner accesses the account), UK-based with owners who are UK tax residents.
Is Mettle really free?
Yes — no monthly account fee. Mettle is a free business account from NatWest built for the self-employed and small companies.
Is my money safe with Mettle?
Mettle is provided by National Westminster Bank plc, regulated by the FCA. Eligible funds are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Does Mettle work with FreeAgent?
Beautifully — they're part of the same family. Your Mettle transactions feed straight into FreeAgent, so your bookkeeping largely does itself.
Do I have to bank with Mettle to work with you?
Not at all. We work with every UK bank. We recommend Mettle because free banking plus FreeAgent is the strongest simple setup we know for our clients.
