Mettle and FreeAgent

A free business bank account that gives access to FreeAgent accounting software for free (optional paid-for features are available for Mettle and FreeAgent).

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Why Mettle?

If you’re a small business owner, it’s important to have a separate bank account for the business. It makes it easier for you and your team to organise your finances and monitor your cashflow in real time.

Mettle is the free business bank account by NatWest that provides small business owners and landlords with the resources they need to start, run and grow their business.

It’s free with some optional paid-for features in-app, and you can apply in minutes.

Check if you’re eligible for a Mettle account

Why FreeAgent?

Combine Mettle and FreeAgent’s easy-to-use accounting software to get a running total of how much tax you owe and when you need to pay it, all in the Mettle app.

It will help you stay on top of your tax all year round, avoid surprise tax bills and let you focus on the jobs that matter.

How to get FreeAgent for free with a Mettle account

Pick the situation that describes you best, follow the steps to set up a Mettle account and access FreeAgent for free.

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  1. Download the Mettle Mobile app

    Get the app from either the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.

  2. Go through the Mettle account application

    It should only take you a few minutes to apply.

  3. Connect FreeAgent

    In the Mettle app go to ‘Add a connection’, select FreeAgent and hit ‘Connect FreeAgent’.

  4. Complete setup steps and get started

    Follow the final setup steps, set a password and start using your free FreeAgent account, which is now connected to your Mettle account.

To be eligible for a free FreeAgent account you need to make at least one transaction a month from your Mettle account. If you don’t make one transaction a month or close your Mettle account, a FreeAgent subscription will be charged while you continue to use the software. Optional add-ons may be chargeable.

Frequently asked questions

What is accounting software?

Accounting software is a digital tool that helps businesses - and their accountants and bookkeepers - manage their financial admin and tax responsibilities. Accounting software, like FreeAgent, is designed to lighten your admin load and make managing your bookkeeping borderline enjoyable (if we do say so ourselves).

Is FreeAgent really free?

Yes, if you have a Mettle bank account, you’ll need to make at least one transaction a month from your Mettle account. 

If you use FreeAgent alongside an accountant or bookkeeper who is a FreeAgent partner, to get FreeAgent for free, you’ll need to make Mettle your primary bank account in FreeAgent. If you’re not sure, check with your accountant or bookkeeper.

Once you’ve set up your free account, you may choose to add one or more optional add-ons, depending on your business’s specific needs. These offer enhanced functionality and may be chargeable.

If you have a business bank account with either NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland or Ulster Bank, you’re also entitled to a free FreeAgent account for as long as you retain your bank account.

Can I get FreeAgent for Landlords for free?

Yes. You can choose FreeAgent for Landlords when setting up your free account within your Mettle account. Just go to ‘Add a connection’ and pick FreeAgent. As you continue through the setup steps select ‘Property / Landlord’ for your business sector and ‘Landlord’ for your account type.

Please note: while FreeAgent does support landlord businesses that are run as partnerships, Mettle’s bank account eligibility criteria do not support partnerships.

Find out more about FreeAgent for Landlords.

Is FreeAgent Making Tax Digital (MTD) compatible?

Yes, FreeAgent is an HMRC-recognised, end-to-end solution for MTD for Income Tax and MTD for VAT. Depending on how you work with your accountant or bookkeeper, you may be able to file quarterly updates and your final declaration directly to HMRC using FreeAgent. 

Find out more about Making Tax Digital.

Can accountants and bookkeepers get FreeAgent for free for their clients?

Yes! Find out how to get free software for your NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank or Mettle clients.

Can I import my data into FreeAgent?

Yes! If you’re using spreadsheets or other accounting software, there are some simple steps to follow to switch to FreeAgent and import your accounting data. When you have set your accounting dates and opening balances, you will be able to import up to two years of bank transactions and also move all your contacts into FreeAgent. You can watch our step-by-step video or our superstar support team is on hand if you get stuck.

What if I still have questions?

Luckily, there are lots of ways to get help using FreeAgent! You can find step-by-step guides on our Knowledge Base, a hand-picked collection of top tips and videos for getting started and, of course, the latest news and helpful articles on our blog.

And, most importantly, you can contact our crack team of friendly, UK-based FreeAgent experts.

Get started with Mettle

To get started with Mettle, download the app from the Google Play Store or the iOS App Store or apply online.

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A Mettle bank card and a mobile phone displaying available balance in the Mettle app.