FreeAgent Free with NatWest, RBS and Mettle — How to Claim It

FreeAgent is one of the most capable accounting tools for UK sole traders — and it is completely free if you bank with the right institution. This is not a free trial or a limited tier. It is the full product, at no cost, as long as you hold an eligible NatWest Group business account.

This guide covers which banks include it, how to activate it, and whether it is worth switching your business banking to get it.

Which banks include free FreeAgent?

Bank	FreeAgent included
NatWest Business Banking	Yes
Royal Bank of Scotland Business Banking	Yes
Ulster Bank Business Banking	Yes
Mettle (NatWest's free digital business account)	Yes

The benefit applies to business accounts only. Personal accounts with NatWest do not qualify.

What do you get for free?

The free FreeAgent account is the full product. There is no feature reduction. You get:

• Bank feeds — Open Banking connection to your business account; transactions import automatically
• MTD quarterly submissions — send your quarterly updates directly to HMRC from within FreeAgent
• Self Assessment filing — FreeAgent populates your SA100 from your bookkeeping data and lets you submit directly to HMRC
• Tax timeline — real-time estimate of your tax liability updated as you record transactions throughout the year
• Invoicing — create and send professional invoices, set up recurring invoices, and track payment
• Receipt capture — photograph receipts via the mobile app
• Expense tracking — record and categorise all business expenses

The only things excluded are optional paid add-ons — primarily payroll, which costs extra regardless of how you access FreeAgent.

How to activate FreeAgent with NatWest or RBS

If you already bank with NatWest or RBS:

1. Log in to your NatWest or RBS business banking portal (not personal banking)
2. Navigate to the benefits, perks, or extras section — the exact label varies by portal version
3. Look for the FreeAgent offer and click through
4. Create your FreeAgent account — your eligibility is verified automatically via your banking relationship
5. No payment details required

If you cannot find the FreeAgent link in your portal, search "FreeAgent" in your banking help section, or contact NatWest/RBS business banking support.

If you are a Mettle customer:

1. Open the Mettle app
2. Go to the Perks or Benefits section
3. Tap FreeAgent and follow the activation steps
4. Your FreeAgent account links to your Mettle account automatically, including bank feed

What is Mettle?

Mettle is NatWest Group's free app-based business current account built for freelancers and sole traders. It is separate from NatWest's main business banking and operates entirely via the Mettle app.

What Mettle includes:

• Free business current account with UK sort code and account number
• No monthly fees
• Instant payment notifications
• Spending categories and cash flow overview
• FreeAgent included free

Mettle's limitations:

• App only — no branch access
• No overdraft or business lending
• No cash deposits

Mettle works well for sole traders who operate digitally and do not need branch banking or lending facilities. FSCS protection applies (deposits protected up to £85,000).

Is it worth switching banks to get free FreeAgent?

The financial case is clear. If you currently pay for FreeAgent at £22.80/month (£19 + VAT), switching to Mettle saves £273.60 per year. If you also pay monthly banking fees — Barclays Business charges around £8.50/month, Lloyds Business around £8/month — the combined saving can reach £375+ per year.

The practical case depends on your banking needs:

Switch is likely worth it if:

• You are currently paying for FreeAgent or considering it
• You operate digitally with no need for branch visits or cash deposits
• You are unhappy with your current bank's fees

Switch may not be worth it if:

• You need cash deposit facilities
• Your current bank provides credit facilities or an overdraft you rely on
• You have a long-standing business relationship you value

Switching a business current account is less complex than it sounds. Direct debits and standing orders can be migrated, and most payments update automatically. For a sole trader with straightforward banking needs, the process typically takes a few hours.

Setting up Mettle step by step

1. Download the Mettle app (iOS or Android)
2. Apply for an account — you will need your name, address, date of birth, and evidence of sole trader status (UTR or HMRC letter)
3. Complete in-app identity verification (passport or driving licence)
4. Receive your sort code and account number — typically within 24 hours
5. Activate FreeAgent in the Perks section of the app
6. Connect FreeAgent to your Mettle account — bank feed sets up automatically
7. Update your banking details with clients (for payment receipt) and with suppliers or service providers with regular direct debits

For a full review of FreeAgent's features and whether it suits your situation, see our FreeAgent review. To compare all MTD software options by price and features, see our cheapest MTD software guide.