FreeAgent
Free if you have a NatWest Group business account — otherwise £19–£33/mo.
by FreeAgent Central (NatWest Group)
Overview
FreeAgent is a polished UK-built accounting platform owned by NatWest. It's free if you hold a business current account with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland or Ulster Bank, or a free Mettle business account — and you make at least one transaction a month. Outside that, it's a paid subscription. Strong for sole traders and landlords wanting automation.
Free with NatWest / Mettle
Free for NatWest Group business banking customers, including Mettle (which is itself a free digital business account).
Conditions: Requires a business current account with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ulster Bank, or a (free) Mettle account. Personal accounts don't qualify. At least one transaction per month is needed to keep FreeAgent active.
Pros
- +Free for NatWest Group business account holders (including free Mettle accounts)
- +UK-built, strong MTD support
- +Great mobile app and receipt capture
- +Handles invoicing, expenses, VAT and MTD in one place
Cons
- −Free route is conditional — you must hold a qualifying business account
- −Paid tier is on the pricier end if you don't bank with NatWest Group
- −Can be more than sole traders need
Our take
If you already have a NatWest Group business account — or are willing to open a (free) Mettle account — this is effectively free. Otherwise it's an expensive full-fat accounting platform.