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Starling Bank and Mettle by NatWest are both well‑known digital providers in the UK. The former is a traditional business account with a digital‑first experience. The latter, backed by NatWest, focuses on simplicity and admin support for small businesses, particularly sole traders.
This guide compares Mettle and Starling across features, fees, regulation, and which UK businesses each account is best suited to.
Starling vs Mettle: At a Glance Comparison
Starling | Mettle | |
Account model | Fully licensed bank | E-Money Institution (EMI) |
Core focus | Full business banking | Simple banking, admin support |
Typical users | Limited companies, SMEs | Sole traders, micro‑businesses |
Monthly fees | Free | Free |
Cash deposits | Via Post Office (fees apply) | Via Post Office (fees apply) |
Lending | Available | Not available |
FSCS protection | Yes, up to £120,000 | Yes, up to £120,000 |
Business Bank Account Offers and Fees
What Starling Bank is Designed For
Starling provides a complete business current account, similar to a high‑street bank but without branches. It includes core banking features as standard, with no monthly fee, and is backed by full UK banking regulation.
Starling suits businesses that want stability, protection, and room to grow.
Key Characteristics of Starling Business
Free business current account
Full UK banking licence
FSCS protection on eligible deposits
Built‑in invoicing and spending categories
Overdrafts and business loans available
Available to sole traders and limited companies
Trade‑Offs to Consider
Fewer bundled admin or automation tools
Limited accounting software incentives
Less focused on micro-businesses
Starling is often chosen by established sole traders and SMEs that want a reliable, bank‑level solution.
What Mettle is Designed For
Mettle is built for very small operations and sole traders who want to keep things simple. Its standout feature is complimentary access to FreeAgent accounting software.
Rather than offering advanced banking features, Mettle focuses on helping busy entrepreneurs stay organised and tax‑ready.
Key Characteristics of Mettle
Free business account with no monthly fee
FSCS protection on eligible deposits
Free FreeAgent accounting software included
Simple app‑based money management
Backed by NatWest
Available to sole traders and small limited companies
Trade‑Offs to Consider
Not a fully licensed bank
No overdrafts, loans, or credit products
Limited advanced banking features
Mettle tends to appeal to freelancers and sole traders who want banking and accounting to work together.
How They Charge
Starling Pricing
No monthly account fee
No paid tiers or add‑ons
Charges apply for services like cash handling
Lending products priced separately
Starling Bank’s pricing is simple and transparent.
Mettle Pricing
Free account only
No subscription fees
Accounting software included at no extra cost
Charges apply for cash deposits
Mettle’s pricing suits businesses that want predictable, zero‑cost banking.
Feature Comparison: Starling vs Mettle
Everyday Banking
Payments and transfers: Both support Faster Payments and Direct Debits
Business debit cards: Both provide Mastercard business debit cards
Account access: Mobile apps with online account management
Invoicing and Admin
Starling: Built‑in invoicing included
Mettle: Relies on FreeAgent for invoicing and bookkeeping
Accounting Support
Starling: Integrates with accounting software
Mettle: FreeAgent included free of charge
Cash Handling
Starling: Cash deposits via the Post Office
Mettle: Cash deposits via the Post Office
Lending and Credit
Starling: Overdrafts and loans available
Mettle: No business loans or overdrafts
Regulation and Protection
Starling Bank and Mettle operate under different regulatory frameworks, which affect how customer funds are protected.
Starling is a fully licensed UK bank
The FSCS protects eligible deposits up to £120,000
Funds benefit from full UK banking regulation
Mettle operates as an E-Money Institution (EMI)
The FSCS protects eligible deposits up to £120,000
Money is held separately from Mettle’s own funds
For businesses where deposit protection is a priority, Starling Bank offers stronger regulatory reassurance.
Who Should Consider Starling?
Starling Business may be a good fit if your company:
Wants a fully licensed bank account
Might want an overdraft or lending options
Is growing beyond being a sole trader
Wants a traditional banking experience
Who Should Consider Mettle?
Mettle could suit businesses that:
Are sole traders or very small companies
Want free accounting software included
Prefer simplicity
Don’t need business finance solutions
Want a free, admin‑light option
Alternatives to Starling and Mettle
You may want to explore other business bank accounts if your company:
Needs advanced expense management
Trades internationally
Requires overdrafts but likes fintech tools
Wants the option of add‑ons or subscriptions
In those cases, it’s worth comparing other UK providers until you find a better fit.
