Mettle vs Starling business account – which one should you choose?

But when you look closer, their offers differ more than you might think. This guide compares Mettle’s free account with Starling’s free business account – covering everything from features and fees to who each one suits best.

And because we’re ANNA, we’ll also show you how we stack up – especially if you’d prefer your business account to come with built-in admin support, tax tools, and real humans available 24/7.

Mettle vs Starling at a glance

If you just want the summary: both accounts are free and run entirely from your phone, but Starling gives you a few more traditional banking features – like overdrafts, Post Office cash deposits and direct integrations – while Mettle focuses on simplicity and automated finance tools.

Takeaway: Mettle is lightweight and ideal for freelancers managing small-scale finances, while Starling provides a fuller feature set and FSCS-protected banking at no cost.

Who are these accounts best for?

⚡ The cheapest

Both accounts are completely free to open and use – no monthly subscription, no hidden “unlock” fees. Mettle keeps things minimal with a streamlined mobile app and no optional add-ons. Starling is also free, though it offers a paid Business Toolkit (£7/month) for VAT and tax tracking.

If you just want a place to send and receive payments without worrying about ongoing fees, Mettle does the basics extremely well.

Verdict: A draw on price – both are genuinely free to use, but Starling offers more flexibility if you need extra tools later.

⚡ Best value for money

Even without monthly charges, value depends on what you get. Starling’s free plan includes standard banking features such as overdrafts, international transfers, and cheque deposits. Mettle, meanwhile, focuses on cash-free businesses and doesn’t support overdrafts or SWIFT payments – but includes neat automation like expense categorisation and easy invoice creation.

If your business deals purely online or doesn’t handle cash, Mettle gives you a solid experience at no cost. But if you need a more “complete” account with broader capabilities, Starling’s offer stretches further.

Verdict: Starling gives more traditional features for the same £0/month, while Mettle wins for minimalists and cash-free traders.

⚡ Best for sole traders

Mettle was built for sole traders, contractors, and self-employed professionals who want simple bookkeeping tools. The app automatically categorises spending, syncs with FreeAgent, and lets you create and send invoices without leaving your phone.

Starling’s free account also suits sole traders, offering similar integrations and even the option to add the Toolkit if you need VAT or tax support. But Mettle’s clean interface and focus on freelancers make it a bit more intuitive if you don’t want a “bank-like” experience.

Verdict: Mettle wins for sole traders who value simplicity and integrated invoicing.

⚡ Best for limited companies

This is where Starling pulls ahead. While Mettle is mainly aimed at sole traders, Starling supports both limited companies and sole traders, with the ability to add co-directors and business partners to the account.

Starling also supports company overdrafts, business loans, and cash handling – things Mettle doesn’t provide. For growing companies that need more flexibility or formal business banking features, Starling is the stronger choice.

Verdict: Starling is better suited for limited companies and teams.

⚡ The smartest app

Both apps are well-designed, but they serve slightly different goals. Mettle’s app feels lighter, focused on daily admin like invoices and categorising expenses. It’s colourful, fast, and straightforward – perfect for users who want accounting integration more than banking depth.

Starling’s app, meanwhile, is more feature-rich – offering deeper financial insights, instant notifications, and multi-account management, but in a more traditional layout.

Verdict: Mettle’s app is simpler; Starling’s is more powerful. The choice depends on whether you value ease or depth.

Who can open an account?

Both target UK-based small businesses, but there are a few differences in eligibility.

Mettle

• Sole traders and limited companies (UK-registered).
• Must have a UK business account number and operate within accepted industries.
• Identity verification via app.
• Not available for charities or partnerships.

Starling

• Sole traders and limited companies.
• All persons with significant control must live in the UK.
• Requires ID, business documents, and a quick verification video.
• Industry exclusions apply.

Pricing and fees

Mettle pricing

One free plan – that’s it. No monthly charges, no paid tiers. Designed for small businesses and freelancers who don’t handle cash or international transfers.

Starling pricing

Free business account with the option to add paid features:

• Business Toolkit – £7/month for tax and VAT management.
• Euro account – £2/month (applications currently paused)
• USD account – £5/month (applications currently paused)

Value for money

For most sole traders, Mettle’s simplicity and zero cost is unbeatable. But Starling’s flexibility makes it better for businesses that need more options later.

Takeaway: Starling covers more use cases, but Mettle keeps things refreshingly simple.

Features comparison

Payments and transfers in the UK

Both support Faster Payments, Direct Debits, and standing orders.

Cash and cheque handling

• Mettle: No cash or cheque deposits.
• Starling: Cash via Post Office (0.7% fee, £3 min), cheques via app or post.

Cards and spend management

• Mettle: One debit card per account holder, Apple and Google Pay supported.
• Starling: One debit card per director, same digital wallet support.

Invoicing and integrations

• Mettle: Built-in invoicing, automatic expense categorisation, integration with FreeAgent, Xero, and QuickBooks.
• Starling: Integrations included; invoicing via optional Toolkit.

Lending and overdrafts

• Mettle: No overdraft or lending options.
• Starling: Overdrafts available (subject to eligibility) and access to business loans.

App and user experience

App interface

Mettle’s app feels lightweight and intuitive – built for quick daily admin rather than complex finance management.

Source: App store

Starling’s app is more detailed, offering full visibility over balances, spending, and business insights.

Source: App store

You can explore both apps yourself:

• Starling on the App Store / Google Play,
• Mettle on the App Store / Google Play.

Web access and APIs

Starling offers a robust web interface and open banking API for integrations.

Mettle remains mobile-only for now.

Onboarding speed and switching

Both allow quick digital onboarding via the app. Starling supports the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), while Mettle does not.

Customer support and reviews

App Store / Google Play ratings

Both are highly rated for usability and reliability, though Starling tends to have more reviews due to its larger user base.

Trustpilot complaints

• Mettle: Some users note slow response times for complex issues.
• Starling: Occasional complaints about compliance checks and limited team access.

Security and trust

FSCS protection

• Starling: Funds protected up to £85,000 under FSCS.
• Mettle: Money held in a segregated NatWest account but not FSCS-protected directly.

Fraud prevention and controls

Both offer two-factor authentication, biometric login, and instant card freezing.

Bank stability and licensing

Starling is a fully licensed UK bank.

Mettle is part of the NatWest Group but operates as an e-money provider.

Which is best for your business?

• Freelancers and sole traders: Mettle’s free, easy-to-use app with invoicing and expense tracking is ideal.
• Limited companies: Starling’s extra features and multi-director support make it a better fit.
• Cash-handling or international businesses: Starling’s Post Office deposits and SWIFT payments are essential.
• Digital-only traders and contractors: Mettle’s simplicity shines here.

Alternatives to consider

ANNA – your business account and admin sidekick

Here’s where we do things differently.

ANNA isn’t just a business account. It’s smart admin support in your pocket. You get all the tools you need to stay on top of your business admin – from invoicing to tax submissions – with real humans available 24/7.

• Create and send invoices in seconds
• Capture receipts and categorise expenses automatically
• Get VAT and Corporation Tax filed – automatically
• Add your team (not just co-directors)
• 4 free SWIFT payments per month on our Big Business plan
• Real human support, 24/7

And yes – ANNA starts at £0/month. See full pricing →

Revolut Business

Excellent for international work with multi-currency accounts and low-cost FX, but not a fully licensed UK bank (no FSCS protection).
How to open Revolut business account →

Wise Business

Ideal for businesses paid in multiple currencies – superb exchange rates and international transfers.

Tide

Fast setup for startups and freelancers, though it’s an e-money account rather than a bank.
How to open Tide business account →

Monzo Business

Great user experience and simple app, but some features are behind a £5/month paywall.
How to open Monzo business account →

Verdict: Mettle vs Starling

✅ Sole traders and freelancers → Mettle
✅ Limited companies or cash-handling businesses → Starling
✅ Admin automation and tax tools → ANNA

Whichever you choose, the right business account should make running your business easier – not more complicated. Whether it’s hands-off invoicing, full-feature banking, or automated tax support, there’s an option here that fits the way you work.

Disclaimer: All info accurate as of October 2025. Always check official websites for the latest details.