FreeAgent free with Mettle: do you still need an accountant?
Mettle gives you FreeAgent at no cost. That covers the software. Here's what it covers, what it doesn't, and when paying an accountant is worth it.
The short answer
- Mettle account holders get FreeAgent free, as long as they make at least one transaction a month through their Mettle account.
- Free FreeAgent is the full standard product, not a cut-down version. Some optional add-ons are charged.
- The software keeps your records. It doesn't take legal responsibility for your year-end accounts, Corporation Tax return or tax planning — that's where an accountant comes in.
How the free FreeAgent offer works
FreeAgent and Mettle are both part of NatWest Group. If you hold a Mettle business account, you can connect FreeAgent from the Mettle app and use it free. The condition is at least one transaction a month to or from your Mettle account. If that stops, normal FreeAgent fees can apply.
NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank business current account holders get the same: FreeAgent is free for as long as they keep the account. Source: FreeAgent — get FreeAgent for free.
Without an eligible bank, FreeAgent's limited-company plan is £33 a month excluding VAT (FreeAgent pricing).
What the software does, and what an accountant does
| Job | Who typically does it |
|---|---|
| Invoicing, bank feed, categorising transactions | FreeAgent (you do it) |
| Running payroll and RTI submissions | FreeAgent (you run it) |
| VAT returns under Making Tax Digital | FreeAgent submits — but you're responsible for what's in them |
| Year-end statutory accounts to Companies House | Usually an accountant, prepared from your FreeAgent data |
| Corporation Tax return (CT600) | Usually an accountant |
| Director's Self Assessment return | Usually an accountant |
| Salary/dividend planning, tax questions, HMRC letters | An accountant |
Do you legally need an accountant?
No. A director can prepare and file the company's accounts and tax return themselves. In practice, most limited companies use an accountant for three reasons: statutory accounts must follow the correct format, the CT600 and director's tax return depend on judgement calls (expenses, salary, dividends), and mistakes lead to penalties or overpaid tax.
FreeAgent does include end-of-year tools for limited companies. It works best when someone checks the bookkeeping behind them. Whether it's worth it comes down to time and risk, not the software.
If you already use free FreeAgent
You keep your free FreeAgent account if you take on an accountant. They're added as a user, so you carry on doing day-to-day admin in the same place. Whether they then handle your year-end, VAT and tax returns is up to you. See how we do this on our FreeAgent accountant page.
Already on free FreeAgent through Mettle?
We'll take a look at your set-up and tell you plainly what you could keep doing yourself. See our fixed monthly fees.
Related Articles
Common Questions
Is FreeAgent really free with Mettle?
Yes. FreeAgent states that Mettle account holders can use FreeAgent for free as long as they make at least one transaction a month to or from their Mettle account. Optional add-ons may be charged.
What happens if I stop using my Mettle account?
The free offer depends on the monthly transaction condition. If you no longer meet it, FreeAgent's normal subscription fees can apply.
Can my accountant use my free FreeAgent account?
Yes. You can add your accountant as a user, and you keep your free account.
Does FreeAgent file my company accounts and Corporation Tax return?
FreeAgent's limited-company account has end-of-year accounts and Corporation Tax tools. You are still responsible for what's filed, which is why most directors have an accountant check it and submit it.
Last reviewed October 2026. Software prices are taken from FreeAgent's and Xero's own UK pricing pages, exclude VAT and can change at any time — check the provider's site before you buy. General guidance for UK limited companies, not advice on your specific circumstances.