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Opening a NatWest Business Bank Account: The Complete Guide
NatWest offers business account options for start-ups, established businesses, community organisations and smaller businesses using Mettle by NatWest. Before you apply, it helps to know which account may fit your business, what documents you may need and which fees to check.
In this guide, we've explained the main NatWest business account types, who can apply, what documents you may need, how to apply online and what fees to check before opening an account.
Key takeaways
| Topic | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| NatWest account options | NatWest currently offers business account options for start-ups, established businesses, community organisations and smaller businesses through Mettle by NatWest.1,2,3,4 |
| Eligibility | Eligibility depends on the account type. For the Start-up account, NatWest currently says the account is available for businesses that have been trading for less than 1 year, have a turnover of less than £1m and are available to eligible customers over 18.1 |
| Documents | You may need personal details, business details and a company registration number if you run a limited company.1 |
| Fees | Some eligible Start-up customers may currently get free banking on everyday transactions for the first 2 years, but charges can still apply for services such as international payments, Bankline and unarranged overdrafts.1 |
| International payments | NatWest offers a UK bank account and branch access. NatWest’s Start-up free banking offer currently excludes international payments, so check current charges before sending or receiving money internationally.1 |
| Can I apply online? | Yes. NatWest currently lets eligible businesses apply online. NatWest currently says the Start-up account application takes about 10 minutes to fill in.1 |
| Who can apply? | Eligibility depends on account type. For the Start-up account, NatWest currently says the account is available for businesses that have been trading for less than 1 year, have a turnover of less than £1m and are available to eligible customers over 18.1 |
| What documents do I need? | Personal details, business details and a company registration number for limited companies.1 |
| Are there fees? | Some accounts may currently include free banking for a period, but charges can apply for services such as international payments, Bankline, unarranged overdrafts and additional services.1 |
| What should I compare for international payments? | NatWest may suit businesses wanting a UK bank account and branch access. NatWest’s Start-up free banking offer currently excludes international payments, so check current charges, exchange rates, recipient charges and delivery time before sending or receiving money internationally.1 |
NatWest business account types
NatWest currently offers several business account options. Availability, eligibility and fees can change, so check the current NatWest pages before applying.1,2,3,4
NatWest Start-up business account
The NatWest Start-up account is currently designed for eligible new businesses.1
NatWest currently says the Start-up business account is available for businesses that have been trading for less than 1 year and have a turnover of less than £1 million. It is available to eligible customers aged over 18.1
Key features include:
- free banking on everyday transactions for the first 2 years for eligible customers1 * FreeAgent accounting software included while you retain the bank account1 * online and mobile banking1 * support tools for start-ups1 * overdraft eligibility checker, subject to status1
NatWest currently says the free banking offer covers day-to-day service charges, but not unarranged overdrafts, Bankline, international payments or additional services.1
NatWest business bank account
NatWest currently also offers business current accounts for established businesses. These may suit small and medium-sized businesses that need a UK business bank account, online banking, debit cards, payments, overdraft options and access to NatWest business support.2
Fees and eligibility depend on your business and the account tariff.2
Mettle by NatWest
Mettle is currently a mobile business account from NatWest. It may suit sole traders and small limited companies that want an app-based account.3
Mettle's listed features include:
- FreeAgent included3 * invoicing3 * receipt capture3 * mobile account management3 * an account for sole traders and limited companies with up to two owners3
If your business needs to receive payments from overseas customers or pay suppliers abroad, compare the total cost and available features across providers.
NatWest Community account
NatWest currently offers community banking options for charities, clubs, societies and other not-for-profit organisations. Eligibility and free banking thresholds can depend on turnover and organisation type, so check NatWest’s current community account page before applying.4
Who can open a NatWest business account?
Eligibility depends on the account.
For the NatWest Start-up account, NatWest currently says:
- the account is available for businesses that have been trading for less than 1 year * the business must have a turnover of less than £1m * it is available for eligible customers over 18 * you can only apply for the NatWest Start-up bank account if you're the business owner or a director1
Different criteria apply to other account types, Mettle and community accounts.2,3,4
What documents do you need?
NatWest currently says applicants may need to provide the following details:
| Detail type | What you may need |
|---|---|
| Personal details | Full name, date of birth, place of birth, home addresses and move-in dates, contact details, and details for directors, partners, members or signatories. |
| Business details | Trading address, registration address, business contact details, business activity, number of employees, other trading names and financial year-end. |
| Limited company details | Registered company number. |
Preparing these in advance can make the online application easier.1
How to open a NatWest business account online
Here’s the usual process:
- Choose the NatWest account type that matches your business.
- Check eligibility.
- Gather personal, business and company registration details.
- Start the online application.
- Complete identity and business checks.
- Provide extra information if NatWest requests it.
- Wait for approval and account setup.
NatWest currently says the Start-up account application takes around 10 minutes to fill in.1
NatWest business account key features and considerations
| Key features | Key considerations |
|---|---|
| UK bank account and branch access | Fees can apply outside free banking periods.2 |
| Start-up free banking offer for eligible businesses.1 | International payments are currently excluded from the Start-up free banking offer.1 |
| FreeAgent included with some accounts.1,3 | Fees vary by tariff and service. |
| Online and mobile banking options.1,2 | International payments are currently excluded from some free banking offers.1,2,4 |
| Overdraft and finance options may be available, subject to status.1,2 | Approval can depend on checks and eligibility. |
FAQs
Sources:
- Start-Up Business Bank Account | NatWest Business
- Open a Business Bank Account | No Monthly Fee | NatWest Business
- Mettle by NatWest | Mettle
- Community bank account | NatWest Business
Sources last checked on 14 June 2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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