Reasons to trust NatWest
- Over one million business banking customers
- One of the UK’s biggest banks, with almost 300 years of history
- Fully regulated in the UK and offers FSCS protection
A NatWest business bank account is a great option if you want traditional banking and a strong app-based offering, all without spending big on monthly fees. NatWest offers various business accounts, including options for startups, more established businesses, and a community account for charities and societies.
» COMPARE: Best business bank accounts
NatWest Start Up Business Account
- Available to eligible customers over 18, who have the right to be self employed in the UK
- This ‘Startup business account’ is available for businesses that have been trading for less than 1 year and have a projected or existing annual turnover of less than £1m
NerdWallet's Review Summary
NatWest offers accounts for start ups and more established businesses, as well as its community account for charities and societies. For businesses that trade internationally, there is even a foreign currency account.
NatWest key features:
- In-person banking: Account holders can enjoy face-to-face support in England and Wales.
- Fee-free period: No monthly maintenance charge and everyday transaction fees do not apply for the first two years.
- FSCS protection: Eligible deposits up to £120,000 are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
NerdWallet's Pros & Cons
Pros:
- NatWest does not charge a monthly fee.
- Accounts can be accessed online, via its app, in a branch or Post Office or over the phone.
- Free access to integrated accounting software from FreeAgent.
Cons:
- Opening an account takes an average of 26 days.
- Fees for all transactions following an initial 2-year free trial.
This product may be one of a range offered by this provider. Always check terms & conditions for suitability before applying.
Key features
- Lengthy free trialNatWest’s free trial ensures new customers pay no fees for basic transactions for their first two years.
- Face-to-face supportThere are branches throughout England and Wales for customer service in person.
- No monthly feeNatWest doesn’t charge a monthly fee for its business accounts.
- Customer supportSupport can be accessed in a number of ways 24/7.
- FSCS protectionEligible deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
- Great appNatWest’s mobile banking app is highly-rated by users.
The pros and cons featured here are chosen by us based on a combination of our expert, research-based opinions and an exclusive survey of UK business owners and decision makers. The survey was conducted on behalf of NerdWallet UK in December 2022 to identify the business bank account features that people feel are most important. This was subsequently reinforced by an additional survey in 2024. They are unlikely to be the only product features and restrictions that you should consider. Pros and cons are subjective and you should align them to your own personal and business circumstances. Information was correct at the time of publication but may have changed since.
NatWest business accounts full review
NatWest is a UK high street bank that provides banking services across England and Wales. Customers in Scotland and Northern Ireland can access NatWest Group services through Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank respectively.
The NatWest Group has over one million business banking customers, offering services to businesses across England and Wales.
NatWest offers three business accounts with one standard tariff. Each comes with free access to accounting software FreeAgent.
- Startup account: An account for businesses trading for less than a year, with an annual turnover under £1 million. New customers to this account can get free banking on everyday transactions for 24 months.
- Business account: An account for more established businesses – those that have been trading for more than a year regardless of annual turnover or those with an annual turnover of over £1 million who have been trading for under a year. Along with everything the startup account offers, you can also access a business credit card, business loan and overdraft.
- Community account: An account for community groups, such as charities or clubs, it can offer free banking if you’re already a NatWest customer and your account’s annual credit turnover is less than £100,000.
Additionally, NatWest offers a mobile business account via its Mettle app. This is for sole traders or limited companies with up to two owners with a balance of less than £1,000,000. There are no monthly charges or transaction fees. Making just one monthly transaction will ensure your business gets free access to FreeAgent accounting software.
» COMPARE: Sole trader bank accounts
NatWest Startup Business Account features: at a glance
| Monthly fee | £0 |
| Basic transaction fees | Yes, after 24-month introductory offer |
| Account management | Online Via app In a branch or Post Office Over the phone |
| FSCS protection | Yes |
| Set-up time | 26 days |
| Cash deposits | Yes |
| Cheque deposits | Yes |
| Access to other banking services | Yes |
| International payments | Yes |
| Customer service | Via its digital assistant Secure messaging online or via the app In a branch X (formerly Twitter) @NatWestBusiness Over the phone 0345 711 4477 – open 24/7 for basic banking enquiries. For lending and other specialist business banking enquiries, open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. |
| Multiple user access/Joint account capabilities | Yes |
| Create and send invoices | Yes |
| Integration with accounting software tools | Yes |
NatWest business bank account pros and cons
Where NatWest business account stands out
Free accounting software: Get ahead on tackling tax and keeping track of your business’s finances by using FreeAgent accounting software for no cost.
24/7 customer support: NatWest’s call centre is open 24/7 via a digital assistant for basic banking enquiries.
No monthly fees: All of NatWest’s business accounts are free to open and maintain.
Access to overdraft and credit facilities: If you’re eligible, you can apply for a business overdraft, credit card and loan through your NatWest business account.
Free trial: Though transactions do carry a cost with a NatWest account, new customers get two whole years of free basic transactions.
Where NatWest business account falls short
Transaction fees: Every transaction carries a charge once the two-year introductory period ends.
See our other business bank account reviews
NatWest business account customer reviews
NatWest receives a rating of 1.4 out of 5 based on over 7,900 reviews on Trustpilot. Note that these reviews are for NatWest in general, not specifically its business services.
By contrast, the NatWest mobile banking app is rated extremely highly by users. Again, this is for both personal and business banking.
- App Store: 4.8 out of 5 based on over one million reviews
- Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 based on 500,000 reviews
This information is correct as of 2 March 2026.
Am I eligible for a NatWest business account?
To be eligible to open a business account with NatWest, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be applying on behalf of a business registered in the UK and at least one person on the application must be a UK resident
- not have been declared bankrupt or had a County Court Judgment (CCJ)
- be willing to undergo a credit check as part of your application
NatWest business account qualifying requirements
Your company must also meet the requirements of the specific NatWest business account:
- Startup account: Your business must have been trading for less than a year with a turnover under £1 million.
- Business account: Your business must have been trading for a year or more with a turnover of below £1 million, or any business with a turnover of over £1 million.
- Community account: It must be a not-for-profit limited company registered at Companies House, club or society, place of worship, charity or charitable incorporated organisation or non-personal trust. You must have an annual turnover of less than £100,000 and at least one of the applicants must already be a NatWest banking customer to qualify for free banking.
How to apply for a NatWest business account
To apply for a NatWest business account:
- Click ‘See Deal’ at the top of this page to head straight over to the NatWest website.
- Apply directly with NatWest – there is nothing extra to complete for us.
- Submit your application and wait to hear back from NatWest.
» COMPARE: Best business bank accounts
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