Barclays vs NatWest business account
Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.
FSCS protects eligible deposits up to £120,000 per person, per authorised institution.
Quick answer
Barclays offered 12 months without a monthly fee, then £8.50 a month, plus a Sage offer. NatWest offered two years’ free everyday banking to full CASS switchers (turnover up to £2 million), with FreeAgent free, and runs Mettle as a free app account.
Barclays and NatWest side by side
| Feature | Barclays | NatWest |
|---|---|---|
| Free period | 12 months (eligible customers) | 2 years for full CASS switchers (turnover up to £2m) |
| After free period | £8.50 a month plus transaction charges | Standard tariff |
| Software | Sage free 12 months, then 50% off | FreeAgent free |
| App-only option | — | Mettle, no monthly fee |
| Branches | Yes | Yes |
Figures as of 3 October 2026, from each provider’s own website. Rates and fees can change.
Who it’s for
- Barclays: start-ups that want Sage and branches
- NatWest: switchers wanting a longer free period, or app users looking at Mettle
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You want no monthly fee long term — compare app-based accounts too
Full explanation
Work out your likely monthly transactions, then compare the cost after each free period ends.
The catch
Both charge their standard tariff once the free period ends.
Check each bank’s current business terms.
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
FAQs
Which has the longer free period?
NatWest’s two years for full switchers, as of 3 October 2026, against Barclays’ 12 months.
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