Starling and Mettle both offer mobile-only bank accounts. Starling launched the UK’s first mobile-only account in 2017. Mettle is a business account brand created by NatWest in 2018. But which account is the best for you?
In this guide, we’ll examine the key features of these two business bank accounts so you can make the best choice for your needs.
With Mettle, you can add up to £500 in cash by visiting a PayPoint or Post Office branch. You can’t deposit cheques.
With Starling, you can deposit up to £20,000 in cash via any Post Office. There’s a 0.3% charge (with a minimum cost of £3) for doing that. Starling has a cheque imaging function, allowing you to pay cheques easily. You can post them to Starling for free if you prefer.
Our verdict: Mettle. The lack of fees for paying cash makes Mettle the winner here.
With both accounts, you’ll get the Mastercard exchange rate when spending overseas. No extra fees apply. It’s free to withdraw money from overseas ATMs too.
Our verdict: Draw.
With Starling and Mettle, cards are only available to the main account holders.
Our verdict: Draw.
You can integrate both Starling and Mettle with FreeAgent, QuickBooks and Xero.
Our verdict: Draw.
Both Mettle and Starling offer customer service via in-app direct message, telephone and email.
Our verdict: Draw.
Starling is part of the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), guaranteeing a seamless switch within seven business days. Mettle is not part of the CASS.
Our verdict: Starling. The CASS guarantee gives Starling the upper hand.
Starling says 93% of new customers will be set up within the same day. You’ll download the app and provide proof of ID, as well as various details about your business, potentially including payslips, invoices and bank statements.
Mettle asks for similar information through its in-app set-up, but there is no official information about the speed of set-up.
Our verdict: Draw.
There is no monthly account fee with Mettle, nor are there fees for adding or sending money.
Starling has a free business banking account too. You can choose to add features including Business Toolkit (£7 a month), a Euros bank account (£2 a month) and a US dollars bank account (£5 a month).
Our verdict: Mettle. The lack of fees makes it the better value choice.
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