"Free business banking" is one of the most misleading phrases in UK fintech marketing. Every major digital bank advertises a free tier — Starling, Tide, Mettle, Monzo, Revolut — but "free" depends entirely on how many transfers you make, whether you invoice, and whether you touch foreign currency. Here's what five common bootstrapped-founder scenarios actually cost, worked out line by line.
Scenario 1: Solo SaaS founder, 10 transfers a month, no invoicing
You're paying a couple of contractors and a hosting bill. Nothing fancy.
Starling: £0. Unlimited free UK transfers, no monthly fee.
Mettle: £0. Same story, plus FreeAgent (~£150/year value) thrown in.
