Looking for a FreeAgent alternative?
FreeAgent is a strong accounting platform for UK freelancers and small businesses. If you want focused invoicing with time tracking, client portal, and billing automation at lower cost, Tidybill covers that workflow directly.
Why freelancers look for a FreeAgent alternative
FreeAgent is accounting software with invoicing, not invoicing software
FreeAgent is well-regarded in the UK freelance community. These are the reasons some users look for alternatives.
Subscription cost if you change banks
FreeAgent is free only for NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank business banking customers. If you switch banks or do not hold a qualifying account, you pay the full subscription rate, around PS19/month plus VAT. The product's pricing is tied to a banking relationship, not a software subscription on its own terms.
No client portal
FreeAgent does not offer a client-facing portal. Clients receive invoices by email and pay via payment links. There is no self-service view where clients can log in to see all their invoices, check outstanding amounts, and make payments without requiring a new email each time.
Interface prioritises accounting over invoicing speed
FreeAgent's interface is designed around accounting workflows. For a freelancer who primarily sends invoices and tracks time, navigating through accounting-focused menus adds friction to tasks that should be quick.
NatWest acquisition changes the roadmap
NatWest Group acquired FreeAgent in 2018. Product decisions since then have increasingly reflected the priorities of a bank-owned entity rather than an independent software company. For freelancers who want their invoicing tool independent of financial institution ownership, this is a genuine concern.
What FreeAgent is genuinely good at
FreeAgent has earned a strong reputation in the UK freelance market for good reasons. Its Self Assessment tax return preparation is a significant feature for UK sole traders: the product can prepare your return from your bookkeeping data, which saves time and reduces the chance of errors. Its MTD-compliant VAT return submission is also genuinely useful for VAT-registered freelancers.
If you are a UK sole trader who wants accounting, tax preparation, invoicing, time tracking, and expense management in one product, FreeAgent covers all of these and is well regarded by UK accountants. The free access via NatWest or RBS is a material benefit if you bank with them.
FreeAgent pricing in 2026
FreeAgent pricing:
- Free: NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, or Ulster Bank business banking customers
- Paid (sole trader): approximately PS12/month plus VAT (introductory rate for new accounts), rising to approximately PS19/month plus VAT after the introductory period
- Paid (limited company): approximately PS19/month plus VAT, rising to approximately PS29/month plus VAT after the introductory period
Pricing includes VAT obligations in the UK. Check FreeAgent's current pricing page for exact rates.
When Tidybill is a better fit
Tidybill is not a FreeAgent replacement if you need Self Assessment preparation or MTD VAT returns. If those are requirements, FreeAgent, Xero, or another accounting platform is the right choice.
Tidybill is a better fit when:
- You have an accountant who handles your Self Assessment and VAT, and you just need clean invoicing tools
- You bank with a bank that does not give you free FreeAgent access and do not want to pay PS19+VAT/month for features you mainly ignore
- You need a client portal where clients can log in to view and pay invoices
- You want a free plan to start with, no trial
- You work internationally and need non-UK currency support without it being a secondary concern
Tidybill exports invoice data as CSV for your accountant to use in FreeAgent or any other accounting tool. See our pricing page, or compare with the Xero alternative if you are evaluating other UK accounting tools.
Side by side
Tidybill vs FreeAgent
Focused on invoicing and billing features.
| Feature | Tidybill | FreeAgent |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan (no strings) | Yes, free forever |
Free with NatWest/RBS only |
| Paid starting price | $7/mo (Starter) |
~PS19/mo+VAT (full rate) |
| Time tracking | Built-in |
Built-in |
| Client portal | Yes, Starter |
Not available |
| UK Self Assessment prep | Not available |
Core feature |
| MTD VAT returns | Not available |
Full MTD support |
| Independent of bank ownership | Yes |
NatWest-owned |
Focused invoicing for UK and international freelancers
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