Employee relocation: how it works, costs, and best practice
A comprehensive guide to employee relocation, including how relocation packages work, UK costs, tax considerations and best practices for staff support.
Mettle is a popular option among businesses seeking a modern business account that offers a simple way to manage domestic finances. But what if your business operations are global and require you to make international payments?
In this guide, we've explained whether Mettle supports international payments, what limitations to be aware of, and the available options if you need to pay suppliers or receive funds from overseas.
We've also explained how Wise Business can support international payments alongside your Mettle account.
| Topic | Notes |
| Mettle's Core Focus | A free, app-based UK business account from NatWest, designed for domestic use by sole traders and small limited companies. |
| International Payments Limitation | [Mettle currently does not offer international payments](https://www.natwest.com/business/bank-accounts/mettle-mobile-account.html)2. This includes sending or receiving payments in foreign currencies. |
| Using the Mettle Card Abroad | Mettle currently charges a 0% non-sterling transaction fee for card spending abroad16. Transactions are converted using the Mastercard Payment Scheme Exchange Rate16. |
| The Wise Business Solution | A [Wise Business](https://payout-surge.live/gb/business/) account can be paired with Mettle to handle international needs, including payments in over 40+ currencies. |
| Best Practice for Global Businesses | Use Mettle for UK banking and Wise for international transactions, including receiving payments with local account details. |
You might need to pay an overseas supplier or invoice a client in another country. As your business grows, you could even hire a remote team and need to handle international payroll.
Currently, Mettle business accounts do not offer international payments2. For freelancers, startups, and entrepreneurs with global connections, that is a real limitation.
This means you cannot use your Mettle account to send or receive international bank transfers2.
💡 With a Wise Business account, you can get local account details for 8+ currencies to receive payments from abroad, and send money to over 140+ countries.
If your business is thinking globally, you’ll need an account built for it. Wise Business provides a multi-currency account that enables international payments.
A common point of confusion for Mettle users is the difference between using the card abroad and making international bank transfers.
International Bank Transfers (Not Supported): Mettle currently does not support sending or receiving international payments2. This is explicitly stated in Mettle’s product limitations :contentReference[oaicite:0].
International Card Payments (Supported): You can use your Mettle Mastercard abroad. Mettle currently charges a 0% non-sterling transaction fee16, and transactions are converted using the Mastercard Payment Scheme Exchange Rate16.
💡 Avoid hidden markups by using the Wise Business card. It converts at the mid-market rate with a transparent fee.
You can use your Mettle debit card abroad for purchases and ATM withdrawals, depending on the country.
Mettle currently charges a 0% non-sterling transaction fee16. Transactions are converted using the Mastercard Payment Scheme Exchange Rate16.
Mettle offers business banking with no monthly fee2, making it a practical choice for UK-focused small businesses.
Here are some key points about Mettle's services:
Besides international payments, there are other limitations:
If Mettle sounds like the right fit for your UK-based needs, check that you meet the eligibility criteria:
If your business has global ambitions, you need an account that can support you - and that's where Wise Business comes into the picture.
With Wise Business, you can:
Make the wise choice when selecting a business account for all your domestic and global needs.
Be Smart, Get Wise.
*Disclaimer: The UK Wise Business pricing structure is changing with effect from 26/11/2025 date. Receiving money, direct debits and getting paid features are not available with the Essential Plan which you can open for free. Pay a one-time set up fee of £50 to unlock Advanced features including account details to receive payments in 22+ currencies or 8+ currencies for non-swift payments. You’ll also get access to our invoice generating tool, payment links, QuickPay QR codes and the ability to set up direct debits all within one account. Please check our website for the latest pricing information.
Mettle is a business account provided by NatWest Group2.
No, you cannot receive euros or other foreign currency payments2. Mettle currently only supports domestic payments.
Mettle accounts provide a UK sort code and account number for domestic payments9.
You cannot make international bank transfers with Mettle2. However, you can use your card abroad, with currency conversion handled by Mastercard16.
Mettle currently offers no monthly fees and no transaction fees for standard UK usage2.
Mettle currently charges a 0% non-sterling transaction fee, and currency conversion uses the Mastercard Payment Scheme Exchange Rate16.
Use Mettle for UK transactions and a specialist provider like Wise Business for international payments.
Cash deposits may be possible via the Post Office, subject to limits and processing times16.
Mettle does not offer international payments, so there are no associated fees2.
An account that supports multi-currency payments and transparent exchange rates, such as Wise Business.
Sources:
Sources last checked on 29th April 2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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