FreeAgent and Billdr: how to get MTD-ready as a tradesperson

You have FreeAgent — maybe free through NatWest, RBS, or Ulster Bank, maybe your accountant set it up. It is excellent accounting software. But it is not built for tradespeople who need to quote a bathroom refit in a customer's hallway.

What FreeAgent does well

• HMRC-recognised software for MTD filing.
• Quarterly updates can be filed directly.
• Proper double-entry bookkeeping and bank reconciliation.
• Records your accountant can use without extra cleanup.
• Often free through NatWest, RBS, and Ulster Bank packages.

What FreeAgent does not do for tradespeople

Estimates are basic and there is no trades-first quote-to-invoice workflow. There is no voice-to-quote flow for fast onsite use. CIS is not presented in the invoice journey in the way subcontractors expect, because it is handled more through payroll logic. The mobile app is useful, but feels like a companion to desktop accounting rather than a field-first trade tool. It also has no trade-specific AI context, such as recognising a merchant receipt as materials automatically.

If you are still getting your head around the underlying rules, start with our plain English MTD guide. For the day-to-day spending side, pair this with our sole trader expenses guide.

How they work together

Connect once via OAuth in about 30 seconds. Then the flow is:

• Create quote in Billdr.
• Send quote to customer.
• Convert quote to invoice.
• Invoice syncs to FreeAgent.
• Customer pays, payment status stays aligned.
• Expenses sync as well.
• FreeAgent handles MTD filing steps to HMRC.

The goal is simple: you should not need to open FreeAgent every day to keep compliant data.

What this means for your accountant

Your accountant sees cleaner categorised records inside FreeAgent without chasing you for missing detail. Billdr also generates a six-page accountant pack PDF for faster reviews. There is also a partner programme: clients can get 3 months free and accountants earn 20% monthly commission. See billdr.co.uk/partners.

Step-by-step setup

Already have FreeAgent:

• Sign up to Billdr.
• Go to Settings and connect FreeAgent.
• Create your first quote and send it.
• Everything syncs as you work.

Do not have FreeAgent yet:

• Check whether your bank gives it free.
• Open your FreeAgent account.
• Connect it to Billdr.

Not sure about MTD timing yet? Use Billdr standalone first and connect FreeAgent when you are ready.

Cost comparison

• FreeAgent alone: £19/month (or free with NatWest/RBS/Ulster Bank).
• Billdr alone: £9/month.
• Billdr + FreeAgent (NatWest free): £9/month total.
• Billdr + FreeAgent (paid FreeAgent): £28/month total.

The NatWest combo gives a complete MTD-ready system for less than many household streaming subscriptions, while still keeping trade workflows fast on mobile.

Start your 30-day free trial (no card) at billdr.co.uk/signup. Connect FreeAgent whenever you are ready.