How can I get support during the application process?
You can get support at any point during your application by using the in-app chat (Intercom) within the portal, or by emailing us at [email protected].
How do I apply for a Flexible Trade Account?
You’ll receive an invitation email from your Relationship Manager at NatWest with a link to the Bourn portal, where you can sign up and complete your application.
The application is designed to be quick and straightforward. In many cases, it can be completed in just a few minutes, depending on how quickly you’re able to provide the required information and authorise connections to your accounting software and bank account.
How long does the application process take?
The online application itself is designed to be quick and straightforward, and can often be completed within a few minutes.
Final approval timelines can vary depending on the complexity of your business and the information required. We’ll actively keep you updated throughout the process and let you know if anything further is needed.
What information will I need to provide?
You’ll be asked to provide basic business details, connect your accounting software, connect your business bank account and provide details on the directors and owners of the business. We may also ask a small number of additional questions to help us understand how your business operates.
Why do I need to connect my accounting software?
Connecting your accounting software allows us to understand your trading activity, invoices, and customer payments. This helps us assess your application accurately and reduces the need for manual document requests.
Once your account is live, we continue to use this connection throughout the life of the facility to monitor performance, keep your available funding up to date, and support the day-to-day management of your Flexible Trade Account.
We use a trusted third-party provider, Rutter, to access accounting platform data securely. Once you’ve authorised the connection, data is shared automatically and securely in the background, without any additional steps required from you.
Which accounting platforms are supported?
At launch, the Flexible Trade Account supports selected accounting platforms, including Xero and FreeAgent.
I’m having problems connecting my accounting platform – what should I do?
If you experience issues connecting or keeping your accounting platform connected, the most common causes are permissions, expired authorisation, or browser settings.
Things to check first:
Make sure you’re using a supported accounting platform (Xero or FreeAgent).
Ensure the user connecting the account has sufficient permissions (e.g. adviser/admin-level access).
If the connection previously worked, try disconnecting and reconnecting the integration and completing the full authorisation flow again.
During setup, make sure pop-ups are enabled and any ad blockers or VPNs are temporarily disabled.
If data appears incomplete or stops updating, this can sometimes be due to temporary platform outages or sync delays. Waiting a short period and retrying often resolves this.
Also, you can get help at any time by using the in-app chat (Intercom) within the portal, or by emailing us at [email protected].
Why do I need to connect my bank account?
Connecting your business bank account helps us understand cash flow and payment behaviour and supports ongoing monitoring once your facility is live. This allows the Flexible Trade Account to operate smoothly and reduces the need for ongoing manual checks.
We use a regulated Open Banking provider, Plaid, to access bank account data securely. Once you’ve authorised the connection, data is shared automatically and securely in the background.
Payments Services Regulation require you to reauthorise the connection every 90 days. You will be notified when you need to do this and it usually takes just a few clicks.
Is Open Banking safe?
Yes. Open Banking uses secure, regulated technology that allows you to share read-only access to your account data. We never see your login details, and you remain in full control of the permissions you grant. You can find more information via the Open Banking website.
I’m having problems connecting my bank account – what should I do?
If you’re having trouble connecting your bank account, common causes include authentication issues with your bank or browser or device settings.
Things to check first:
Make sure you’re selecting the correct bank and logging in using the same credentials you normally use for online banking.
If the connection previously worked, try reconnecting the account and completing the authorisation flow again.
Ensure pop-ups are enabled and any ad blockers, VPNs, or strict browser privacy settings are temporarily disabled during setup.
If a connection drops after being set up, this is often because consent has expired or was revoked by the bank. Reconnecting the account usually restores access.
Also, you can get help at any time by using the in-app chat (Intercom) within the portal, or by emailing us at [email protected].
Why do Bourn need to speak to me on a call during the application process?
The information gathering call with a member of the Bourn team is an opportunity for us to understand your business and funding needs in more detail, confirm some key information, and answer any questions you may have.
Where possible, this is handled in a single, structured 30 minute call so everything is covered clearly and efficiently, rather than being spread out over multiple conversations and extending the application process.
How will I know where I am in the application process?
Your Flexible Trade Account portal clearly shows the status of your application at each stage. You’ll also receive timely notifications by email as key steps are completed or if any additional information is required.
If you ever want additional information you can contact us using the in-app chat (Intercom) within the portal, or by emailing us at [email protected], and we’d be happy to help.
How do I add multiple users to my account?
You can add multiple users to your Flexible Trade Account through the My Team section of the portal.
To add a user:
Click on your name in the bottom left-hand corner of the portal
Select My Team
Choose Invite user
Enter their details and assign a role
The user will then receive an email invitation to the Flexible Trade Account portal
Each role has different permissions:
View Only: Read-only access to all sections of the Flexible Trade Account portal, excluding team management. Cannot create or approve payments.
User: Read and write access to all sections excluding team management. Can create payment requests, but cannot approve them.
Payment Approver: Read and write access to all sections excluding team management. Can create payment requests and approve payments.
Admin: Full read and write access to all sections, including team management. Can add and manage users, create payment requests, and approve payments.