The portal will enhance the service provided to Metro Bank brokers and customers, by enabling online applications for residential and buy to let mortgages.

Metro Bank broker partners will be able to self-register on the new system and complete full mortgage applications online, including a full affordability assessment in line with MMR criteria. The portal is aligned to Metro Bank's manual underwriting process, by providing instant decisions where possible, and referring more complex cases to the lender's mortgage team who will assess on an individual, case by case basis. This process is also supported by an easily reached dedicated helpdesk. For direct customers who apply for mortgages directly through a Metro Bank store, mortgage adviser or private banker, the online system will significantly improve the customer's experience behind the scenes by providing text and email updates at key stages in the application process. All new customers will also continue to benefit from one single point of contact throughout the application process.

Key features of the Metro Bank online portal include:

Carry out an Agreement In Principle (AIP)
Brokers to submit full mortgage applications online via the Metro Bank website
Ability to make valuation fee payments online
Scan relevant documents and upload to the system, which will be immediately visible to our underwriting team
Receive email and text message alerts at key points throughout the mortgage process
Access real time online case tracking
Brokers who are part of Metro Bank's panel will be able to register quickly and easily

The new portal is part of Metro Bank's wider investment in technology, to ensure customers receive the best in service and convenience. Other innovations include instant contactless card printing technology, on the spot account opening and e-signature functionality that allows customers to save time and paper.

Richard Saulet, Director of Mortgages at Metro Bank, commentro Bank, commented: "At Metro Bank our customers and their needs always come first. The new online mortgage portal will make a big difference to our customers and broker partners, who will benefit from the enhanced technology. Most importantly, this is enhanced technology supported by a human touch, with manual underwriting continuing to be central to our offering. Providing the best in service and convenience to our customers is extremely important to us, and the new portal will help us to continue doing this as we grow."

All Metro Bank remortgage products offer free legal and valuation fees up to a maximum property value of £1.5 million*. In addition, Metro Bank does not sell bank assurance or insurance, allowing it to focus entirely on servicing the customer.