Compare NatWest current accounts
If you’re looking for a new current account, NatWest should have a solution. The high street bank offers an array of choice from basic accounts to reward and premier accounts with inviting perks and monthly fees.
Key takeaways
NatWest was founded in 1968 and now serves over 19 million customers across the UK and Ireland
The bank offers a range of bank accounts, including current accounts, student bank accounts, and savings accounts
Their Reward bank accounts have various perks, such as cashback, insurance, and even airport lounge access, depending on which tier you select
What is NatWest bank?
NatWest Group serves over 19 million customers across the UK and Ireland, encompassing personal, business, and commercial accounts.
Formed out of the merger of National Provincial Bank and Westminster Bank in 1968, NatWest was taken over by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in March 2000 following a £21 billion acquisition. At the time, it was the largest takeover in British banking history.
RBS later rebranded as NatWest Group in 2020, reflecting NatWest's prominence within the business.
What types of current account does NatWest offer?
Natwest offer many current accounts for different people and purposes. These include:
Types of NatWest accounts
Select account
This is a free, everyday bank account that can be used for day-to-day banking. You can manage your account using the NatWest mobile app or Online Banking.
Foundation account
This is simple money management account designed for people with a poor credit history to help people ineligible for other types of current account. You can pay in and withdraw money but you won't get a cheque book, overdraft or credit card.
Student and graduate accounts
Offers useful benefits for those in or recently leaving further education, such as interest-free overdrafts and perks such as railcards and cashback. These types of accounts typically last for three years, and then automatically transition to Select accounts.
Adapt account
This is a teen and kids bank account that has no regular fees and gives young people aged 11-18 a taste for banking. You can freeze or unfreeze the bak card for your children and make contactless payments with Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone.
Reward bank accounts
Reward bank accounts, which come in four varieties:
Standard reward – the basic reward account, offering cashback on money spent on bills and at some retailers
Reward silver – an upgrade from the standard reward account, this also offers insurance packages and lifestyle benefits
Reward platinum – with everything offered by Reward silver, plus more travel and insurance services
Reward black – provides all the benefits of platinum, as well as airport lounge access, improved lifestyle and travel benefits, and further insurance packages
Eligibility for NatWest accounts
To apply for a NatWest current account, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident, and you’ll usually need to have a UK address and be able to provide proof of identity and address. Some accounts may have additional conditions, such as a minimum monthly income or the need to pay in a set amount each month.
What rewards can I get with NatWest?
Different accounts offer different levels of benefits, but these can include:
Rewards on household bills: you’ll earn money back on selected household bills
Rewards at partner retailers: you’ll also earn money from purchases at certain retailers
Insurance benefits: some reward accounts offer additional insurance packages for mobile phones, home emergency services, and breakdown cover
Travel rewards: some also offer travel insurance, as well as access to VIP airport lounges, preferential currency rates, and discounts on other travel services
Lifestyle benefits: you can also pick a reward account that offers lifestyle and leisure perks, such as a National Trust pass, a Tastecard for restaurants, and even a concierge service with the reward black account
What overdraft do I get with a NatWest current account?
The overdraft limit you get will generally depend on your circumstances, including your credit rating how much you earn.
Is NatWest regulated?
Yes, NatWest is authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority, as well as regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Why you should compare current accounts
Finding the right current account can be important, since it’s generally the account that most of us use for day-to-day finances. Shopping around can be a great way to see what’s available, and comparing account providers on
MoneySuperMarket lets you see all the important details – from the rate charged on overdrafts to the rate offers on credit, as well as customer service ratings and perks included with the account.
Once you’ve found the account for you, you can switch within seven working days with the Current Account Switch Service – a programme introduced by the government to ensure the process runs smoothly.
All of your incoming and outgoing payments are automatically transferred, and everything is taken care of by the bank you’re swapping over to.
This includes any potential issues that might come up, such as penalty charges, as well as redirecting accidental payments to and from your old account.
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