Personal Finance Bank accounts

How to close a NatWest bank account

Zorica Lončar

25.01.22 (updated more than 1 year ago)

Read time 2 minutes

Have a NatWest account but are thinking of moving to another bank? Or perhaps you simply don’t use your NatWest bank account any more. Whichever is the case, we’re here to help.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the essential info you’ll need to close down your NatWest account. There are a few different ways to do it, some quicker and easier than others.

We’ll even take a quick look at an alternative to a traditional account that could save you money, especially on international transactions - the Wise multi-currency account.

But more on that later. First, let’s get that NatWest account closed down for you.

How to close a bank account with NatWest

You can close your NatWest account in a few different ways. These include visiting a branch, and writing a letter to the bank.

In branch

Start by finding your nearest NatWest branch - you can search for yours here. You don’t need an appointment at the bank, you can just pop in. Just make sure you take along the debit card associated with your account, along with the PIN. You’ll also need proof of ID, such as your passport or UK driving licence¹.

By post

If you find that you’re unable to close down your account in branch, or you are unable to visit in person, you can close your NatWest account by post.

You’ll need to send a letter to¹:

NatWest Bank, Mailroom Scanning, Account Closures, 1 Hardman Boulevard, M3 3AQ.

The letter should include your request to close the account, plus the following details¹:

Your full name, postal address and contact telephone number
The account number and sort code of the account you wish to close
Your signature.

If you’re closing your NatWest account from abroad, you’ll also need to provide details of the account you’d like the remaining balance sent to¹. This will include the SWIFT/IBAN/BIC number of the account, if it is based outside of the UK.

Can I close a NatWest bank account online?

You may also be able to close your NatWest current account online, although it depends on the account type and a few other details.

If your account is in your name only (i.e. is not a joint account), has no money in it or you’d like to transfer the balance to another NatWest account¹, you should be able to use online banking to close it.

Here’s what you need to do¹:

Login to online banking on the NatWest website
Select ‘Account Summary’ for the account you’d like to close
Access the mini statement, then click ‘view account details’
Select ‘If you need to close your current account we can help you with this form’
Fill in the form, check the details and submit.

Once the bank receives your form, your account should be fully closed within 5 working days.

Is there any charge to close a NatWest account?

The good news is that there are never any charges to close a NatWest account, and you can close your account at any time².

Wise - a money-saving alternative to banks

A bank account is handy to have, but a traditional account might not be the best option when it comes to overseas transactions.

If you send or receive money internationally, the Wise multi-currency account could be a cheaper, faster and more convenient alternative.

From the one powerful account, you can manage 40+ currencies at once and securely send money all over the world for low fees and the fairest exchange rate around.

You can even receive money from abroad for free, and spend like a local on your holidays or business trips using the Wise debit card.

Whether you’re a traveller, a digital nomad or a business owner, or you simply have family overseas, Wise could be the ideal solution.

Join Wise today

After reading this guide, you should be all set to close down your NatWest account - in whatever way suits you best.

Online is undoubtedly the quickest and easiest method. But if your account isn’t eligible, it’s good to know that you can always visit a branch or pop a letter in the post, even if it takes a little longer. Good luck!

Sources used for this article:

NatWest - How do I close an account?
NatWest - account terms

Sources checked on 24-Jan-2022.

*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.