How to open a NatWest bank account?

If you’re looking to switch banks, one of the options you’re likely to come across is NatWest. It’s a high street staple and one of the UK’s ‘big four’ banks.

But just how easy is it to open a NatWest bank account in the UK? In this helpful guide, we’ll walk you through the process. This includes what documents you’ll need and how to apply online.

And while you’re shopping around for a new account, check out the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It’s the ideal alternative to a bank account, especially if you need to make international transfers and overseas card payments.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region.

Requirements for opening a bank account with NatWest?

Before you open a bank account in the UK, it’s a good idea to check the eligibility requirements first. Not everyone can open every account, and some banks have stricter rules than others.

For most NatWest current accounts, you’ll need to tick both of these boxes:¹

• Be over 18 years old
• Be a UK resident.

Additional conditions apply for some NatWest accounts. For example, you’ll need to pay in at least £1,250 a month to hold a NatWest Reward current account.¹

For most NatWest savings accounts, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old and resident in the UK for tax purposes.² Other types of savings accounts such as cash ISAs might have other requirements.

If you’re interested in private banking with NatWest Bank, you’ll need to be 18 or over and a permanent UK resident. Plus, meet one of the following requirements:³

• A sole income of at least £100,000 or joint income of £120,000
• Savings or investments of at least £100,000 held with NatWest
• A NatWest mortgage of at least £500,000.

And of course, if you’re opening a business account in the UK, there’ll be a whole other set of requirements to meet.

What documents do you need to open a NatWest bank account?

To apply for a current account at NatWest, you’ll need the following documents to hand:¹

• Proof of identity, such as your passport, driving licence or EU ID card
• Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. Here’s a guide on how to get a proof of address in the UK, if you don’t have it already.

You’ll need to provide your contact details, address and other personal details, such as your date of birth and nationality. The bank may also ask about your income and employment.

If you’re opening a student bank account with NatWest, you’ll also need a valid form of student ID.

How to open a NatWest bank account?

With your ID and other documents ready, it’s time to apply for your new bank account.

The easiest way to open a current account with NatWest is online. But you can also pop into a local branch for help with your application.

To apply online, simply follow these steps:

1. Go to the NatWest website and select a current account.
2. Click the ‘Ready to apply’ button and read the eligibility requirements and important legal info for your chosen current account.
3. Select whether you’d like to open a new sole/joint account, or change an existing NatWest account. You can also switch in a current account held elsewhere into an existing NatWest current account.
4. Select whether you’re a new or existing customer. If you’re an existing customer, you’ll be prompted to login to online banking.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, providing your details and uploading your ID and proof of address documents when requested.
6. Check all the details and submit your application.

Can you open a NatWest bank account online?

Yes, you can absolutely apply online for a NatWest Bank account.

The process works in pretty much the same way as with other major UK banks, and shouldn’t take too long to complete.

How long it takes to open a NatWest bank account?

NatWest says that in most cases, it’ll provide an instant decision whether or not your application has been successful.

But if the bank needs more information from you, it could potentially take between 3 and 5 days to set up your account.⁴ You might also want to factor in a couple of extra days for your card, PIN and internet banking login details to arrive in the post.

If you’re using the Current Account Switch Service to switch over an account held elsewhere to NatWest, it should be complete within 7 working days.

How to contact NatWest customer service?

Having trouble opening an account, or have a question about how to apply? Here’s how to contact the NatWest customer services team:

• Phone - call 03457 888 444⁵
• Branch - find your nearest NatWest branch here
• Message the digital assistant Cora via the NatWest mobile banking app, or login to online banking (for existing customers).

Wise - An alternative to a NatWest bank account

While you’re comparing accounts and providers, make sure to check out the Wise account. It’s not a bank account, but is a fantastic alternative as it offers many of the same features.

When you sign up online with Wise, there’s no initial or monthly fee to pay.

You’ll get a powerful account for managing your money in 40+ currencies, including making international payments for low fees and mid-market exchange rates.

For a one-time cost of just £7, you can get a Wise debit card which has no foreign transaction fees for spending abroad, just a small conversion fee for cross-currency transactions. You can withdraw up to £200 a month in up to 2 transactions from overseas ATMs with no Wise fees.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

And there you have it - a complete guide on how to open a bank account with NatWest. We’ve covered all the essentials, from how to get started to what documents you should have ready.

After reading this, you should be all set to apply and get your new NatWest bank account open.

Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 24-Oct-2023.