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NatWest foreign currency account: What you need to know
Regularly send or receive money internationally? You might be a business owner with clients or suppliers overseas, or have friends and family in other countries. Or perhaps you just travel a lot.
Whichever is the case, a foreign currency account could be just what you need to save on high currency conversion costs. A popular option here in the UK is NatWest, which offers a range of international solutions.
In this handy guide, we’ll give you the full lowdown on NatWest foreign currency accounts. This includes features, fees and how to open an account.
Plus, we’ll take a quick look at a non-banking alternative that lets you manage 40+ currencies and send money worldwide for low fees* and mid-market exchange rates - the Wise account, from the money services provider, Wise.
Learn more about the Wise account
Does NatWest have a foreign currency account?
Yes, in fact NatWest offers more than one foreign currency account.
If you live in the UK, you can open a Travel Account.
For UK expats actually living abroad, there’s the International Select Account and the Cash Management Account - both available through NatWest International.
We’ll look at the main features of each account next, along with the eligibility requirements you need to know about.
Key account features
Let’s run through a few of the main features of NatWest’s three main foreign currency accounts.
NatWest Travel Account
The NatWest Travel Account is designed for UK residents looking to spend while they travel in either US dollars or euros. It’s easy to open and manage this account in the NatWest app, where you can exchange GBP from your standard NatWest current account to USD or EUR.
Once you’ve ‘topped up’ the relevant currency balance, you can use your ordinary NatWest debit card to spend in that currency when you travel - just like a local.
Eligibility
The NatWest Travel Account is available for holders of eligible current accounts who are over the age of 18. You’ll need to be a UK resident and be registered for mobile banking.¹
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NatWest Cash Management Account²
This account lets you manage your savings in more than one currency, as well as making foreign currency transactions online.
It’s an instant-access savings account, so you can use it for everyday transfers if you like. Or, you can take your pick from fixed term savings pots of between 3 and 12 months, and earn interest on your money instead.
- Hold up to 25 currencies from one account, including USD, GBP and EUR²
- Manage your money using online banking, the NatWest mobile app, telephone banking or written instruction
- Interest rates vary depending on currency.
Eligibility
To open this account, you’ll need to be 16 or over and live in an eligible country. You’ll also need a minimum deposit of £25,000 or the currency equivalent.²
NatWest International Select Account¹
The second foreign currency account from NatWest is its International Select Account. This works in harmony with the Cash Management Account, but offers more features such as:³
- Get a GBP account even when living abroad
- Send international transfers with no NatWest fees
- Use your GBP debit card worldwide.
In return, there’s a monthly fee to pay.
Eligibility
The International Select Account is open to applicants aged 18+ who live in one of the listed countries, which includes the UK. Just like with the Cash Management Account, you’ll need to maintain a minimum balance of £25,000.³
Are there any fees with NatWest foreign currency accounts?
Now we come to the crucial question - how much does it cost you to have a foreign currency account with NatWest?
Here are the fees and charges you need to know about:
| Fee | NatWest Travel Account¹ | NatWest Cash Management Account⁵ | NatWest International Select Account⁵ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | None | None | £8 |
| Sending international transfers | N/A | Free + £10 agents charge where applicable | Free + £10 agents charge where applicable |
| Receiving international transfers | N/A | - Under £100: no fee - Over £100: £7.50 + agents charge where applicable | - Under £100: no fee - Over £100: £7.50 + agents charge where applicable |
| Card payments and ATM withdrawals | - No fees on purchases - Fee-free ATM withdrawals up to €200/month, 2.75% above that⁴ | 2.75% if in foreign currency | 2.75% if in foreign currency |
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How to open a NatWest foreign currency account
Meet the eligibility requirements for your chosen account? Great, now you’re ready to start the application process. Here’s how to get started.
The NatWest Travel Account is really easy to open. All you need to do is scan the QR code on the website to apply using your phone.
To open the NatWest Cash Management Account, you’ll firstly need to answer a few questions on your eligibility. Begin by clicking ‘How to Apply’ and then ‘Check you are eligible’. If you are, you’ll be shown a QR code to scan so that you can start your online application using your phone. Alternatively, you can call the bank to get started.
It’s a similar process for the International Select Account - you are required to answer the eligibility questions too. To save you time, you can open both accounts during the same application if you want to.
Manage your money internationally with Wise - a non-bank alternative
Looking for a secure, convenient and low-cost way to send large sums of money internationally? Take a look at the Wise account from the money services provider, Wise. It's not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.
With Wise, you can send large amount transfers worldwide to 140+ countries for low, transparent fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate with no markup.
Here are the main benefits for using Wise: |
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Sources used for this article:
- NatWest - Travel account
- NatWest International - Cash Management Account
- NatWest International - International Select Account
- NatWest - Fee Information Document
- NatWest International - Personal Banking Account Terms and Fees
Sources checked on 09-Dec-2025.
*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.
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