Part of our NatWest — Complete Guide 2026 hub.
NatWest’s standard current account is free to hold, but like all banks, charges apply for overdrafts, international use, and premium account features. Here’s a clear breakdown of every fee you might encounter as a NatWest customer.
NatWest Fees at a Glance
| Charge | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard account monthly fee | £0 |
| Reward account monthly fee | £2 |
| Reward Silver monthly fee | £10 |
| Reward Platinum monthly fee | £20 |
| Arranged overdraft interest | ~39.9% EAR |
| Unarranged overdraft | ~39.9% EAR |
| UK ATM withdrawal | Free |
| Overseas ATM withdrawal | 2.75% |
| Foreign card transaction | 2.75% |
| Faster Payments (transfers) | Free |
| CHAPS payment | Fee applies — check NatWest website |
Monthly Account Fees
NatWest’s core Select current account carries no monthly fee — it’s a free-to-hold account with standard banking features including a debit card, online banking, and the NatWest app.
NatWest also offers a range of Reward packaged accounts which charge a monthly fee in exchange for added benefits:
NatWest Reward Account (£2/month)
The entry-level paid account. The main benefit is cashback on certain household bills paid by direct debit from the account, which can offset the monthly fee for regular bill payers. Cashback rates vary by category — check the NatWest website for current terms.
NatWest Reward Silver (£10/month)
Includes European travel insurance (single-trip and annual multi-trip cover), breakdown cover, and mobile phone insurance. Worthwhile if you travel within Europe regularly and would otherwise buy these separately.
NatWest Reward Platinum (£20/month)
NatWest’s most comprehensive packaged account. Includes worldwide family travel insurance, UK and European breakdown cover, and mobile phone insurance. Worth comparing against standalone policies to check if it represents value for money for your household.
Overdraft Fees
NatWest charges interest on overdraft usage rather than daily or monthly flat fees. The arranged overdraft rate is approximately 39.9% EAR for most accounts — this is relatively high compared to some challenger banks, but in line with most high-street banks following the FCA’s overdraft pricing rules introduced in 2020.
Key points:
- Interest is charged daily on the amount overdrawn
- Unarranged overdraft usage is also charged at ~39.9% EAR
- NatWest offers an interest-free overdraft buffer of £0 by default on most accounts (unlike some banks that offer a small buffer)
- You can check your arranged overdraft limit and current usage in the NatWest app
To reduce overdraft costs:
- Set up low balance alerts in the app to avoid dipping into your overdraft accidentally
- Use the NatWest app’s Spending tab to track outgoings
- If you regularly use your overdraft, a 0% interest overdraft from a bank like Starling (£0 fee, lower rates) may save you money
Foreign Transaction Fees
NatWest charges 2.75% on all transactions made outside the UK, including:
- Purchases on your debit card abroad
- ATM withdrawals overseas
- Online purchases billed in a foreign currency
There is no cap on this fee — a £1,000 purchase abroad costs £27.50 in fees alone.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees:
If you travel frequently or shop internationally, a dedicated travel-friendly account is worth considering:
| Provider | Overseas Fee |
|---|---|
| Starling Bank | Free (up to £300/month at ATMs, then 0.5%) |
| Chase UK | Free (up to £1,500/month) |
| Wise (debit card) | Low conversion fee, no transaction fee |
| Monzo | Free within limits |
Many people maintain a NatWest account for day-to-day UK banking and use one of the above when travelling.
Transfer and Payment Fees
- Faster Payments — free for all standard bank transfers within the UK (most online transfers arrive within seconds)
- CHAPS — same-day guaranteed transfers typically carry a fee (check NatWest’s current schedule, usually £20–£25)
- Standing orders — free to set up and maintain
- Direct debits — free
How to Check Your Specific Fees
Fees can vary slightly between account types and can change over time. The most reliable way to check your specific charges is:
- Log in to the NatWest app and go to Account details
- Check the Terms and Conditions document for your account
- Visit the NatWest fees page directly at natwest.com