Part of our NatWest Bank UK — Complete Guide 2026 hub.
NatWest is one of the UK’s largest banks, serving around 19 million personal and business customers. It is part of the NatWest Group (which also owns Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank) and is a major presence on the UK high street with over 900 branches.
In 2026, NatWest offers a competitive mobile app, a cashback rewards programme, and a wide physical network — but its overdraft rates remain high and its savings offerings are rarely best-buy.
The Short Answer
NatWest is a reliable, full-service bank with strong app banking and a useful cashback account. It suits those who value branch access, a well-known brand, and a solid all-round current account. It is not the best choice for people prioritising savings rates, low overdraft costs, or fee-free international spending.
NatWest Current Accounts (2026)
| Account | Monthly fee | Key benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Select | Free | Standard current account, no extras |
| Reward | £2/month | Cashback on household bills paid by direct debit |
| Reward Platinum | £20/month | Cashback + travel insurance + breakdown cover |
| Reward Black | £31/month | Premium cashback + enhanced insurance |
| Student | Free | 0–3 years interest-free overdraft |
| Graduate | Free | Tapered overdraft post-university |
NatWest Reward Account — Is It Worth £2/Month?
The Reward account pays cashback on selected direct debits — typically energy, broadband, mobile, and council tax. The potential cashback can exceed the £2/month fee if you have multiple qualifying direct debits.
| Direct debit type | Cashback |
|---|---|
| Selected household bills | 2% cashback |
| NatWest products (mortgage, insurance) | Additional cashback |
For many customers with multiple household direct debits, the Reward account effectively costs nothing or generates a small net cashback. For those with few qualifying direct debits, the free Select account is better value.
Mobile App and Online Banking
NatWest’s mobile app is consistently well-rated on both iOS and Android:
| Feature | Available |
|---|---|
| Instant payment notifications | ✅ |
| Card freeze/unfreeze | ✅ |
| Spending categories | ✅ |
| Savings pots | ✅ (Savings Goals) |
| Biometric login | ✅ |
| Credit score view | ✅ (via ClearScore integration) |
| Open banking connections | ✅ |
| Joint account management | ✅ |
The NatWest app does not match the UX polish of Monzo or Starling but is considerably more functional than older banking apps.
Savings Rates
NatWest savings rates are generally below best-buy:
| Account | Type | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Saver | Easy access | Below market best |
| Digital Regular Saver | Monthly savings | Higher rate; limited deposits |
| Fixed Rate Bond | Fixed term | Competitive at longer terms |
| Cash ISA | Tax-free | Moderate rate |
For best-buy savings rates, compare providers via Best Easy Access Savings Accounts UK.
Fees and Charges
| Charge | Rate |
|---|---|
| Select account monthly fee | Free |
| Reward account fee | £2/month |
| Arranged overdraft | 39.9% EAR |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.75% |
| Foreign ATM fee | 2.75% |
| CHAPS payment | ~£25 |
NatWest’s 39.9% EAR arranged overdraft rate is among the highest charged by any UK high-street bank — the same as HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds. For anyone who regularly uses an overdraft, this is a significant cost.
Branch and ATM Network
NatWest has one of the UK’s most extensive branch networks:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| UK branches | ~900 |
| ATM network | Extensive — free at all NatWest and RBS ATMs |
| Banking hours | Typically Monday–Friday 9am–5pm, Saturday 9am–1pm |
| In-branch services | Full banking, mortgages, investments |
For customers who value branch access and face-to-face service, NatWest remains one of the better high-street options.
Who Is NatWest Best For?
| Profile | Verdict |
|---|---|
| People who want branch access | Good — extensive network |
| Households with multiple direct debits | Good — Reward account can break even or profit |
| Students | Good — generous student account |
| Frequent international travellers | Poor — 2.75% foreign fee; use Starling instead |
| Savers seeking best rates | Poor — savings rates rarely competitive |
| People who use their overdraft regularly | Poor — 39.9% EAR is very high |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive branch and ATM network across the UK
- Well-regarded mobile app
- Reward cashback account can offer net positive value
- Full range of financial products (mortgages, ISAs, loans)
- FSCS protected up to £85,000
Cons:
- 39.9% EAR overdraft is very high
- Foreign transaction fees (2.75%) make it expensive abroad
- Savings rates rarely market-leading
- Customer satisfaction lags First Direct, Monzo, Starling
Overall Verdict
NatWest is a solid mainstream bank — better than its reputation in some areas (app quality, Reward cashback), worse in others (overdraft costs, international fees). For a primary account in 2026, it is a reasonable choice for those who want branch access and a full-service bank. It is not the best choice for anyone optimising for savings rates, low fees, or international spending.
Rating: 3.5/5
Best for: Branch-access seekers, households with multiple qualifying direct debits.
Consider instead: Starling Bank (free, better UX, fee-free abroad) or First Direct (best customer service).