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NatWest’s standard Faster Payments limit is up to £100,000 per transaction through online banking and the app. For amounts above this, or where a guaranteed same-day arrival is needed, CHAPS is the alternative. Here’s everything you need to know about sending money with NatWest.
NatWest Transfer Limits at a Glance
| Payment Type | Limit | Speed | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faster Payments (app/online) | Up to £100,000 | Seconds to 2 hours | Free |
| CHAPS | No upper limit | Same business day (if sent before cut-off) | Fee applies |
| Standing order | Up to Faster Payments limit | Per schedule | Free |
| Branch transfer | Varies | Same or next day | May vary |
Faster Payments: What You Need to Know
Faster Payments is the standard method for UK bank transfers. NatWest processes Faster Payments 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays.
The £100,000 limit applies per transaction — not per day. However, NatWest may apply a lower personal limit to your account based on your account history and fraud risk assessment. If you’re unsure of your personal limit, check the NatWest app under payment settings, or call 03457 888 444.
New Payees
When you add a new payee and send money for the first time, NatWest may apply an additional fraud check or short delay. This is a standard industry safeguard. You may also be shown a Confirmation of Payee result — a check that verifies the account name matches the sort code and account number you’ve entered. Always verify payee details carefully before confirming.
Sending Large Amounts
For transfers close to or at the £100,000 limit, NatWest may ask you to confirm additional details for security purposes. This is more likely if the payee is new or the amount is significantly higher than your usual transfers.
CHAPS: Same-Day Guaranteed Transfers
CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) is used for large, time-critical transfers where you need guaranteed same-day arrival — most commonly for:
- Property purchases — conveyancers and solicitors almost always require CHAPS for completion funds
- Large business payments
- Transfers above £100,000 that exceed the Faster Payments limit
Key CHAPS details:
- No upper limit on the amount
- Must be submitted before NatWest’s CHAPS cut-off time (typically early afternoon on business days — check with NatWest for the current cut-off)
- A fee applies — check the NatWest fees page for the current CHAPS charge
- CHAPS payments cannot be recalled easily once sent — double-check all details before submitting
Standing Orders
Standing orders use the Faster Payments network and are subject to the same limits. They are free to set up and cancel through the NatWest app or online banking. Useful for regular fixed payments such as rent or savings transfers.
How to Send a Large Transfer with NatWest
Via the app (up to £100,000):
- Open the NatWest app and go to Payments
- Select Pay someone and add the payee details
- Enter the amount and confirm with your app passcode or biometrics
Via online banking (up to £100,000):
- Log in at natwest.com
- Select Payments → Make a payment
- Enter payee and amount details and confirm
For CHAPS or amounts above your limit:
- Call NatWest on 03457 888 444 or visit a branch
- Have the payee’s sort code, account number, and name ready
- Confirm the payment purpose — CHAPS staff may ask for this on large transfers
Protecting Yourself from Transfer Fraud
Authorised push payment (APP) fraud — where someone is tricked into sending money to a fraudster — is the most common type of bank fraud in the UK. NatWest has several protections in place:
- Confirmation of Payee — verifies the account name before you send
- Fraud warnings — shown when sending to new payees or for unusually large amounts
- Call backs — NatWest may call you to verify very large or unusual transfers
Always verify any payment request independently, especially if it arrives by email or text. If you’re being pressured to transfer money quickly, stop and call NatWest directly on the number on the back of your card.