Personal
Bank account
Select account
. . .

No monthly fee bank account

Open our everyday current account

Track day-to-day spending with an everyday bank account.
Join over 7 million Select account customers (as of August 2024).

You must be 18+ and a UK resident to apply for our Select account.

App available to Online Banking customers with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

On this page

About our Select bank account Open in new window

How to open an everyday current account Open in new window

Overdrafts options Open in new window

Frequently asked questions Open in new window

Ready to apply Open in new window

Keep it simple with our everyday bank account

Our award winning basic current account helps you manage your money easily, all in one place, with no monthly fee.

Learn more about the key features of the Select account, plus the handy little extras that come with it. Explore your overdraft options and how to apply for a new bank account with NatWest.

Why choose our everyday current account?

Fee-free current account. There's no monthly account fee for this bank account.
Fraud refund promise. We refund any money paid out of your account by a fraudster if you bank online or via the app (if you've kept your security information safe).
Get a short-term overdraft if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can explore this option when you apply for a current account.

Award-winning

This everyday bank account packs a punch, that's why it's award winning.

YourMoney.com voted NatWest as 'Best everyday current account provider', plus this current account was given 5 stars by the Defaqto experts in 2024.

Open a bank account today Open in new window

Everyday banking with NatWest

Managing your money is a breeze with NatWest's highly-rated app.

We're here for you, whether you need support at 3pm or 3am.

Sometimes nothing beats that human touch. Chat to us face-to-face over video (criteria applies) or in branch.

On-the-go money management

Seamlessly manage your online bank account with our app.

Easily check your bank account's balance as soon as you log in.
Transfer money quickly between your NatWest accounts.
Cardless cash withdrawals from our ATMs. Criteria applies.
Create, change, or cancel Direct Debits and standing orders.

And many more powerful tools to make your everyday easy (criteria may apply).

Apple Store and Google Play Store™ ratings correct as of August 2024.

Instant notifications

Get notified when you spend or receive money.

Set up savings goals

Get help saving towards your next goal.

Round Ups

Save your spare change effortlessly with a linked instant access savings account.

Track your spending

See how you spend your money and set up a budget.

How to open a bank account online

It's simple to apply for a bank account online with NatWest. And you could get an instant decision. Here's how to get started:

Check your eligibility
Our Select account is for UK residents aged 18+.
Gather your details
We might need to verify your identity when opening a bank account online. We'll do this by matching your photo ID to a selfie of you. You’ll need a device with a camera to upload these. We might also ask for other information like proof of address. If you don’t have your ID to hand, you can finish this step later.
Open your bank account online
Got everything you'll need? You're now ready to apply for a current account online.

Open a current account Open in new window

Explore your overdraft options

An overdraft is a way of borrowing money from us via your current account and is repayable on demand. If you don't repay what is owed, you could harm your credit score and borrowing capability.

How do overdrafts work?

There are two different types of overdraft:

An arranged overdraft, which allows you to go overdrawn up to an agreed limit. This is the type of overdraft you could apply for here. During your application for an arranged overdraft, we'll run a full credit check to determine how much we can offer you.
An unarranged overdraft. This is when you spend more money than you have in your current account without already having an arranged overdraft, or when you exceed your current arranged overdraft limit.

We charge interest on both types of overdraft. Going in to an unarranged overdraft limit can lead to payments being rejected.

More about overdrafts.

How much does an overdraft cost?

How much does my overdraft cost in pounds and pence?

This account offers an overdraft facility (subject to eligibility). You can check if you're likely to be accepted for an overdraft using our eligibility tool.

As an example, the interest cost of using a £500 arranged overdraft is:

Time Period	7 days	30 days	60 days
Interest Cost	£3.24	£13.87	£28.13

This is a specific illustrative example representing the interest cost of using a £500 arranged overdraft over periods of 7, 30 and 60 days.

Looking to understand the costs of an overdraft of more or less than £500 over different periods of time? Use our handy cost calculator.

If you don't pay it back, it could have an impact on your credit score.

How does our overdraft compare?

A good way to compare the costs of borrowing products is by using the APR, which shows the cost of borrowing over a year.

Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Switch to NatWest

Why not switch your current account to NatWest, we'll do all the hard work for you and you'll barely need to lift a finger.

Find out how to switch

The Current Account Switch Service will do all the work when it comes to switching, moving everything across from your old account to your new account all within 7 working days, including Direct Debits and standing orders.
All you need to do is tell us the details of your old bank account and when you want the switch to start.

We can not switch savings accounts or ISAs through this service. Any other products you have with your old bank will not be moved at the same time.

Important information

Current Account Switch Guarantee (PDF, 39KB)

A Guide to Switching Current Accounts (PDF, 3MB)

Switch your account to us Open in new window

Basic bank account - FAQs

What ID and details do I need to open a bank account?

Identification

Here are the most common proof of ID and address documents we accept when setting up a bank account.

Proof of ID documents:

Driver's licence (UK/EU/EEA).
UK passport, foreign passport & visa.
EU and EEA national identity card.

Proof of address documents:

Driver's licence.
UK utility bill (gas, electricity, water, home telephone).
Bank/building society statement.
Council tax bill.

Get more details on proof of ID and address

Details we will ask for

If you're opening a bank account and are new to NatWest, we'll ask for information like your:

full name
home address
contact details

We'll also ask about your nationality and tax residency status (which country you pay tax in).

If you already bank with NatWest, you can use your Online Banking details to log in to the application form. We'll then pre-fill some details in the form to make it speedier.

If you're eligible for an overdraft, we'll ask about your finances and monthly take home pay. Have these details ready to speed up the application process.

How much cash can I deposit in my Select account?

There's no maximum limit on the amount you can deposit in an everyday current account.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme can protect sums of up to £85,000. This scheme compensates customers if a bank or building society goes out of business.

Does a Select bank account come with a debit card?

Yes, your account will come with a debit card that will allow you to withdraw cash from ATMs. You can also make payments online and in-store, including contactless payments.

This debit card should arrive within 3-5 working days of your bank account opening.

Download the NatWest app to manage your money, make payments and regularly check your bank account’s balance.

Why do I need to provide ID?

If you’re a new customer, we have to confirm your identity to ensure we’re opening an everyday bank account for the right person. We do this through our trusted online identification and security partner, Mitek.

Mitek can quickly and safely verify people from all over the world using digital footprints, ID document authentication and facial biometrics. It’s not only safer, but also speeds up the application process. So, bank accounts could be opened faster.

This way, we can check you are you, while keeping your details completely safe and secure.

When I apply for a bank account, will I get an instant decision?

Once you’ve applied for a bank account with us, you’ll get an instant decision. However, if we need more details from you, it can take 3 to 5 days for your UK current account to be up and running.

How do I withdraw money from my bank account?

It's easy to withdraw money from your current account. Just use your debit card at a cash machine. You’ll need to know your PIN to take money from your bank account with a debit card.

It’s also possible to withdraw funds in person from any NatWest branch.

How do I get additional support with my banking?

Banking My Way is a free service that lets you record information about the support or adjustments you need to make banking easier. You can also let us know about any additional support you may need to ensure all our colleagues are aware.

The information will be shared on our internal systems. So, you won't have to repeat those requirements every time you talk to us.

Once your bank account is open, you can record this through Online Banking, with our colleagues in branches, or over the phone.

Learn more about Banking My Way

Get ready to apply

Before you apply for a bank account with us, we need to check you're happy with a few things. And ask you a few questions up front. Then we can make your application as quick and simple as it can be.

First things first. You can apply if you:

Are aged 18 or over and a UK resident

Now please take a look at the important legal info

If you carry on applying, it means you're happy with what's in these documents, including the FSCS information sheet. And happy to view your statements in Online Banking - not posted. Please take some time to review, print and/or save the important information.

Your Current Account Terms (28 pages)

All kinds of general info about our current accounts. Including details about the Select Account.

Download PDF (169 KB)

Financial Service Compensation Scheme Sheet (2 pages)

Very important information about how your money is protected. Just in case.

Download PDF (105 KB)

Fee Information Document (20 pages)

How much our charges will be. From taking cash out abroad to an unarranged overdraft.

Download PDF (133 KB)

What You Need To Know (2 pages)

Important basic info about the bank. For example, who regulates us and how to complain (hopefully you won't need that bit).

Download PDF (45 KB)

Our Lending Commitments (4 pages)

How we promise to treat you, if we lend you money. And what we expect from you in return.

Download PDF (44 KB)

How your information might be used

It's important for you to understand how we use and share your information. Please read this short summary before you continue with your application.

As part of the checks that we will complete to verify your identity, we’ll take an image of your face so that it can be compared with your photo ID and this biometric data is captured.

All okay? Apply for a bank account online today.

To speed up your application for our Select account, we need to do a few final checks with you. They'll only take a minute.

Continue

Do we already know you?

If you have a current account, credit card, loan or savings account with NatWest please let us know.

Please choose an option below to continue

I'm a completely new customer

I'm an existing customer

What would you like to do today?

Please choose an option below to continue

Open a sole Select account

Open a joint Select account

We’ll get to know you better by asking a few questions.
To make sure it’s really you applying, our partner Mitek will check your identity by matching your Photo ID to a selfie of you. You’ll need a device with a camera to do this step. Your Photo ID must be a passport, UK/EU/EEA Driving Licence or EU/EEA National ID card. If you don’t have your ID to hand you can finish this step later.
We may also ask for proof of address, for example a bank statement or utility bill. To see a full list of documents we accept, visit our support page.
Once we’ve confirmed your identity, your new account will be activated.

Please note, a partial switch does not qualify for any switch incentives we may offer.

Here's what to do next

We’ve made a few changes to how we open joint bank accounts.

The button below takes you to a dedicated page explaining exactly what you need to open your account.

In summary:

You create a joint account by adding the second applicant to an existing account.
You can either add the second applicant to an existing account, or if you’d like a completely new account, one of you can open a new account and then add the second applicant once it’s open.

Joint accounts opening

Do you have our app on a mobile device?

You can apply using either the mobile app or online banking. The mobile app is easier and quicker as we can prefill some of your information.

Please choose an option below to continue

Yes

No, but I can download it

Here's a few steps to get started

If you're already using a device with the NatWest app, select the 'Start application' button below.

You will need the most up to date version of the app, to make changes to your account.

To open a new account:

Once logged in to the app, choose 'Apply' and then current accounts.
Then choose what type of account you would like to open.

To change your account type or switch into your existing account:

Once logged in, click into the account you wish to change or switch.
Choose either the 'Change my account type' or 'Switch my account' option.

Can't scan the QR code?

Start your application

Do you have NatWest Online Banking?

Please choose an option below to continue

Yes

Yes, but I need to reset my information.

Enter your customer number or 16-digit card number to get started.
You'll then need to enter your Online Banking pin and password.
Once you're logged in follow the below

To open a new account:

Select 'Current accounts' from 'Our Products'.
Choose the account you want to apply for and complete your application.

To change to a different account type or to switch into your existing account:

Choose the account you wish to change or switch, click 'Account details'. Then choose either the 'Switch to us form' or review the section 'Want to change to a different type of current account?' to begin your application.

Sign up for Online Banking

You’ll need to sign up for Online Banking with us to apply for a current account. The good news is that it normally takes only 5 minutes and all you’ll need is your sort code, account number and your NatWest Debit Card, if you have one.

Select ‘How to register for Online Banking' to start.

How to register for Online Banking

Head to 'Register for Online Banking'.
Enter your personal details. We’ll need details including your name, date of birth, sort code and account number.
We’ll show you your customer number on screen (you're making good progress at this point). Make a note of it as you’ll need it when you log in, in the future. If we don't need anything else from you, you'll skip straight to step 7, but you may need to go to step 4, don't worry we'll let you know on screen.
We'll then send you an activation code. We'll send you your activation code in a text message. Or if we don’t have your phone number, we’ll send it through the post.
Go to the NatWest website and select ‘Log in’ in the top right-hand corner, have your activation code to hand.
On the log in page, type in your customer number and activation code.
Now you need to choose a password and PIN and commit them to memory. The PIN should be four digits long and your password can be between six and twenty characters, and contain both letters and numbers.
Done, finished, complete. Now you can manage your finances anywhere you can get online.

Once you’ve registered, select ‘I am now signed up’ to log in and apply for a Select account.

I am now signed up

Log in to NatWest Online Banking

Enter your customer number or 16-digit card number to get started.
You'll then need to enter your Online Banking pin and password.
Once you're logged in follow the below

To open a new account:

Select 'Current accounts' from 'Our Products'.
Choose the account you want to apply for and complete your application.

To change to a different account type or to switch into your existing account:

Choose the account you wish to change or switch, click 'Account details'. Then choose either the 'Switch to us form' or review the section 'Want to change to a different type of current account?' to begin your application.

Forgotten your Online Banking Details?

If you've forgotten your log in details, don't worry, select 'Reset my Online Banking' for further instructions.

Reset Online Banking details

How to download and apply via the app

First, download the app:

On your mobile or tablet, open the camera and point your device at the QR code.
Follow the link that pops up to download the app.
Use your details to log in and follow the below.

To open a new account:

Once logged in to the app, choose 'Apply' and then 'Current accounts'.
Then choose what type of account you would like to open.

To change to a different account type or to switch into your existing account:

Click into the account you wish to change or switch, then select 'Change my account type' or 'Switch my account' to begin your application.

Can't scan the QR code?

Available on selected devices.

Download app

More help and support with bank accounts

See all our current accounts Open in new window

Compare types of bank accounts Open in new window

Help managing your money Open in new window

Bank account guides and information Open in new window

Open our everyday current account

You must be 18+ and a UK resident to apply for our Select account.

Keep it simple with our everyday bank account

Why choose our everyday current account?

Award-winning

Everyday banking with NatWest

On-the-go money management

Instant notifications

Set up savings goals

Round Ups

Track your spending

How to open a bank account online

Explore your overdraft options

How do overdrafts work?

How much does an overdraft cost?

Switch to NatWest

Find out how to switch

Important information

Basic bank account - FAQs

What ID and details do I need to open a bank account?

How much cash can I deposit in my Select account?

Does a Select bank account come with a debit card?

Why do I need to provide ID?

When I apply for a bank account, will I get an instant decision?

How do I withdraw money from my bank account?

How do I get additional support with my banking?

Get ready to apply

First things first. You can apply if you:

Now please take a look at the important legal info

Your Current Account Terms (28 pages)

Financial Service Compensation Scheme Sheet (2 pages)

Fee Information Document (20 pages)

What You Need To Know (2 pages)

Our Lending Commitments (4 pages)

How your information might be used

All okay? Apply for a bank account online today.

You're all set

Here's what to do next

Here's a few steps to get started

Log in to Online Banking

Sign up for Online Banking

How to register for Online Banking

Log in to NatWest Online Banking

Forgotten your Online Banking Details?

How to download and apply via the app

More help and support with bank accounts