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Current account switch
Switch to NatWest today
Helping you switch bank accounts
There are plenty of reasons to switch your bank account. You may be looking for introductory offers or improved customer service.
If you're switching your current account to NatWest, we'll do the hard work for you and you'll barely need to lift a finger:
- Transfer your balance and payments automatically to your new bank account.
- Have everything transferred within 7 days using the Current Account Switch Service.
Why switch to NatWest?
You can see our range of current accounts, if you successfully switch, you can:
Track your spending and budgets
Use the mobile app to pinpoint your spending hotspots and see a personilised view of what you've spent, and how you're doing against various budgets you have set for the month, in the 'Highlights' tab of spending.
Criteria apply
Earn interest on your savings, from as little as £1
You can explore our savings accounts available to NatWest customers.
Account eligibility criteria apply
Save using Round Ups
Each time you use your debit card or make a contactless payment, we'll round up the amount to the nearest pound and then send the spare change to your savings account. To start saving using Round Ups you'll need an eligible instant access savings account.
Criteria Apply
Get Rooster money for Kids
NatWest customers can subscribe to Rooster Money fee free, usually £19.99 a year subscription fee. Rooster Money is an account for children age 6-17.
Learn more about Rooster Money
Eligibility criteria apply.
Other fees may apply.
App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.
How long does it take to switch bank accounts?
Days 1 and 2 choose your switching date
This usually needs to be a working day. The Current Account Switch Service will then contact your old bank. They’ll confirm if the switch can go ahead.
Day 3 your new bank account will be setup
Existing payments, like your salary and bills, will be moved across too. So you won’t need to worry about rearranging Direct Debits or standing orders yourself.
Days 6 and 7 we'll transfer your bank account balance
We’ll talk to your old bank and on day 7, your balance will be transferred to the new account. Your old account will be closed. We'll let you know that your bank account switch is complete.
- This service is only available to switch current accounts. Any other products you have with your old bank won't be moved at the same time.
- Over 50 UK banks and building societies have signed-up to the Current Account Switch Service. You can check if your existing bank provider is a participant.
- If your old bank is not part of the Current Account Switch Service, find out what you can do on our ways to switch support page.
- You won't be eligible for our switching incentives if your old bank isn't part of the Current Account Switch Service.
- Direct Debits and Standing Orders won’t appear on your account until the first payment has been taken.
- For more information on how to switch A Guide to Switching Current Accounts (PDF, 3MB)
How to switch to us
Whether you’re a new or existing customer, it’s easy to switch bank accounts to us. Here’s how to get started, with or without a NatWest account.
Pick a bank account
Simply choose an eligible account below and follow the instructions to start your application. You'll be able to request the switch during your application. If you're not sure which type of account is best for you, we can help you compare current account types.
Select bank account
Our 5 star rated day-to-day bank account
- Free of monthly fees.
- Access to our most popular, award-winning account.
- Quick to set up and easy to use.
Information Message
Must be 18+ and a UK resident to apply.
Reward bank account
The one that gets your money working for you
- Get rewarded for everyday banking.
- Earn Rewards for spending with our partners.
- All this for only £2 a month.
Information Message
To apply, you need to be 18+ and a UK resident. You need to also pay in £1,250 to an eligible NatWest account every month. You can only hold a maximum of 1 Reward account in your name, and 1 joint names.
Premier accounts
An exclusive service with a range of bank accounts to choose from
- One-to-one support for more complex financial decisions.
- 24/7 help, online or over the phone.
- Minimum income, borrowings or savings required.
Information Message
Must be 18+ and a UK resident to apply. Premier Banking criteria applies.
Already have an account with us?
You'll need to either log in to the mobile app or Online Banking to start your application.
Mobile app:
If you're already using a device with the NatWest app, select the ‘Start your switch today' button below.
Using a desktop? Simply scan the QR code with your mobile device that has the NatWest app.
Once logged in, follow the steps below:
- Select the current account you’d like to switch into.
- Once selected, choose the ‘Switch my account’ option to apply.
You will need the most up to date version of the app, to make changes to your account.
Online Banking:
If you would prefer to use Online Banking, log in and click 'Account details' on the account you would like to switch into and select ‘Switch to NatWest’.
What is the Current Account Switch Service, and how does it work?
The Current Account Switch Service is an independent service that helps seamlessly move your bank account from one provider to another. It aims to make switching current accounts a smooth and reliable process, no matter which bank you are switching to and from.
Banks signed up to the Current Account Switch Service offer a guarantee whenever you move accounts between them. It means that we promise:
- Your balance and payments will be automatically redirected.
- Any charges or interest will be refunded if something goes awry.
- You can choose a date to officially switch your bank account.
- Any future payments made to the old account will be redirected.
To reduce friction, we’ll transfer most of your banking commitments when you change a bank account with us. But it’s important to remember that not everything can be moved across.
Here are the main things that will redirect automatically:
Your existing account balance.
The list of your payees.
Ongoing Direct Debits and standing orders, such as utility bill payments.
Salary paid in by your employer.
Future payments made to the old account.
These won't redirect automatically:
- Arranged overdrafts – you’ll need to speak to us first.
- Regular debit card payments – those that come from your card rather than the account, such as streaming subscriptions.
- Other banking products, such as savings accounts and loans.
- Mobile payments.
- Any third parties you’ve allowed to access your financial data.
- Your transaction history.
You’ll require a few key details before you can switch current accounts with NatWest. It’s useful to gather the following together:
- Full name of your old bank.
- Number and sort code for the old account.
- Details of any existing debit cards.
- Some official identification, plus proof of your address.
What are my switching options?
Changing bank accounts doesn’t have to involve a complete switchover from one provider to another. In fact, it’s possible to make partial switches too. Here’s a quick look at the main differences between full and partial switches.
This is where you move your balance and existing payments to a new account. The old account is closed, concluding your relationship with that provider. This option is for those who want to make a clean break from their previous bank and keep everything together in one place.
With a partial switch, you open a new account but keep the old one open too. You can choose to move all of your payments across to us or leave them with your existing bank. This option leaves you with two current accounts and more flexibility over where you can make payments from. But it means your arrangements will be split between two places.
Please note, a partial switch does not qualify for any switch incentives we may offer.
Wide range of bank accounts
We offer plenty of options when switching a bank account. Check out our full range of bank accounts.
Switching bank accounts - frequently asked questions
You can use the Current Account Switch Service to switch your current account from and to any of the participating banks and building societies. Joint accounts can be switched, as long as both parties agree to the switch and you are switching to another joint account. It is not possible to use the service to switch a joint account to an account in your name only.
We can't switch savings accounts either. Any other products you have with your old bank will not be moved at the same time. If you have an ISA with another provider you can transfer it to NatWest using our transfer process here.
If you use the Current Account Switch Service, your previous bank account will need to be closed as part of the process. By doing so, we can make sure any payments are transferred over and minimise confusion.
If you would rather keep both accounts open, it’s not possible to do so using the Current Account Switch Service, but we can still do a partial switch. Speak to us and we can explain your current account switching options.
When switching current accounts, your old account will still be active and usable up to and including Day 6. So, you can still pay with your card, and use online banking and mobile banking.
Just remember not to set up any new payments on your old account, as we can’t transfer new payments across.
Please note, a partial switch does not qualify for any switch incentives we may offer.
When you switch bank accounts, any existing payments (both incoming and outgoing) are moved to your new current account. When a payment moves across, we’ll send the originator a message to let them know about your switch so they can make any changes at their end.
Some organisations may want to get in touch to confirm that your account has moved. If you don’t want them to have your details, please let us know.
Any Direct Debits should automatically move across to your new provider after switching bank accounts. This is part of the Current Account Switch Service and is designed to save you time and hassle. Standing orders should also transfer across automatically.
Direct Debits and Standing Orders won’t appear on your account until the first payment has been taken. If you want to check your Direct Debits or Standing Orders have successfully transferred over, you can chat to Cora our digital assistant, who will be able to help you check.
You will need to ensure your details are up to date with your old bank. For example, if you have moved house and have not informed your old bank of your new address.
You will also need to declare all existing parties on your account and have details of any active debit cards held with your bank.
If you have allowed third parties to access your data, you will need to cancel any arrangements and set them up again with your new account details. You will need to get in touch with these providers directly.
In addition, because not every bank will support third-party providers’ services, some may not be able to access details of your new bank account.
It may be possible to switch bank accounts with an existing overdraft. However, it’s often done on a case-by-case basis. So, you’ll need to confirm with your new bank first. In cases where it’s not allowed, you will have to repay the overdraft before starting an account switch.
There is no set limit on the number of times you can switch your current account. Although it might be tempting to keep taking advantage of different introductory offers, it may leave a mark on your credit record if you overdo things.
You can't cancel a switch once the process has started. However, you can cancel your switch up to 7 days prior to your chosen start date, if you selected a future switch date when opening your account.