NatWest student account review

Learn more about the student bank account offered by NatWest.

Matthew Boyle's headshot

By

Matthew Boyle

Updated

Fact checked

If you’re 17 or over and heading to university, NatWest’s Student Bank account offers an interest-free overdraft.

From time to time NatWest has a cashback offer for students which you might be able to take advantage of too.

Plus, the bank is well-established, has an easy-to-use app and hundreds of bank branches around the UK.

NatWest’s student account

1 of 1 result
Updated daily
Finder Score Account fees Funding requirement Interest (AER) Arranged overdraft Incentive Representative example
NatWest logo
Not yet rated
NatWest Student Account
Not yet rated
£0
No minimum funding requirement
0% AER
N/A
Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged.
More info
Compare product selection
loading
Showing 1 of 1 result

Finder Score for bank accounts

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Fees, features and customer service across 20+ of the most popular banks are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the account – simple.

Read the full methodology

Types of current account for students

NatWest has one current account available for students – the NatWest Student Bank Account.

Below, we’ll explore some of the key details of this account.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a NatWest Student Bank Account, you’ll need to be studying in the UK on a undergraduate course (for at least 2 years), or a nursing course (for at least 1 year), or completing a course that has already started or is starting within the next 6 months.

You also need to: –

  • be aged 17 or over
  • have been living in the UK for at least 3 years

Student arranged overdrafts are available to NatWest Student current account holders aged 18 or over. You’ll have to pass a credit check to be approved for an overdraft too. You must use your Student account as your main account by depositing your wages or other regular income into it.

How NatWest’s student account overdraft compares with other student bank accounts

When you start to compare student bank accounts, you'll find that they all offer some sort of interest-free overdraft. However, how much this is and when you can apply for more depends on the bank. Let's take a look at how the major UK banks stack up when looking at a 3-year course.
Provider Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
NatWest Up to £500 when you first open your student account

Up to £2,000 from your second term in your first year		 Up to £2,000 Up to £3,250
RBS Up to £500 when you first open your student account

Up to £2,000 from your second term in your first year		 Up to £2,000 Up to £3,250
Santander Up to £1,500 Up to £1,500 Up to £1,500
Nationwide Up to £1,000 Up to £2,000 Up to £3,000
Lloyds Up to £1,500 Up to £1,500 Up to £1,500
HSBC Up to £1,000 Up to £2,000 Up to £3,000
Barclays Up to £500 in your first term

Up to £1,000 from your second term in your first year		 Up to £1,500 Up to £1,500

How to open an account

You can apply for a NatWest Student Bank Account within 6 months of your course start date. Applications can only be completed online.

As part of your application, you’ll need to share various personal and financial details. You’ll also need to share details of the course you’re on, and prove your student status by sharing your 16-digit UCAS code.

The benefits

  • Interest-free overdraft. If your application is successful, you can apply for an overdraft with the NatWest Student Bank account.
  • Account opening incentives. NatWest often runs account opening incentives where you can be rewarded for opening an account – for example, an annual tastecard to get you discounts on meals out and takeaways.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Interest-free overdraft.
  • Account opening incentives.

Cons

  • This account is not available to international students.
  • Overdraft is limited for the first term.

Customer service information for NatWest

Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support

Our verdict: Is a student account from NatWest worth it?

With its extra perks and an interest-free overdraft, NatWest offers a standout student account.

The bank has focused on creating features that will help students live their life, including budgeting features in its app. But if you’re after different types of student perks like a free railcard then it might be best to look at other student accounts.

Our “Best for” picks highlight top options in specific categories based on our independent evaluation (see our full methodology), while “Promoted” tags indicate sponsored placements. Selected products may not suit everyone. We track selected market offers, which may not cover every product. Products are listed in no particular order unless specified, and inclusion or ordering may be influenced by popularity or commercial agreements. Most comparison table data is provided by Defaqto or sourced directly from providers. Always evaluate your own circumstances and consider independent advice before making major financial decisions.
Matthew Boyle's headshot
Written by

Publisher
Add to Preferred Sources

Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

Matthew's expertise
Matthew has written 210 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage
  • Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features
  • Publishing easy-to-understand guides
More resources on Finder

More guides on Finder

Go to site