NatWest app review July 2021

Manage your finances on the go, round the clock and under lock and key with NatWest's mobile banking app.

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Updated Dec 27, 2020

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If you’re a NatWest customer and looking for a way to manage your money on the move, you’ll want to consider NatWest’s mobile banking app. The app allows users to securely check on their balance, move money and handle their funds 24/7. It also comes with a feature that is unique to NatWest’s app – the Get Cash feature. Catering for those awkward moments when you find yourself in need of money but without your card, this feature allows the user to withdraw up to £40 from any NatWest or Tesco cash machine using only a unique code which is sent to you through the app. The code expires after one use, which, together with the relatively small withdrawal limit, makes it pretty secure.

If you’re not a NatWest customer, have a read of our other app reviews to find a banking app better suited to your needs.

How does NatWest’s mobile banking app work?

The app links up with your online banking account. It provides users with a simple means to make payments, check your balance, make withdrawals, make international payments, set up standing orders and amend direct debits.

To get it up and running, you’ll need to:

Download the app from the App Store if you’ve got an iPhone, or from the Google Play store if you’ve got an android.
You’ll then be asked to enter your mobile number, to which NatWest will send an activation code. You’ll be asked to enter this code once you’ve read the app’s terms and conditions.
Then, create your passcode. You’ll need this to sign in every time you want to use the app, so don’t forget it!
The next step is to enter your customer number, which is a 10-digit number that you’ll receive when you set up online or telephone banking. If you forget it, you can contact NatWest.
You’ll then be asked to enter a few characters from your PIN. NatWest won’t ask you for your full PIN or password, but it will ask you for a few digits to check your identity.
If you’ve made it this far, you should be all set to start using the app.

How do I apply for a current or savings account with NatWest?

The easiest way to apply to open a new account with NatWest is online. Go to the NatWest website to open a sole or joint account, open a second account or switch your existing account.

Saving with the NatWest app

If you’re looking to stick to a budget, the good news is that the android version of NatWest’s app offers users the option to set up a standing order or transfer from a current account into a savings account. This can be done right after you’ve set up your savings goal. While the app doesn’t offer categorised breakdowns of expenditure like Starling, this feature is still notable as it highlights what the NatWest app can do beyond simple management of finances.

Is NatWest safe?

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is an independent statutory fund set up to safeguard consumer finances in the event of a bank being unable to meet its payment demands. NatWest has full FSCS protection which provides compensation for the loss of up to £85,000 – as is the standard for UK bank accounts.

There’s also little cause to worry about the security of your details, as NatWest’s app uses Touch ID, Face ID and Android Fingerprint to ensure they’re protected.

Pros and cons of the NatWest app

Pros

Full access to current and savings account: you can receive salary, make payments and bank transfers.
Simple to log in.
International payments.
Broad network of bank branches if something goes wrong. You can also call NatWest directly.
Unique Get Cash facility allows you to securely withdraw £40 even if you don’t have your card on you.

Cons

Unlike other banking apps, you can’t use the NatWest app to order a new card or change your PIN.
Screenshots are permitted on the iPhone version of the app, which raises concerns about security (although screenshots are disabled for the android version).
You can’t use the app to set up a new payee; to do this, you’ll need to log in to online banking and use the card-reader.

Frequently asked questions

To use NatWest’s app-only Get Cash feature, you’ll need a minimum of £10 in the account.
1. Log in to the app.
2. Select the “Get Cash” icon at the bottom of the app’s home screen.
3. Specify an amount between £10-£130.
4. Tap on “Get cash code”, and then “Reveal code”, which should reveal your unique Get Cash code.
5. You can then go to any NatWest or Tesco ATM and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure that the amount you withdraw from the ATM matches the amount chosen in the NatWest app.
To add a payee, you’ll first need to ensure that the NatWest app is installed on your device. You’ll also need the account number and sort code of the person you’re wanting to pay. From here, to add a payee:
1. Log in to the NatWest mobile app.
2. Select the account you’d like to make the payment from.
3. Tap on “Payments”.
4. Select “Make a payment”, and then “Select payee”.
5. You should then tap “Pay someone new”.
6. Enter the details of your payee, such as their name, account number and sort code, before clicking “continue”.
7. Type a reference and amount before clicking “Make payment”.
8. Check the payment details before confirming them and selecting “Make payment”.
Here’s how you get the app:
1. Go to natwest.com/mobile and click “Get the app”.
2. At this point you’ll need to enter your mobile number and select which type of phone you have so a link can be sent.
3. You’ll then be prompted to enter your mobile number and accept NatWest’s T&Cs. An activation code will then be sent to the number you entered to confirm your mobile number.
4. Then, enter the activation code before choosing your passcode.
5. Now, enter your online banking customer number.
6. Enter the requested security details for your Online Banking (it’s important not to forget these).
7. You should now be all set to start using the app.
NatWest’s app also allows users to make payments using Paym, allowing users to make payments using just a mobile number, no need for bank details. Built-in to the NatWest app, you can register for Paym from the app’s main menu. To make a payment using Paym:
1. Log in to the NatWest app as you normally would.
2. Select a contact, or enter the recipient’s mobile number, and press send.
3. Every time you send a payment with Paym, you’ll be asked to verify the name of the recipient to ensure your money’s going to the right place.
While this looks like a simple process, and often is, the exact way it works will vary from banking app to banking app.

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Oli Collins

Oli is a writer for Finder UK. He writes guides, features and news about a range of topics, including banking, credit cards, mortgages and personal loans. He studies English Literature at the University of Sussex, and in his spare time enjoys cycling and playing the guitar, though not necessarily at the same time.

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NatWest app review July 2021

Manage your finances on the go, round the clock and under lock and key with NatWest's mobile banking app.

In this guide

Savings accounts types

We compare the following savings accounts

How does NatWest’s mobile banking app work?

How do I apply for a current or savings account with NatWest?

Saving with the NatWest app

Is NatWest safe?

Pros and cons of the NatWest app

Pros

Cons

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the NatWest app only with NatWest current and savings accounts?

How do I use the Get Cash facility?

How long does transferring money take?

How do I add a new payee in the NatWest app?

How do I activate the NatWest mobile banking app?

How do I get the NatWest mobile app?

How do I send payments using Paym?

Oli Collins

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