RBS app review October 2020

Best for

App experience

Starling Bank

Best for

£125 switch incentive

HSBC Advance Bank Account

Best for

Money management

Plum

Best for

Budgeting

Yolt

How we chose our top picks

For our top picks, we've evaluated a number of digital bank accounts against a range of metrics to select accounts for specific needs. Keep in mind that our top picks may not always be the best for you, and it's wise to compare for yourself to find one that works for you. Read our full methodology here to find out more.

While not the flashiest of apps, RBS’s mobile banking app does boast a few eye-catching features. Among them is the “Get Cash” feature, which allows users to withdraw money using only a unique single-use code rather than their card, a feature also available with NatWest‘s app. As with all good mobile banking apps, you can use RBS’s app to manage your money on the move and round the clock. To top it off, your details are securely protected by Touch ID, Face ID and Android Fingerprint.

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

Starling Bank: award-winning banking on your mobile

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• Winner 2020 - Best Current Account, British Bank Awards

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How does RBS’s app work?

The app works by linking up to your RBS bank account, allowing you to do the following:

How do I get started with RBS’s app?

If you’re wondering how to begin using the app, here’s how.

1. First, download and install the app from the App Store if you’re using an iPhone or the Google Play store if you have an Android phone.
2. You’ll then need to type in your mobile number – to which RBS will send an activation code. Once you’ve read through the app’s T&Cs, you’ll need to enter this code.
3. Next, you’ll need to create your passcode. It’s important to make a note of this as you’ll need it every time you use the app!
4. Now, enter your RBS customer number. This is a 10-digit number that you’ll have received when you first set up digital (or telephone) banking. It’s composed of your date of birth and four other digits. If you forget your customer number, you can contact RBS.
5. You’ll then need to enter a few characters from your PIN. Bear in mind that you’ll never be asked for your entire PIN or your password, so be suspicious if you are ever asked for this information. RBS will ask for a few characters from your PIN to confirm your identity.
6. Once you’ve made it this far, the app should be all set up and ready to go.

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

The easiest way to apply to open a new account with RBS is online. Go to RBS’s website to open a sole or joint account, open a second account or switch your existing account to RBS. You can also do this in one of RBS’s branches. Either way, you’ll need proof of your identity and address. If you’re applying online, you’ll also need a current debit or credit card and a valid passport or UK driving licence.

Saving with the RBS app

If you’re looking to stick to a budget, the good news is that the Android version of the RBS app offers users the option to set up a standing order or transfer from a current account into a savings account. You can do this right after you’ve set up your savings goal. While the app doesn’t offer categorised breakdowns of expenditure like other apps such as Starling, this feature is still notable as it highlights what the RBS app can do beyond the basics. However, you can’t set budget targets.

RBS fees and limits

While there’s no fee for maintaining a current account with RBS, you may incur charges for the following:

• Sending a CHAPS payment in pounds within the UK will incur a £20 fee
• Sending money outside the UK will incur a fee of £10-£30, depending on the payment type
• Receiving money from outside the UK will incur a small charge of £1-£7

Is RBS 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. RBS has full FSCS protection, which provides compensation for the loss of up to £85,000 – as is the standard for UK bank accounts.

Pros and cons of the RBS app

Frequently asked questions

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

  Yes. If you’re looking for an app that allows you to manage accounts with different banks, such as Monzo, check out our other app reviews.

• How long does transferring money take?

  Transferring money from account to account should only take a very short time – your money will usually be transferred immediately. This may take longer in some cases, however.

• How do I delete a payee on the RBS app?

  Deleting a payee that you don’t use anymore is a relatively straightforward process:

  1. Log into the app and tap on the account the payee you want to delete is linked to.
  2. From here, tap on “Payments” then “manage payee”.
  3. Now, select the payee you want to delete.
  4. Confirm by tapping “delete payee”.

  You can also delete a payee using RBS’s digital banking service. To ensure that payments aren’t sent to the wrong person or company, RBS suggests checking your payee list every now and then and getting rid of any payees that aren’t used anymore.

• How do I make a payment or transfer using RBS's mobile app?

  Another perk of RBS’s app is the ease with which payments and transfers can be made. To make a payment, do the following:

  1. Once logged into your chosen account, select either the “pay” button from the home screen or the “payments” button from the account menu.
  2. Select “make a payment”.
  3. Tap “choose payee” and then “pay someone new”.
  4. You’ll then need to enter the payee’s name, account number and sort code before tapping “Continue”.
  5. Finally, you’ll need to enter a reference before specifying the amount to be paid and the date the payment will be made.

  To make a transfer between accounts:

  1. Once in your chosen account, tap either the “Transfer” button from the home screen or the “Make a transfer” button from the account menu.
  2. Choose which account you’d like to transfer money to and how much.
  3. To finish off, select either “send now” or “send later” and then “Make a transfer”.

• I'm going abroad, how do I notify RBS?

  If you’re travelling overseas and intend to take your debit or credit card with you, you should definitely let your bank know beforehand if you don’t want transactions you make to be blocked. If your bank is RBS, here’s how to do so via the bank’s mobile banking app:

  1. From the app’s main page, tap on your credit card and then “Manage my card”.
  2. Then, tap “Going abroad” and then “Add trip”.
  3. Enter the name of your trip and the dates of your departure and return and finally the country you’re visiting.
  4. To finish off, tap “Register trip” and your travel plans will be registered to your card.

  Alternatively, if you want to register travel plans for your debit card, follow these steps:

  1. Log into the mobile banking app.
  2. From the bottom bar, select the “Help” icon.
  3. Now, tap “Going abroad” before following the on-screen instructions that will then appear.

  You can also register travel plans using RBS’s web-based digital banking service by completing the online form, which will only take you a few minutes. To do this, select “Cards” from the left-hand menu and then click the “Using your card abroad” section, from which you can register your travel plans. Here, select “Register your travel plans for your debit cards” if you want to register your debit card and “Register your travel plans for your credit card” if you want to register your credit card.

• What banks are part of the RBS group?

  The RBS group, which stands for The Royal Bank of Scotland group, boasts a number of notable high-street banks. These include NatWest, RBS, Ulster Bank, NatWest Markets and Coutts.

• Are RBS and Bank of Scotland the same?

  No, they’re different banks. Bank of Scotland dates back to the 17th century, when it was founded by the Parliament of Scotland. RBS, meanwhile, was set up by investors in the early 18th century.