Your Annual Credit Card Statement explained

The statement highlights the total amount of charges and interest you have had in the last year.

Summary of Total Activity

This section shows the total spending, the total interest and the total fees and charges incurred. It also provides a total figure for the amount paid overall in the last year.

Advances (including cash withdrawals)

This section shows the interest charged on Advances (including cash withdrawals). It also shows the fees and charges incurred for Advances (including cash withdrawals).

Balance Transfers

This section shows the interest charged on Balance Transfers. It also shows the fees and charges on Balance Transfers.

Money Transfers

This section shows the interest charged on Money Transfers. It also shows the fees and charges on Money Transfers.

Annual Fee

This section shows any annual fee charged for your account.

Default Charges

This section shows the total amount of charges incurred because you defaulted on your agreement by making a payment late and/or going over your Credit Limit.

For an explanation of the terms in the 'A Closer Look' tab please see the Glossary of Terms tab.

As part of our commitment to becoming Britain’s most helpful bank, we can help you manage your account to avoid fees in the future. For example, sign up to Credit Card Online Services where you can set up text alerts, or for free impartial guidance on how to manage your money see our Moneysense page. To sign up for Credit Card Online Services you need to have a NatWest credit card and be aged 18 or over.

Advances: are when you use your card for: drawing cash, purchasing (including topping up) payment cards and vouchers.

It is also when you use your card for purchasing travellers' cheques and foreign currency; repaying borrowing (excluding Balance Transfers); or transferring funds.

Balance Transfers: occur when we pay your debt to another financial institution and charge it to your account. Balance Transfers are not treated as Advances and cannot be made to pay a debt you owe us or any other member of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Subject to available credit, you may carry out Balance Transfers of up to 95% of your Credit Limit.

Money Transfers: these are payments to a UK bank or building society current account. Money Transfers may incur a different rate of interest from Advances but they must be within your Advance Limit.

Annual Fee: This is an annual fee (if any) charged for your account.

Default Charges:
These are the total amount of charges incurred because you defaulted on your agreement and include:

• Late Payment Fee - as the name suggests these will only be charged if you make a payment late.
• Overlimit Fee - these charges will only apply if you go over your Credit Limit.

There are ways we can help you avoid unnecessary fees:

Text Alerts:
Sign up to our text alerts which will send auto-reminders of your next payment due date and when your balance has exceeded a certain amount.

To set up text alerts sign up to Credit Card Online Services.

The network operator may charge for texts received while overseas. To sign up for Credit Card Online Services you need to have a NatWest credit card and be aged 18 or over.

Or you can set up a Direct Debit:

You can also set up a Direct Debit to pay off the minimum amount or the full balance. Whichever you choose, it will be paid automatically direct form your account so you will not have to worry about missing a payment. You'll just need to make sure you have enough money in your account to cover the payment.

Standing Order:
Alternatively you can set up a Standing Order if you would prefer to pay fixed amounts, other than the minimum payment or full balance. Set up a Standing Order from your current account and your monthly payments will happen automatically.

Pay by calling Card Services:
You could opt to call Cards Services to make a payment using any debit card. As long as you make a payment anytime before, or even on the payment due date itself, we’ll ensure you're not charged a Late Payment Fee. You can pay any amount you like from the minimum payment right up to your full balance. You can do this by calling Cards Services on 0870 333 9091. Customers with hearing and speech impairments can contact us by Minicom number on 0800 917 0526. Calls may be recorded.

Pay Online with Faster Payments:
You could use Online Banking to make a payment from your Natwest current account before 10pm any day of the week and the money will go out from your current account and into your credit card account within 20 minutes.

In branch:
If you would prefer to pay by cash, call into any NatWest branch and we should be able to credit your payment to your account within two hours. You will need to have your card details or statement to hand.

Change your payment date:
You have the option to change your payment date. Many people find it easier to manage their money if they pay their bills shortly after their salary goes in. If you would like to change the payment date call Card Services on 0870 333 9091. Customers with hearing and speech impairments can contact us by Minicom number on 0800 917 0526. Calls may be recorded.

Find the right limit:
If you think you may need more than your current credit limit, call Credit Card Services on 0870 333 9091 and an agent will discuss an increase (please note that we'll need to assess your ability to repay before making a decision). Customers with hearing and speech impairments can contact us by Minicom number on 0800 917 0526. Calls may be recorded.

• I have mislaid my Annual Credit Card Statement, can I please have a copy?
• I have a joint account will I get a separate Annual Credit Card Statement?
• I really like this, can I get it more regularly?
• Can I switch my Annual Credit Card Statement to online?
• How often will I get my Annual Credit Card Statement?
• How do I find out when I get my next Annual Credit Card Statement?
• Can I change the date that I receive my Annual Credit Card Statement?
• Why have I received a statement for each account?
• Where can I find out more about my credit card?
• I am unsure about the charges in my Annual Credit Card Statement, what can I do?
• Why have I received an Annual Credit Cards Statement?
• I just received my Annual Credit Card Statement from another bank, why is it different?
• Do I need to keep this for tax reasons?
• How do I reduce the charges in the future?
• If I change my product through the year how will that show on my Annual Credit Card Statement?
• I have two accounts but only one Annual Credit Card Statement, why is that?
• There aren't any charges on my Annual Credit Card Statement - why have I been sent this?