Common questions

Find the answers you’re looking for

Applying for your account

• How do I apply for the student current account?
• When do I need to apply?
• I have a current account with NatWest. Will you automatically upgrade me to a student current account?

Using your account

• Do I have to use my account once it’s open?
• How do I register for online banking?
• How do I use online banking?
• How do I register for online statements?
• What is the limit on my student overdraft
• Do you have other products for students?
• What do I do if my Railcard is lost or stolen?

Offers

• How do I get my Railcard?
• I've opened my account but haven't received an email or letter with my unique reference number so I can get my benefits. What do I do?

How do I apply for the student current account?

You can apply online, by calling 0800 881 771 (Minicom 0800 169 0088) or at any NatWest branch. If you apply online, we'll say 'thank you' with a 4GB USB memory stick - exclusively for undergraduates in the first year of their course. But hurry – stocks are limited.

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When do I need to apply?

You can apply for a student account at any time. However, to get your benefits (including your 5 year 16-25 Railcard), you’ll need to:

• Have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years or more prior to commencing study
• Be an undergraduate, in the first year of your course
• Make sure your account is open before 10 October
• Register for online banking and online statements before 30 November

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I have a current account with NatWest. Will you automatically upgrade me to a student current account?

No - but it's easy to upgrade. Just apply online and select the option to 'Upgrade now'.

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Do I have to use my account once it's open?

Yes. We need to see that you're using your NatWest Student Current Account as your main account. This means that there must be at least one credit transaction (money paid in) every three months, and three debits transactions (money paid out) every month during term time.

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How do I register for online banking?

We'll send the details when you apply for your account. If you have your online banking activation code, simply visit our online banking page to activate your online banking service.

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How do I use online banking?

You'll find lots of help when you log in to online banking. If you're not logged-in, you can read our online banking information for existing customers.

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How do I register for online statements?

Once you've registered for online banking, login to online banking and turn your online statements on. Click on Statements, then select Start or stop receiving statements by post.

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What is the limit on my student overdraft?

You can apply for an interest-free overdraft – up to £1,250 in your first year.

However, to help you budget we normally offer a limit of £500 in your first term, £1,000 in your second term and £1,250 in your third term.

You can then apply for up to £1,400 in your second year, £1,600 in your third, £1,800 in your fourth and £2,000 in your fifth.

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Do you have other products for students?

Yes. We offer a Student Credit Card and student contents insurance. We also offer savings accounts, which could help you budget for the year ahead.

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What do I do if my Railcard is lost or stolen?

Please contact the Natwest Student Centre on 0191 501 3806 or minicom 0191 501 4570

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How do I get my Railcard?

It's easy, when you apply for your student current account, we'll send you the details by email or letter.

Just make sure your account is open before 10 October. You also need to register for online banking and online statements before 30 November.

We'll give you access to a website where you can track your application.

And to keep getting your Railcard each year, you need to keep on using your student current account as your main account. This means that there must be at least one credit transaction (money paid in) every three months, and three debits transactions (money paid out) every month during term time.

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I've opened my account but haven't received an email or letter with my unique reference number so I can get my benefits. What do I do?

We send you an email welcoming you to your Student Account that includes a unique reference number so you can get your benefits. Sometimes these emails end up in spam folders, so please check there. If we believe the email hasn't reached you we'll send you a letter in the post.

If you haven't received either an email or letter from us with your unique reference number within 10 days of opening your account, please call us on 0191 501 3435. (Minicom 0191 501 4570)

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