Common questions

Find the answers you’re looking for

Applying for your account

• How do I apply for the 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?
• 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?

New customers can apply in branch, online or by phone from 19th August with their unconditional offer.

Existing customers can upgrade to a Student account online today or apply in branch from 18th August.

You’ll need to:

• Have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years or more prior to commencing study
• Have an Unconditional placement offer
• Be an undergraduate, in the first year of your course

You can apply online, by calling 0800 881 771 (Minicom 0800 169 0088) or at any NatWest branch.

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

Yes. You must use your Student Account as your main current account by depositing at least £750 every 6 months and making at least 3 debit transactions every month. If you stop using your account as your main current account, then the interest rate you pay on your arranged overdraft will revert to the standard rate which applies to the Select Account. For details of our rates of interest see our leaflet ‘Personal & Private Current Account Fees & Interest Rates (PDF, 2.4MB)’.

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How do I register for online banking?

If you have informed us that you want online banking when you applied for your account online, we'll send your activation letters after your account has been opened. If you have your online banking activation code now, simply visit our online banking page to activate your online banking service. When you receive your debit card, you can also use that to register.

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How do I use online banking?

You're not on your own, our Help 24x7 service is there to answer your questions, backed-up by Webchat, inside and outside of online banking. You can also 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 of up to £1,000 in your first year. However, to help you budget, we normally offer a limit of £500 in your first term, £750 in your second term and £1,000 in your third term.

From 2010 all Student Account customers starting their first year of university will have the following thresholds applied:

• 2nd year - £1250
• 3rd year – £1500
• 4th year - £1750
• 5th Year - £2000

Student Account customers entering their third, fourth or fifth year of university will have the following thresholds applied:

• 3rd year – £1600
• 4th year - £1800
• 5th Year - £2000

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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 0844 620 2400 or minicom 0800 169 0088

Max call charge from a BT landline is 9.4p plus up to 5p per minute. Calls from other networks may vary.

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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 0844 620 2400. (Minicom 0800 169 0088)

Max call charge from a BT landline is 9.4p plus up to 5p per minute. Calls from other networks may vary.

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