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?
• 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 19th 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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When do I need to apply?

New customers can apply for a student account at from August 19th. Existing customers can upgrade online now or in branch from August 19th.

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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. The Student account must be your main bank account receiving regular deposits. To be eligible for the Interest free overdraft you must use the account as your main bank. This means making at least one credit every three months and three debits every month.

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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:

• 2st year - £1000
• 3rd year – £1250
• 4th year - £1750
• 5th Year - £2000

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

• 2st year - £1400
• 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 0191 5013990 or minicom 0191 501 4570

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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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