Select what change you'd like to make to your account below and we'll give you useful information on what you need to know, what you'll need to hand and how to get started.
Make a change to your account
Remove an account holder
What you need to know
Removing someone from your account means your account will change from a 'joint account' to a 'sole account'. You can do this by submitting a request online. The person remaining on the account will need to start the request.
If you are looking to remove a third party, you can also follow the below digital process.
To remove someone, you'll need their consent. This means we’ll ask you for their email address so we can contact them to confirm they are happy to be removed from the account.
If you have an overdraft limit we will need to complete affordability checks which may increase the time taken to progress the application and which may result in a reduction or removal of your overdraft limit based on the account being in a sole name.
What you'll need
A selfie (front and side profile).
Photo ID (e.g. passport, driving licence, EU ID card or Biometric Residence Permit).
(The person you're removing will also need these once we contact them, following your request).
Step-by-step guide
- You must submit your request via our online platform, DigiDocs.
- Follow the link below to register/sign in and follow the steps to submit your request.
- The person you're removing from the account will then receive an email from noreply@digidocs.natwest.com, to register/log in and confirm their removal.
- Once this has been completed, we'll action the request within 3-5 working days. If you have an overdraft, this may take slightly longer as we'll need to re-confirm affordability.
Frequently asked questions
You can follow this process if you hold a current account or a savings account with us. If you're looking to remove someone from a joint account that already has more than two account holders, you cannot complete this request online and will need to visit your local branch.
A joint account means more than one person has access to and equal ownership of the account. This is useful when you have joint bills to pay.
As part of the application you will be asked to complete an affordability check. This may result in a reduction or removal of your overdraft limit based on the account being in a sole name.
- If your overdraft limit needs to be removed, you will need to pay any outstanding balance back first.
- If your overdraft limit needs to be reduced, your overdraft balance must be less than the new limit.
This may also increase the time taken to process your application.
If your circumstances change you may decide to remove someone from your joint account, meaning only you will then have access to the account going forward.
Unlike a joint account you remain the sole owner of the account.
Adding an account holder
What you need to know
Adding someone to your account means your 'sole account' will become a 'joint account’ and both account holders will have equal ownership of any funds or overdrafts. It's important to consider this before adding someone, as you won't be able to remove them in future without their consent.
You add someone to your account by submitting a request online. Please note, you'll need their consent. This means we’ll ask you for their details so we can contact them to confirm they are happy to be added to the account. If you both bank with NatWest, the process may be quicker and simpler, as we already know you.
Please note that you can't add a person to your:
- Silver, Platinum, Black, Savings, Student or Adapt account
Frequently asked questions
- Add anyone aged 18+ who is a UK resident.
- You can only add one party to your account.
- Submit an online request if your account is a Select, Reward or Foundation account.
- You can't add a person to your: Silver, Platinum, Black, Savings, Student or Adapt account.
A joint account means more than one person has access to the account and you'll both be responsible for the account. This is useful when you have joint bills to pay.
You can only add one party to your account, adding any more than one party to your account isn't possible.
If you have a Select account and need to add more than one party for the purposes of an Executor account, please visit your local branch who will be able to help.
A sole account means only you have access to the account.
See our range of Savings accounts where you'll have the option to open a joint savings account. Remember, you'll both need to have a current account with us before you can proceed.
Third Party Access
What do we mean by 'Third Party Access'?
If a NatWest customer is mentally capable, a Third Party Mandate can be put in place to allow another person to access their bank accounts and take care of everyday banking activities. The account holder must have mental capacity and the people given access to the account are called 'third parties'.
For more information on Third Party Mandate and guidance on how you can register a third party on an account, please use the button below to take you to our Third Party page.
Power of Attorney and Court of Protection
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) gives legal power to one or more persons to help make decisions on behalf of a person who is no longer capable of making decisions for themself, or does not want to make decisions for themself.
For more information on Power of Attorney and guidance on how you can register an attorney on an account, please use the button below to take you to our Power of Attorney page.
Court of Protection Orders
If there is no Power of Attorney in place and you need to manage an incapable adult’s wider financial affairs, an application can be made to the Court of Protection (COP) for you, or someone else to be appointed as a ‘Deputy’.
For more information on Court of Protection Orders and guidance on how you can register a deputy on an account, please use the button below to take you to our Court of Protection page.
Protecting against financial abuse
Financial abuse (also referred to as economic abuse) can take a variety of different forms. It might be financial control, exploitation or sabotage. It can happen in a range of different relationships, for instance, with partners, family members, or carers. Financial abuse could happen to anyone. If you think you have been affected by financial abuse, we can offer support.