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Basic fee-free bank account

Open our everyday current account

You must be 18+ and a UK resident to apply for our Select account.

App available to Online Banking customers with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.
On this page
About this account
How to open an everyday current account
Overdrafts
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply

Keep it simple with our basic bank account

Our award winning basic current account helps you manage your money easily, all in one place, with no monthly fee. 

Learn more about the key features of the Select account, plus the handy little extras that come with it. Explore your overdraft options and how to apply for a new bank account with NatWest.

Why choose our everyday current account?

  • Fee-free current account. No monthly account fee plus free local cash withdrawals.
  • Fraud refund promise. We refund any money paid out of your account by a fraudster if you bank online or via the app (if you've kept your security information safe).
  • Get a short-term overdraft if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Award-winning

This account packs a punch, that's why it's award winning.

YourMoney.com voted NatWest as 'Best everyday current account provider', plus this current account was given 5 stars by the Defaqto experts in 2022.

Open a bank account today

Everyday banking with NatWest

Banking at your fingertips

Managing your money is a breeze with NatWest's highly-rated app.

24/7 Support

We're here for you, whether you need support at 3pm or 3am.

Have a chat

Sometimes nothing beats that human touch. Chat to us face-to-face over video (criteria applies) or in branch.

On-the-go money management

Seamlessly manage your money with our app.

And many more powerful tools to make your everyday easy (criteria may apply).

App Store and Google Play Store™ ratings correct as of 26th of May 2022.

The app with the expected and more (criteria may apply)

Instant notifications

Get notified when you spend or receive money.

Set up savings goals

Get help saving towards your next goal.

Round Ups

Save your spare change effortlessly with a linked instant access savings account.

Track your spending

See how you spend your money and set up a budget.

How to open a bank account online

It's simple to apply for a bank account online with NatWest - and you could get an instant decision. Here's how to get started:
  1. Check your eligibility
    Our Select account is for UK residents aged 18+. 
  2. Dig out what you'll need to apply
    We might need to verify your identity when you apply online. We'll do this by matching your photo ID to a short selfie video. We might also ask for other information like proof of address. If you don’t have your ID to hand, you can finish this step later.
  3. Open your bank account online
    Once you've got everything you'll need to hand, you can apply online today. 
Open a bank account

How to switch to NatWest

With another bank? The Current Account Switch Service will move everything from your old account over to us in 7 working days. Just let us know in your application and we'll get everything sorted for you.

About overdrafts

An overdraft is a way of borrowing money from us via your current account and is repayable on demand. If you don't repay what is owed, you could harm your credit score and borrowing capability.

Basic bank account - FAQs

Get ready to apply

Before you apply for a bank account with us, we need to check you're happy with a few things. And ask you a few questions up front. Then we can make your application as quick and simple as it can be.

First things first. You can apply if you:

Are aged 18 or over and a UK resident
 

Now please take a look at the important legal info

If you carry on applying, it means you're happy with what's in these documents, including the FSCS information sheet. And happy to view your statements in Online Banking - not posted. Please take some time to review, print and/or save the important information.

How your information might be used

It's important for you to understand how we use and share your information. Please read this short summary before you continue with your application.

All okay? Apply for a bank account online today.

To speed up your application for our Select account, we need to do a few final checks with you. They'll only take a minute.

Continue
What would you like to do today?
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Do we already know you?
If you have a current account, credit card, loan or savings account with NatWest please let us know.
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You're all set

Your application will be completely online, and you won't need to post us any information or visit a branch.

 

  1. Tell us a bit about yourself and we’ll set up your account.
  2. Our partner HooYu will then check your identity by matching you to your Photo ID. Your Photo ID must be a Passport, UK or EU/EEA Driving Licence or an EU/EEA National ID card. We might also ask for a valid proof of address. If you don't have your ID to hand you can finish this step later.
  3. Once they’ve confirmed your identity we’ll activate your account.
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Do you know your Online Banking details?
If you log in to Online Banking we can pre-fill some of the application for you.
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You're all set

You’ll need to login with your Online Banking details at the start of the application, so make sure you have them handy.

Your application will be completely online, and you won't need to post us any information or visit a branch.

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You're all set

Your application will be completely online, and you won't need to post us any information or visit a branch.

 

  1. Tell us a bit about yourself and we’ll set up your account.
  2. Our partner HooYu will then check your identity by matching you to your Photo ID. Your Photo ID must be a Passport, UK or EU/EEA Driving Licence or an EU/EEA National ID card. We might also ask for a valid proof of address. If you don't have your ID to hand you can finish this step later.
  3. Once they’ve confirmed your identity we’ll activate your account.
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Here's what to do next

We’ve made a few changes to how we open joint bank accounts.

The button below takes you to a dedicated page explaining exactly what you need to open your account.

As a summary:

  1. You create a joint account by adding the second applicant to an existing account
  2. You can either add the second applicant to an existing account, or if you’d like a completely new account, one of you can open a new account and then add the second applicant once it’s open. 
Joint accounts opening
Which account would you like to change?
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You're all set

During the application, you'll need:

  • The account number and sort code of the account you want to change

As you're changing your account, the account details and debit card will stay the same. Just to make life easier for you.

If you're a non-UK resident, once your account has changed to a Select account you'll be unable to upgrade to any Reward accounts.

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You're all set

During the application, you'll need:

  • The account number and sort code of the account you want to change

As you're changing your account, the account details and debit card will stay the same. Just to make life easier for you.

If you're a non-UK resident, once your account has changed to a Select account you'll be unable to upgrade to any Reward accounts.

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You're all set

You’ll need these bits of info handy for your application:

  • The account number, sort code and debit card number of the bank account you want to switch to NatWest
  • The account number and sort code of your existing NatWest current account

The Current Account Switch Service will move everything across from your old bank account to your NatWest current account within 7 working days.

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More help and support

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