Personal
Bank account
What do you need to open a bank account?
Select - No Photo ID

No monthly fee bank account

Open our everyday bank account without photo ID

Join over 7 million Select account customers (as at January 2026).

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

Explore how to start your application without photo ID

How to start your application Open in new window

Why choose a select account? Open in new window

Apply now Open in new window

No photo ID? You can still start your application

You can apply for an account with us online without photo ID, but you will need to give us your original documents within 14 days.

Once you complete your application you will be given a reference number. Make a note of this number as you'll need it when you present your original documents as the final part of your application.

You won't be able to use your account until we see your original documents and your reference number.

For a reminder of the documents we accept, please return to our What you need to open a current account page.

Find out how to get your original documents to us:

In branch

You can bring your documents into a NatWest branch.

Make sure you remember to bring the reference number you were given when you completed the online application with you. You will need this along with the original copies of your photo ID.

Find your nearest branch

By post

You can post your documents to us.

Make sure you include your reference number when you post your documents.

Please send them to:

Manchester Centre
Account Opening Team
1 Hardman Boulevard
Manchester
M3 3AF

Why choose our everyday current account?

Fee-free current account. There's no monthly account fee for this standard bank account.
Fraud refund promise. We refund any money paid out of your Select 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. You can explore this option when you apply for a current account.

Get ready to apply

Please take your time to read the product information and make sure this Select account is right for you.

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

Information Message

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.

Your Current Account Terms (32 pages)

All kinds of general info about our current accounts. Including details about the Select Account.

Your Current Account Terms (PDF, 268 KB)

FSCS Information Sheet and Exclusions List (2 pages)

Very important information about how your money is protected. Just in case.

FSCS Information Sheet and Exclusions List (PDF, 1.5 MB)

Fee Information Document (20 pages)

How much our charges will be. From taking cash out abroad to an unarranged overdraft.

Fee Information Document (PDF, 2 MB)

What You Need To Know (4 pages)

Important basic info about the bank. For example, who regulates us and how to complain (hopefully you won't need that bit).

What You Need to Know (PDF, 371 KB)

All okay? Apply for a bank account online today.

You can start your application for a Select account now. Just remember to provide us with your photo ID in the next 14 days.

Continue

Let's get started

Tell us about yourself

We’ll ask you some questions to get your account set up.

Reserve your account

Once you’re done we’ll reserve your account and give you a reference number.

Visit a branch or post your ID to us

To activate your account you’ll either need to pop into a branch with your reference number and ID or send them to us by post.

Find out what type of ID we accept (opens in a new window)

What ID and details do I need to open a Select bank account?

Identification

Here are the most common proof of ID and address documents we accept when setting up a Select bank account.

Proof of ID documents:

Driver's licence (UK/EU/EEA).
UK passport, foreign passport & visa or eVisa Share Code.
EU and EEA national identity card.

Proof of address documents:

Driver's licence.
UK utility bill (gas, electricity, water, home telephone).
Bank/building society statement.
Council tax bill.

Get more details on proof of ID and address

Details we will ask for

If you're opening a bank account and are new to NatWest, we'll ask for information like your:

full name
home address
contact details

We'll also ask about your nationality and tax residency status (which country you pay tax in).

If you already bank with NatWest, you can use your Online Banking details to log in to the application form. We'll then pre-fill some details in the form to make it speedier.

If you're eligible for an overdraft on our Select basic bank account, we'll ask about your finances and monthly take home pay. Have these details ready to speed up the application process.

How to put cash into a Select bank account?

We make it easy to pay money into Select, with plenty of options available. Here's how to deposit cash into a bank account with NatWest:

Make a payment from another bank account.
Move money between NatWest accounts in our mobile app or Online Banking.
Head to the nearest branch. Use our branch locator to find yours.
Visit a participating Post Office branch.

There's no maximum limit on the amount you can deposit in an everyday current account.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme can protect sums of up to £120,000. This scheme compensates customers if a bank or building society goes out of business.

Does a Select bank account come with a debit card?

Yes, your account will come with a debit card that will allow you to withdraw cash from ATMs. You can also make payments online and in-store, including contactless payments.

This debit card should arrive within 3-5 working days of your bank account opening.

Download the NatWest app to manage your money, make payments and regularly check your bank account’s balance.

Why do I need to provide ID?

If you’re a new customer, we have to confirm your identity to ensure we’re opening an everyday bank account for the right person. We do this through our trusted online identification and security partner, Mitek.

Mitek can quickly and safely verify people from all over the world using digital footprints, ID document authentication and facial biometrics. It’s not only safer, but also speeds up the application process. So, bank accounts could be opened faster.

This way, we can check you are you, while keeping your details completely safe and secure.

When I apply for a bank account, will I get an instant decision?

Once you’ve applied for a bank account with us, you’ll get an instant decision. However, if we need more details from you, it can take 3 to 5 days for your UK current account to be up and running.

How do I withdraw money from my bank account?

It's easy to withdraw money from your current account. Just use your debit card at a cash machine. You’ll need to know your PIN to take money from your bank account with a debit card.

It’s also possible to withdraw funds in person from any NatWest branch.

How do I change my bank account to Select?

We can change your bank account to Select using the Current Account Switching Service. It means your balance and payments are automatically transferred to your new bank account. So, there's no hard work for you.

To learn more about the process, read our guide on switching a bank account to NatWest.

How do I get additional support with my banking?

Banking My Way is a free service that lets you record information about the support or adjustments you need to make banking easier. You can also let us know about any additional support you may need to ensure all our colleagues are aware.

The information will be shared on our internal systems. So, you won't have to repeat those requirements every time you talk to us.

Once your bank account is open, you can record this through Online Banking, with our colleagues in branches, or over the phone.

Learn more about Banking My Way

Thinking about a joint bank account?

You can add someone to your account at any time or open a fresh account and include them later. It's simple and flexible.

Our Select, Reward, Premier Select or Premier Reward accounts let you add a second account holder.

See the steps here Open in new window

Select basic bank account - FAQs