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No skimping on security

Do your banking and fight fraud with your face

Keep your accounts safe with biometric approval

What is biometric approval?

Now you can add an extra layer of advanced security in our app – set up face biometrics. It goes beyond face recognition to identify what makes your face unique.

 

It involves taking a photo of yourself that is encrypted and securely stored on the NatWest database. When you come to use biometric approval you’ll need to put your face in the frame and follow the on-screen instructions.

 

This is a check to make sure you're a real person and helps stop fraud. It is a simpler way of managing your money and is a handy alternative to your card reader.

3 great reasons to set up biometric approval

Updates in your own time and space

You can change important details, including your address or phone number, whenever it suits you.

Safe and convenient payments

Set payment limits, pay someone for the first time or approve a payment from £1,000 to £20,000.

Park your card reader

 You won't need to rely on your card reader, but hang on to it just in case.

Don't delay. Get set up in a few steps

There's no time like the present. Especially when it comes to the security of your banking. To get set up, make sure you have downloaded our mobile app. This will mean that you can set up biometric approval and manage your payments and banking in our most safe and secure way.

Got the app? Set up biometric approval

To register your face you just need your mobile device with the mobile app and a forward-facing camera.

  1. Open the app and select the icon in the top left corner to access 'My Profile'
  2. Tap 'Settings' and select 'Biometric approval' from the menu
  3. Tap 'Register now'
  4. Next, follow the on screen instructions to register your face biometrics

If you don’t have notifications on, we’ll ask you to turn them on. This will help when you need to approve something.

When we ask you to approve something, you just look at the camera and blink to confirm it's you.

Biometric approval FAQs

Are the biometrics on my phone the same?

Biometrics on your phone like face ID remain on your device. With biometric approval we have a stored image of your face no matter which device you use.

Why can't I register for biometric approval?

This service is being rolled out to customers who use our mobile app. Continue to use your mobile app as normal and we'll prompt you when it's available to you.

Can someone just use a photo of me?

No. The biometric process is secure behind the scenes. It's not just 'a photo'. So, someone can't use a photo to try and match to your face biometric.

Where is my biometric approval data stored?

 Under the Secure Banking Promise, we’ll encrypt and store your biometrics within a secure NatWest database that no other business or person can access.

Keep your accounts safe when shopping online

Strong Customer Authentication

How do we make online shopping more secure?

Important banking regulation was introduced to improve online payment security and protect you from fraud and scams.

In a nutshell it means we’ll ask you to confirm your identity and approve transactions more often.

It’s simple. If we need to check it’s really you, we’ll ask you to open your app. You can approve or decline the transaction with your face ID, fingerprint or passcode.

Information Message

Support to help you fight fraud

Safer shopping

Online shopping can mean more opportunity for fraudsters. Follow our useful tips to keep you safe.

Card payment help

All the support you need on the most common issues when making a card payment.

Our fraud guides

Guidance on ways fraudsters work and how to stop becoming a victim of fraud.

Online shopping FAQs

Can I continue to receive one time passcodes by SMS?

No. If you have the app, you will need to use face ID, fingerprint or your app passcode to confirm the transaction.

What if I don't have face ID or fingerprint on my phone?

If you don’t have face or fingerprint ID on your phone, or don’t have them switched on, you can use your app passcode.

What if I don't have the app on my phone?

You can continue to approve transactions with a One Time Passcode by SMS as long as your contact details are up to date.

What if I don't have a mobile phone?

You can choose to receive the One Time Passcode by email, or you can call us to approve the transaction.

Something else we can help you with?