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From first steps. To next steps. Investing. Let's do this.

Many people are comfortable saving but feel unsure about investing. That's completely normal. Investing can feel unfamiliar at first, but you don't need to be an expert to get started.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may not get back the full amount you invest. Eligibility criteria, fees and charges apply.

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Why do people invest? Open in new window

Saving or investing Open in new window

Is there a ‘perfect time’ to start investing? Open in new window

Want to try investing out for yourself? Open in new window

Not sure which account to choose? Open in new window

Want some expert advice to get you started? Open in new window

Saving got you here. Investing could help take you further.

We’re proud sponsors of the government-backed Invest for the Future campaign, helping people feel more confident about investing.

So, why do people invest?

People invest for all sorts of reasons, from building a nest egg for retirement to helping achieve longer-term goals for themselves and their families.

Over time, inflation, which is the rising cost of living, can reduce the spending power of your money. Even if the balance in your savings account grows, it may not buy as much in the future if prices rise faster than the interest you're earning. Try our inflation calculator to see how rising prices could affect the value of your money over time.

That's why many people choose to invest money they won't need for at least five years. Investing gives your money the potential to grow over the longer term and may provide a better chance of keeping ahead of inflation than holding cash alone.

Of course, investing comes with risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you could get back less than you invest.

Savings or investing: why not both?

If you're regularly putting money aside for the future, saving and investing can both play an important role.

Saving

Savings accounts can offer security, stability and easy access to your money, making them well suited for emergency funds or goals you plan to achieve within the next few years. But if prices rise faster than the interest you earn, the spending power of your savings can gradually fall. For example, something that cost £100 five years ago could cost more than £125 today.

Investing

For longer-term goals, typically five years or more, investing could help your money work harder. You might want to invest in ready made funds, which investment experts build for customers who dont know where to start. Many of our customers start investing monthly to build their investments gradually, smoothing out the ups and downs of the market. If what you invest in is doing well, then typically the value of your investments also goes up. Although returns aren't guaranteed and the value of investments can go down as well as up, investing has historically provided greater growth potential than holding cash and inflation as shown in our graph below.

Is there a ‘perfect time’ to start investing?

You might be thinking ‘when is a good time to start investing?’, especially when there’s so much news that could impact your investments. It’s natural to feel cautious when markets seem uncertain. But when investing for long-term goals, it's important to look beyond short-term market movements.

History shows that financial markets tend to recover from major setbacks over time. The chart below shows how shares, bonds and cash performed during and after significant global events over the past 20 years. While some major events led to sharp market falls, markets went on to recover and, over the longer term, shares delivered stronger growth than cash savings.

Of course, investing involves risk and there are no guarantees. Markets can fall as well as rise, and if you need to withdraw your money during a downturn, you could get back less than you invested. That's why investing is generally best suited to money you won't need for at least five years. It is important to remember that past performance is not an indicator of future performance and should not be relied on as such.

Want to try investing out for yourself?

Investing doesn’t have to be complicated. The reality is that many people start investing with small amounts but regularly into beginner-friendly funds.

We’ve made it simple for someone wanting to take the next step:

Start investing from £50
Choose from five ready-made portfolios
Add money or withdraw when you need to

Managed by the experts at Coutts

Your money is looked after by a team of experienced investment managers at Coutts.

Meet the team Open in new window

We keep fees low

Our fees are low so you keep more of any money you make. We charge 0.55% of your investments. That’s 55p for every £100 in your investments.

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24/7 online access

View your investments alongside your bank accounts, either online or in the mobile app. Top up, manage and withdraw when you like

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You could win £10,000 with our ISA Prize draw

Or 110 other cash prizes, including 10 prizes of £1,000 and 100 prizes of £100.

Every £50 deposited equals one entry.

For a chance to win:

Make a payment or transfer of £50 or more into an ISA; or
Set up a new regular monthly payment or increase existing monthly payment by £50 or more.
If you already pay into an eligible ISA, you're automatically entered. You'll receive one entry for every qualifying £50 added.

Eligible accounts include Fixed Rate ISA, instant access Cash ISA, Stocks and Shares ISA and Junior ISA.

Entry open until 11th January 2027 subject to the eligibility criteria and exclusions. T&Cs, fees and charges may apply.

When investing your capital is at risk. Free entry route available.

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Not sure which account to choose?

The right account depends on your goals. We've highlighted the key features of each account below to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Information Message

You must be a NatWest customer and be over the age of 18 and under the age of 75 and be a UK resident for tax purposes. Tax reliefs referred to are those applied under current legislation, which may change. The availability and the value of any tax relief will depend on your individual circumstances.

Saving for the future?

A Stocks and Shares ISA lets you invest while protecting any growth from UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

Planning for retirement?

A Pension could help you build a retirement pot, with tax relief on contributions.

Investing beyond your ISA allowance?

A General Investment Account offers flexibility with no annual contribution limits.

Saving for a child?

A Junior ISA can help you invest for your child's future, with any money held in their name until they reach 18.

Pick your investment account Open in new window

Want some expert advice to get you started?

Whether you're new to investing or would like extra support, our Online Investment Advice Service could give you a helping hand.

Book a video call with one of our Digital Wealth Managers who'll guide and support you through our specially designed online service to find out: 

How much you can afford to invest monthly, or as a lump sum or both.
Which of our investment funds could be right for you.

Only pay a one-off £200 advice charge if you invest (this is a one-off fee per advice). We won’t charge you anything if we think investing isn’t right for you. 

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