NatWest Bank
NatWest is one of the UK’s most well-known banks and part of the country’s “Big Four” financial institutions. It comes with some great perks – like free banking for the first two years and complimentary accounting software to help manage your finances.
If you’re thinking about opening a bank account with NatWest, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from how the bank works to what documents you’ll need to get started. So, let’s dive in.
History
Bank Timeline
National Westminster Bank, better known as NatWest, is a significant retail and commercial bank headquartered in London. It was formed in 1968 following the merger of Westminster Bank and National Provincial Bank. In 1982, the Frankfurt branch of International Westminster Bank collaborated with Global Bank AG, resulting in the establishment of Deutsche Westminster Bank.
A few years down the line, in 1985, Banco NatWest España came onto the scene. By 1988, the bank expanded further into Europe by launching National Westminster Bank SA, which took over six branches across France and Monaco. Since 2000, NatWest has been part of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which later rebranded as the NatWest Group.
Today, NatWest is considered one of the UK’s most successful banks, with over 526 branches and 3,400 ATMs across the country. It serves more than 7.5 million personal customers and supports over 850,000 small business accounts. In Northern Ireland, the bank operates under the name Ulster Bank.
In 2025, the bank announced a partnership with OpenAI aimed at making banking services more straightforward and intuitive for its customers. As part of this collaboration, the company plans to enhance its customer-facing chatbot and internal assistant, AskArchie, by integrating advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
Account Types
The Main Bank Benefits for Businesses
Before opening an account with NatWest, it’s essential to understand what the bank offers its customers. One of the key perks is free access to FreeAgent accounting software, which makes it much easier for business owners to stay on top of their finances and get ready for tax season.
You’ll also be assigned a dedicated business manager to help guide you through any challenges that come up, plus you’ll have access to 24/7 customer support via their call center. NatWest makes it easy to deposit cash, submit checks, and send international payments.
On top of that, you can get account access to multiple users, making business management more flexible. Clients can also create and send invoices, as well as utilize a user-friendly mobile app to manage their day-to-day banking needs.
NatWest Bank Account Types
National Westminster Bank provides a bunch of account types for clients. We have listed the most popular in our table below, describing their main features.
Steps
How to Open a NatWest Account?
Before opening an account with this bank, it’s essential to review the requirements listed on their website. First off, account holders must be at least 18 years old (unless you’re applying for a child’s or student account). You also need to be employed in the UK and have a clean criminal record.
To open an account, you’ll need to prepare some documents. This includes your passport or driver’s license – an EU ID card is also acceptable. You’ll also need to provide proof of your residential address, like a recent utility bill. If you’re setting up a business account, you’ll be required to show proof that your company’s officially registered, along with IDs of all the owners. Follow these easy steps to set up your new account without any stress:
- Explore your options. Start by carefully reviewing the bank’s account offerings. They have a variety of accounts tailored to different needs, so take your time to read the terms and benefits of each to find the best fit for you.
- Submit your application. You can apply online through the bank’s website by selecting the account type that suits you, or visit a local branch if you prefer face-to-face assistance. Fill in your personal and business details, including contact info, company address, and an estimate of your business turnover.
- Verify your identity. You’ll need to have a valid ID (like a driver’s license) ready to take a photo of. Alternatively, you might be asked to take a selfie or a short video holding your ID. Once the bank verifies your identity, you’ll be all set to start setting up and using your account.
Please note that during the verification process, the bank staff will carefully review your credit history and check for any criminal records. If they need any additional information, they may call you to clarify things.
In some cases – especially for business accounts – you may be asked to complete a tax declaration or authorization using Adobe e-sign. Once your account is approved, you’ll receive a welcome email to your inbox. Finally, you can set up your NatWest bank account and use it for your purposes.
Opening with Us
How Much Time Does It Usually Take to Open a NatWest Account?
Opening a bank account usually doesn’t take much time. Most accounts can be set up within a day, excluding weekends. However, getting your debit card with a PIN code typically takes longer – about 10 to 12 business days. You’ll also need a few days to activate online banking.
If your business has several owners, deals with cash, or sends money abroad, things might take a bit longer. Want to skip the wait and the stress? Let the team at Lawtter Solutions take care of it for you. As our experts have vast experience in opening bank accounts with NatWest, they will handle the entire process without any hassles or mistakes. So, your bank account is closer than you think if you entrust its opening to our professionals.
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