Switching to us
We'll make it easy for you
We take the hassle out of switching bank accounts. From cancelling your old account to setting up your new payments, we'll help you every step of the way.
Switching accounts needn't be a chore. We'll take care of it all including:
- Setting up your new standing orders and Direct Debits
- Telling your existing bank to cancel all payments
- Giving you letters, so your employer and other payees can credit money to your new account
- Telling your old bank to close your account and transfer the balance to us
No worries about bank charges
We're confident we can do everything to make sure the process is as trouble free as possible for you. So if we make a mistake or cause an unnecessary delay that causes you to incur bank charges, we'll refund them in full.
Let us match your deal
If you pay your main source of income into your new account with us, we'll do our best to at least match the card and overdraft you have with your old bank.
Which kind of current account suits your needs?
Extra benefit accounts
All the advantages of a regular current account plus a range of extra benefits from complementary insurance to hotel discounts.
Regular account
Straightforward, free everyday banking, online and telephone, and an overdraft if you need it.
Switching your current account to NatWest is easy-and we do most of the work for you. Here's what to expect.
At the start...
Direct Debits and standing orders
Money that's paid into your account
Closing your existing account and transferring the balance
Savings accounts
When the switch is complete
No Direct Debits or standing orders? Switching is even easier
| What we'll do | What we ask you to do |
|---|---|
| We'll send you a letter confirming that we've received your request, what to expect next and who to contact with any questions. | We need your permission to contact your existing bank so we'll ask you to complete and sign a short authorisation form. If you open your new account at a branch, we'll complete the form for you. If you apply for your account over the phone or online, an authorisation form will be sent out to you if you indicate 'yes' to the question 'Are you transferring an existing account from another financial institution?'. |
| What we'll do | What we ask you to do |
|---|---|
| We'll ask your existing bank or building society to send us details of your standing orders and Direct Debits, then set them up exactly as they are on your old account. We'll then tell your existing bank to cancel all these payments. You can choose to review your Direct Debits and standing orders before we set them up though this can lengthen the process by up to three weeks. If you choose this option, we'll send you a list of the payments being made by your existing bank and ask you to confirm which payments you wish us to make, and from what date. | We rely on your existing bank and the Direct Debit originators to comply with our instructions regarding where to take your payments from. We recommend that you make sure your old account has been closed and check your statements carefully to make sure everything is proceeding as planned. |
| What we'll do | What we ask you to do |
|---|---|
| We'll give you letters with your new account details, so you can tell your employer, pension or other payment providers to send any regular credits to your NatWest account. | We need you to pass the letters we give you with your new account details to your employer, pension or other payment providers, so they know to send regular credits to your NatWest account. If you receive dividend payments on shares, let us know so we can advise the registrars of your new account details. |
| What we'll do | What we ask you to do |
|---|---|
| We'll ask your existing bank to close your account and transfer the balance to your NatWest account. We'll give them five working days' notice to do this. We can even transfer overdrawn balances, as long as you have sufficient funds or an agreed overdraft on your new account. If you need to arrange an overdraft, speak to your branch, or use our telephone or internet banking services. | If you ask us to close your existing account, you'll need to return any cheque books or cards to your old bank, or confirm to them that they've been destroyed. We'll give you a letter to use to do this. Your old bank may not comply with our instructions unless you do so. If you don't ask us to close your existing account, you'll need to make your own arrangements. |
| What we'll do | What we ask you to do |
|---|---|
| We can transfer the balance on any savings accounts you hold elsewhere to a NatWest savings account of your choice. Please ask your branch about our simple ISA transfer service. We're unable to transfer Fixed Rate Bonds. | We do everything for you. |
| What we'll do | What we ask you to do |
|---|---|
| We'll send you a letter to tell you when we have completed all our actions. | Nothing - just start using your new NatWest current account. |
It's even easier if you have no Direct Debits or standing orders
If you only want to redirect payments into your account, then there's no need to complete an Account Switching Authorisation Form.
Instead, just use the template letter we give you to write to your employer, pension or other credit providers with your new NatWest account details.
To open a new current account, we’ll need to see one identification document and one address verification document. We need this information to comply with money laundering regulations and to help stop criminals using financial products or services to move money around.
You can't use the same item to confirm both your name and address.
Proof of your Identity:
- A current valid full Passport.
- An EU national Identity Card or Gibraltar Civilian Registration Card.
Confirm your current permanent address:
- A utility bill (e.g. gas or telephone - mobile telephone bills are not acceptable)**
- A local authority/tax bill **
- A UK or local bank or building society statement**
- A motor insurance certificate
- A house insurance certificate
All documents must be the most recent that you have received and be originals - not photocopies. Please note that for persons resident in certain jurisdictions we may require additional information. Please ask a member of staff who can provide advice in this respect.
*Certified copies must be received form a suitable person e.g. A Director, Manager or Officer of a regulated Bank or Financial Institution. A Member of the Judiciary, Lawyer, Accountant, Notary Public, Actuary or Company Secretary who is a member of a recognised professional body. An Embassy Official, Senior Civil Servant or Servicing Police Officer. All documents must be certified as a true copy and any photographs should be certified as a true likeness. The certifier must sign and clearly print their name, date the certification and indicate their position or capacity on the copied document along with their contact details. We reserve the right to contact the countersigned or request additional documentary evidence from you.
** These items must not be more than 6 months old (12 months for tax bills) If you are unable to provide any of the documentation listed, other documentation is acceptable, please speak to a member of staff.
Come and talk to us
If you need any further help or advice, visit your nearest branch or contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Apply now
Call us on
+44(0) 1534 282300
Lines are open: Mon to Fri 8.30am-5.30pm
(excluding public holidays).
Calls may be recorded