Common questions
Help and advice about ways to save with NatWest
Instant access
Getting started
- How do I open an instant access savings account?
- How long does it take to open an instant access savings account?
- How will I know when my instant access savings account is open?
- Can I open an instant access savings account at my branch?
- Do I need to have an RBS current account to open an instant access savings account?
- Can I have more than one instant access savings account?
- Can I have my instant access savings account in joint names?
How it works
- How do I pay money into my instant access savings account?
- Can I take money out of my instant access savings account at a cash machine?
- How do I close my instant access savings account?
Interest and bonus
- When is the interest paid on my instant access savings account?
- What's the interest rate on my instant access savings account?
Instant access
What's an instant access savings account?
With an instant access savings account you can take some or all of your money out right away, without having to give notice. This gives you access to your cash should you need it in a hurry. If instant access isn't important, a better option may be one of our notice accounts, which are savings accounts where you do need to give notice.
See our range of instant access savings accounts.
Which instant access savings account is best for me?
We have a whole range of instant access savings accounts, each designed with a different kind of saver in mind.
Getting started
How do I open an instant access savings account?
You can call into your local branch and talk to an advisor or talk to us via telephone banking.
How long does it take to open an instant access savings account?
Already a NatWest customer? We'll open your instant access savings account straight away.
New to NatWest? Then it depends how soon you let us have proof of your identity and address.
How will I know when my instant access savings account is open?
We'll write and tell you it's all set up - and we'll let you know your account number and sort code.
Can I open an instant access savings account at my branch?
Yes - you can open any of our instant access savings at your branch.
Do I need to have a NatWest current account to open an instant access savings account?
No - you can open any of our instant access savings accounts whether you bank with us or not.
Can I have more than one instant access savings account?
Yes. You can have as many as you like - different types or the same type.
Can I have my instant access savings account in joint names?
Yes, you can.
How it works
How do I pay money into my instant access savings account?
Your first deposit must come from an account in your own name. You can do this:
- online if you have a NatWest account and are registered for online banking
- by paying in a cheque from an account you hold with any bank.
After that, you can receive online payments from any bank account.
To get in the habit of saving regularly, why not set up a standing order?
Can I take money out of my instant access savings account at a cash machine?
You can with our First Reserve Account.
How do I close my instant access savings account?
Write and let us know you'd like to close your account and we'll issue a cheque for the balance.
Interest & bonus
When is the interest paid on my instant access savings account?
- 30 Day Bonus - end of March annually
- Reward Reserve, First Reserve, Young Saver - Quarterly
What's the interest rate on my instant access savings account?
Interest rates vary according to your balance: the more you save, the higher the rate. Like most interest rates, they are also subject to change. See the current savings account interest rates.