How do I set up an email address?

Having an email account can be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, shop online and use online or mobile banking services.

It's easy and free to set up an email address

There are many free to use email companies (for example, gmail.com, yahoo.com and hotmail.com) and setting up an account could not be simpler:

1. Visit the website of your chosen email provider.
2. Select 'Create new account' and fill in the details as requested.
3. Select a username that will be memorable to you. This username can be your name, a nickname, a company name but should be memorable to you. This will create the first part of your email address. For example, should you choose your name as your username, your email address will appear as an example as: 'yourname@emailprovider.com'. If your chosen username is already in use you will be asked to choose an alternative. This can sometimes be as simple as adding numbers or special characters to your chosen username.
4. You will then need to create a secure password for your new account. This will need to be something that you will easily remember and will usually need to contain both upper and lower case letter, numbers and sometimes special characters.
5. Some email providers will ask for further information such as your mobile phone number or your date of birth. It's up to you if you choose to enter this. This information can be used for security on your new account and can help should you forget your password in the future.

Once your email address is set up you will be able to send and receive emails on desktop computers, and on most mobile smart phones.

There are also lots of helpful videos on setting up email accounts on YouTube.

Security Tips when using your new Email Account

• When you receive an email you should check it for signs that it may not be from the company it appears to be from.
• Check the email address. Is it the same as the email address you usually receive emails from, or just similar?
• Check the email subject line; anything along the lines of “There is a secure message waiting for you”, “Security Alert”, “System Upgrade” and so on should be treated as suspect.
• Check the message is personalised with information like your name, your postcode or part of your account number. If it isn’t personalised at all then you should be suspicious.
• Look for a prompt to click on a hyperlink or a button, or to download a file – something like “Verify your account or password” or “update your security details”. These will likely take you to a copycat website where you will be prompted to enter your full details.
• Be suspicious of any message that creates a sense of urgency, such as “If you don’t respond within 48 hours, your account will be closed”. A legitimate company will not create a false sense of urgency.

Remember, never respond to any suspicious emails and don’t click on any links or attachments within them.

NatWest International will never ask you for your full PIN or Password.

Remember, you should keep your operating system and all software up to date, installing updates when prompted to do so.

For further information on staying safe online and using email securely visit our Security Centre.