NatWest student account review

Learn more about the student bank account offered by NatWest.

If you’re 17 or over and heading to university, NatWest’s Student Bank account offers discounts and an interest-free overdraft.

From time to time NatWest has a cashback offer for students which you might be able to take advantage of too.

Plus, the bank is well-established, has an easy-to-use app and hundreds of bank branches around the UK.

Types of current account for students

NatWest has one current account available for students – the NatWest Student Bank Account.

Below, we’ll explore some of the key details of this account.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a NatWest Student Bank Account, you’ll need to be studying in the UK on a undergraduate course (for at least two years), a postgraduate course (for at least one year) or a nursing course (for at least one year).

You also need to be:

  • aged 17 or over
  • have been living in the UK for at least 3 years

Student arranged overdrafts are available to NatWest Student current account holders aged 18 or over. You’ll have to pass a credit check to be approved for an overdraft too. You must use your Student account as your main account by depositing your wages or other regular income into it.

How to open an account

You can apply for a NatWest Student Bank Account within 6 months of your course start date. Applications can only be completed online.

As part of your application, you’ll need to share various personal and financial details. You’ll also need to share details of the course you’re on, and prove your student status by sharing your 16-digit UCAS code.

The benefits

    • Interest-free overdraft. If your application is successful, you can apply for an overdraft with the NatWest Student Bank account.
    • Account opening incentives. NatWest often runs account opening incentives where you can be rewarded for opening an account.
    • Housemate app. Housemate by NatWest lets you split household bills and pay each other back. You don’t have to bank with NatWest to use it. You just need to be aged over 17 and have a UK bank account.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Interest-free overdraft.
  • Account opening incentives.

Cons

  • This account is not available to international students.
  • Overdraft is limited for the first term.

Customer service information for NatWest

Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support

Frequently asked questions

Our verdict: Is a student account from NatWest worth it?

With its extra perks and an interest-free overdraft, NatWest offers a standout student account.

The bank has focused on creating features that will help students live their life, including being able to link the Housemate app to your account to make it easier to split bills. But if you’re after different types of student perks like a free railcard then it might be best to look at other student accounts.

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Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

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Matthew has written 285 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage
  • Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features
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