NatWest is one of the big four banks, with a big selection of savings accounts to choose from, from regular savers to fixed rate bonds. If you're set on saving with a high street bank, NatWest could be worth considering, but in this overview we call out which of its savings rates come up short against competitors'. NatWest's top savings rate of 6.17% is available on its regular savings account.
Easy access savings accounts
Cash ISAs
Fixed-rate bonds
Regular savings accounts
Business savings accounts
What is NatWest's best savings account with the highest interest rate?
The best savings account depends on what you want from your savings. If you're after fast access to your money, then an easy-access account should suit you. However, if you're happy to lock your money away for a time to access a higher rate, then a fixed-rate bond is a good option.
Finally, if you're looking to maximise your returns and shield them from income tax, consider an ISA. Below, we've listed the different types of accounts NatWest offers, plus the highest interest rate currently available.
Savings account types include | Easy access, cash ISAs, fixed-rate bonds, regular savers, business |
---|---|
Best easy access rate | 1.6% |
Best cash ISA rate | 4% |
Best fixed-rate bond rate | 3.8% |
Best regular saver rate | 6.17% |
Best business savings account rate | 3.75% |
Fixed bond terms | 1 year 2 months - 2 years 2 months |
Opening options | Branch, website, mobile app, telephone |
FSCS protection |
What’s the difference between instant access and easy access?
Instant access and easy access accounts tend to have fewer restrictions than some other savings accounts. These types of accounts typically allow withdrawals instantly or within 1 day, and have no penalties attached to withdrawing.
For an account to be easy access rather than instant access, it means there may be a short wait when you want to take money out and there can be limits on the number of withdrawals you can make.
In our easy and instant access tables, we show products that are variable rate or cash ISAs, that allow instant withdrawals or withdrawals within 24 hours, and that have no penalties attached to withdrawals. However, for some products, there may be a limit to the number of withdrawals you can make in a specified amount.
Other popular accounts
NatWest has all bases covered. Didn’t find the account type you were looking for? Check our other guides:
A bit about NatWest
In 1968 NatWest was formed out of a merger between National Provincial Bank and Westminster Bank. NatWest offers a range of products to suit all banking requirements. Since then, NatWest has been a regular presence on high streets up and down the UK – with over 600 branches across the country.
In March 2000, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) completed the acquisition of NatWest in a £21 billion deal – the largest in British banking history. As a result, NatWest is now part of one of the world’s largest financial services groups. In July 2020 the banks’ parent company was renamed to NatWest Group to reflect the fact that most of its business was done through the NatWest brand.
Does NatWest offer online or mobile banking?
NatWest offers both!
Customers can manage their finances through a secure online portal, or via a mobile app.
The NatWest app is available to its customers with UK mobile numbers. The app was voted ‘Best Banking App’ in the British Bank Awards 2017. On the app, you can:
- Login securely with fingerprint
- View transactions
- Set up favourite payees
- Pay your contacts up to £250 a day
- Get real-time notifications when you spend, receive or move money
- Set up text alerts to keep up to date with account balances
- Freeze and unfreeze your bank card
- See and download bank statements
How do I decide which account is for me?
You need to work out what it is you need from a savings account. Are you looking to put a bit of money away each month? Are you comfortable restricting access to your money in exchange for a higher rate of interest? When will you need the money?
You need to work out what you need before comparing the different offers available for certain types of account.
For many savers, getting a decent rate of interest will be the main goal while making sure they have the right level of access. Interest rates between banks can vary wildly and NatWest might not necessarily offer the best deals, so make sure you shop around and compare what other banks have to offer.
NatWest customer reviews
In our independent 2024 customer satisfaction survey, 88% of NatWest’s users said they’d recommend the brand to a friend. Customers highlighted the bank’s excellent customer service. However, some cited that its rates could be more competitive. Here’s what some of those NatWest customers had to say:
“I’ve been a customer of NatWest for many years. Their customer service remains among the best out there, and their products are fabulous.”
“When I went in branch, a staff member sat with me and helped mt to find the best savings account for me. I opened the account then and there”
On the Apple App Store, NatWest is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars from 483,000 reviews. On the Google Play Store, NatWest is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, from almost 360,000 reviews (April 2024).
The high street banks tend to be the worst culprits when it comes to passing on higher interest rates to savers, so make sure you compare NatWest’s accounts to the rest of the market to make sure you get a good deal.”
The pros and cons of banking with NatWest?
Pros
- Award-winning app. The NatWest app makes it simple to keep an eye on your finances.
- Flexibility. NatWest offers a range of accounts for any sort of financial need.
- Face-to-face support. NatWest has an expansive high street presence with over 600 branches across the UK. If you prefer face-to-face customer service, there’s likely to be a branch nearby.
Cons
- Better rates elsewhere? Interest rates have risen slight recently, but banks are typically slow to pass on the rise to savers. It helps to shop around to find out where you can get the best deal.
Customer service information for NatWest
Email support | |
---|---|
Telephone support | |
In-app or live chat | |
Contact form | |
Branch support |
Our verdict: Is a savings account from NatWest worth it?
NatWest’s regular and fixed-term savings accounts are competitive, so NatWest could be a good option if you’re looking for an account with a high-street bank. But if you want an easy-access savings account, you may want to compare rate using our best easy and instant access savings accounts page.
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If I open a Natwest saving ISA, is there a penalty for taking money out?
Hi Steven,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
If you’re pertaining to Cash ISA, there is no penalty in taking money out from your account. It is best to contact Natwest directly if you consider opening an account with them and for further info on this matter.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I want to open an account with NatWest.
Hello Gita,
Thank you for your comment.
To open a NatWest account, visit the NatWest website. Set up your account by completing the application form and receive a sort code and account number instantly. This is getting you closer to having your account open. Grab your ID. Your address history, income and ID details will be asked. Basically, you just need to follow the instructions online.
Please ensure that you have read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of this account to help consider whether the product is right for you.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
What is the highest saving interest rate with NatWest?
Hello Angeline,
Thank you for your comment.
There are many types of savings account with NatWest. Upon checking, their website states that you can earn high interest with a Savings Builder account.
If your balance grows by £50+ a month (regular savings condition is met):
1.50% for balances between £1 and £5,000
1.50% for balances between £5,001 and £10,000
0.20% for balances over £10,000
Balance grows by less than £50 a month (regular savings condition is not met): 0.00%. Interest is paid monthly and on a stepped basis which means you’ll earn a different rate on each portion of your balance within the above tiers.
Please visit NatWest’s website to see the interest rates of the other types of accounts.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn