Part of our NatWest — Complete Guide 2026 hub.
NatWest’s standard current account is free to hold, but like all banks, charges apply for overdrafts, international use, and premium account features. Here’s a clear breakdown of every fee you might encounter as a NatWest customer. Figures below were checked against natwest.com in September 2026 — always verify the current fee schedule before relying on them, as banks update pricing regularly.
NatWest Fees at a Glance
| Charge | Rate |
|---|---|
| Select account monthly fee | £0 |
| Reward account monthly fee | £2 |
| Reward Silver monthly fee | £10 (rising to £12 from 1 October 2026) |
| Reward Platinum monthly fee | £22 (rising to £23 from 1 October 2026) |
| Arranged overdraft interest | ~39.9% EAR |
| Unarranged overdraft | ~39.9% EAR |
| UK ATM withdrawal | Free |
| Overseas ATM withdrawal | 2.75% |
| Foreign card transaction | 2.75% |
| Faster Payments (transfers) | Free |
| CHAPS payment | ~£21–£23 (confirm current fee — varies by destination account) |
Monthly Account Fees
NatWest’s core Select current account carries no monthly fee — it’s a free-to-hold account with standard banking features including a debit card, online banking, and the NatWest app.
NatWest also offers a range of Reward packaged accounts which charge a monthly fee in exchange for added benefits:
NatWest Reward Account (£2/month)
The entry-level paid account rewards you for using it rather than paying a flat cashback percentage. As of September 2026, NatWest’s own terms state you can earn:
- £4 a month for having 2 or more active Direct Debits of at least £2 each
- £1 a month for logging into the NatWest mobile app
- Additional, variable Rewards for spending at partner retailers (offers change roughly every two weeks)
To qualify, you need to pay in at least £1,250 a month to an eligible NatWest account. Together, the Direct Debit and app-login Rewards can total up to £5/month — comfortably covering the £2 fee for most qualifying customers. Partner-retailer offers are promotional and change frequently, so don’t rely on a fixed cashback percentage; check the NatWest app for current offers.
NatWest Reward Silver (£10/month, rising to £12 from 1 October 2026)
Includes European travel insurance (covering trips of up to 22 days) and worldwide mobile phone insurance (covering loss, theft, accidental damage, and breakdown after the manufacturer’s warranty expires). Reward Silver does not currently include breakdown cover — that is a Reward Platinum benefit. Worthwhile if you travel within Europe regularly and would otherwise buy travel and phone insurance separately. From 1 October 2026, NatWest has said it will refresh Reward Silver’s benefits alongside the fee increase — check natwest.com for the updated terms.
NatWest Reward Platinum (£22/month, rising to £23 from 1 October 2026)
NatWest’s most comprehensive standard packaged account. Includes worldwide family travel insurance (31 days per trip, including winter sports, covering the account holder, partner, and dependent children), UK breakdown cover, and worldwide mobile phone insurance (up to £2,000, 60 days’ cover). Worth comparing against standalone policies to check if it represents value for money for your household.
Note: “Reward Black” is not a standard, generally available NatWest account — it exists as Premier Reward Black, restricted to NatWest Premier Banking customers who meet wealth criteria (broadly £100,000+ sole income, £120,000+ joint income, £100,000+ in savings/investments with NatWest, or a £500,000+ NatWest mortgage). Its fee is £36/month, rising to £39/month from 1 October 2026. It is not available to standard retail customers.
Overdraft Fees
NatWest charges interest on overdraft usage rather than daily or monthly flat fees. The arranged overdraft rate is approximately 39.9% EAR for most accounts — this is relatively high compared to some challenger banks, but in line with most high-street banks following the FCA’s overdraft pricing rules introduced in 2020.
Key points:
- Interest is charged daily on the amount overdrawn
- Unarranged overdraft usage is also charged at ~39.9% EAR
- NatWest offers an interest-free overdraft buffer of £0 by default on most accounts (unlike some banks that offer a small buffer)
- You can check your arranged overdraft limit and current usage in the NatWest app
To reduce overdraft costs:
- Set up low balance alerts in the app to avoid dipping into your overdraft accidentally
- Use the NatWest app’s Spending tab to track outgoings
- If you regularly use your overdraft, a 0% interest overdraft from a bank like Starling (£0 fee, lower rates) may save you money
Foreign Transaction Fees
NatWest charges 2.75% on all transactions made outside the UK, including:
- Purchases on your debit card abroad
- ATM withdrawals overseas
- Online purchases billed in a foreign currency
There is no cap on this fee — a £1,000 purchase abroad costs £27.50 in fees alone.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees:
If you travel frequently or shop internationally, a dedicated travel-friendly account is worth considering:
| Provider | Overseas Fee |
|---|---|
| Starling Bank | Free (up to £300/month at ATMs, then 0.5%) |
| Chase UK | Free (up to £1,500/month) |
| Wise (debit card) | Low conversion fee, no transaction fee |
| Monzo | Free within limits |
Many people maintain a NatWest account for day-to-day UK banking and use one of the above when travelling.
Transfer and Payment Fees
- Faster Payments — free for all standard bank transfers within the UK (most online transfers arrive within seconds)
- CHAPS — same-day guaranteed transfers carry a fee of roughly £21–£23 depending on the destination account, based on NatWest’s published payment guidance — confirm the current fee at natwest.com before sending
- Standing orders — free to set up and maintain
- Direct debits — free
How to Check Your Specific Fees
Fees can vary slightly between account types and can change over time. The most reliable way to check your specific charges is:
- Log in to the NatWest app and go to Account details
- Check the Terms and Conditions document for your account
- Visit the NatWest fees page directly at natwest.com