NatWest won't tell me what their withdrawal limit is... how UNhelpful!

7sefton

I paid in a cheque for my inheritance today at a city centre branch of NatWest over the counter. Whilst doing so, I asked the cashier what the maximum cash withdrawal was over the counter. This was partly out of curiosity and party for future reference.

To my surprise, the cashier made me feel like a criminal: she looked at me suspiciously and said she couldn't tell me for security reasons. This baffled me - since when was a bank unable to tell customers how much of their own money could be withdrawn on demand? The cashier then asked what kind of sum I was talking about, and I said £20,000 (kind of plucked out of this air to see what she would say). I was told I would have to give 48 hours notice and bring ID with me for this amount. So I then asked what amount wouldn't require notice, and she stubbornly refused to disclose it. £5000? £500? £5? She wouldn't tell me what the limit was which would mean I'd have to come all the way to the branch and possibly be sent home and told to wait 48 hours.

At least Halifax make it clear - £1200 per day over the counter, 48 hours notice otherwise.

This situation really annoyed me - I want a bank that can service my needs honestly and openly. Instead I got the impression the cashier was just being petty and bureaucratic. Helpful banking? Not at NatWest.

shaven-monkey

Concerned you're trying to find out how much cash is on hand in the branch.
Do you look like an armed robber?

7sefton

Not at all

(In my opinion, of course)

stclair

The cashier was possibly scared you was gonna pull a gun out on him or her.

Id possibly call up the branch and ask the question.

If someone asked me what the maximum withdrawl was over the counter id possibly !!!! it aswell lol

LilacPixie

weird. My local Abbey branch has signs up saying withdrawals over £500 please give 48hours notice to avoid disappointment.

Olipro

the limit is £3000, if you want to withdraw more than that you must give at least 24-48 hours notice.

MoneySavingUser

HSBC says as much as you want!

monkey82

maybe it depends on the branch? I have withdrawn a £4.5k and a £5k lump sum from my Natwest account for various things in recent months, and have been able to have the money there and then, no requirement for 48hr notice - my branch is only a small market town one, not city centre or anything...?

Olipro

officially their no-notice limit is £3000, but, if they have it in stock then they will give it to you (and most NatWest branches tend to have a fair ole bit of cash in stock)

HouseHuntr

Olipro wrote: »

officially their no-notice limit is £3000, but, if they have it in stock then they will give it to you (and most NatWest branches tend to have a fair ole bit of cash in stock)

That's nice to know! Right, I'm off to buy a balaclava and some gloves

pimento

First Direct will let you write a cheque for £5000 without an arrangement (subject to available funds). more than that and you have to call them first.

What gets me though is the way the whole queue can hear the cashier count out the money you withdraw making you a mugger magnet.