Natwest step account closing

osborn99

Received the email, they're switching me to a basic account:

We are making some changes to our range of current accounts. The main one that will affect you is that we will no longer offer the Step Account.

Having reviewed your existing account, we believe our new Basic Account is the current account in our new range that is most similar to your existing account. So, on 22 November 2011, we will change your Step Account to a Basic Account.

When your account changes you'll keep your existing account number, sort code and security details. You can continue to use your existing debit card until it expires or we send you a replacement. Any Direct Debits, standing orders and payments, such as your salary, paid direct to your account will carry on as they do now.

There are a few differences you need to be aware of, and these are set out below.

What is changing?

The main change to your account relates to withdrawing cash. Once your account has changed, you will only be able to withdraw cash from:

NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank branded cash machines within the UK or Gibraltar

any NatWest or Post Office® branch counter

any cash machine outside the UK and Gibraltar which displays the Visa logo (but the owners of these cash machines may charge a fee) and

retailers that offer cashback to their customers.

You won't be able to use UK cash machines from other banks or providers.

Please remember:

there are over 8,000 NatWest and RBS cash machines in the UK

cash machines in many supermarkets, including Tesco and Morrisons, are NatWest or RBS branded

over 11,000 Post Office® branch counters can be used to withdraw cash

to find local cash machines that you can use, visit our website at natwest.com/branch-locator

online banking can help you manage your money when it suits you

you can also access mobile banking through our iPhone app – you can download our iPhone app from iTunes or natwest.com

If you live in a remote, rural area or have a disability, and this change makes access to cash a severe hardship, please call us on the number below and we will be happy to discuss an alternative solution for you.

osborn99

So you can use any cash machine abroad but not in the uk. What a joke!

jonesMUFCforever

There are still plenty of free machines that you can use.
If there is none that suit apply at another bank for an account.

cleggie

I have just received this email too. I am not too concerned, and am thinking it may help me to spend less anyway!!

[Deleted User]

I'm concerned, I just got this email about the STEP account changing and they tell me I have to swap to the Basic Account.

I've just applied and been denied :mad:................... as I have a DRO until the 13th December.

So if they won't swap me over and they're closing the STEP account how can I pay my rent/bills?

Really annoyed as I'm starting UNI next week and it's another thing I need to organise :mad:

I really liked Natwest too

chambta

Open a First Reserve account. That comes with a cash card that can be used at any ATM. If you need to withdraw from a non-Group ATM you can do so from here.

[Deleted User]

chambta wrote: »

Open a First Reserve account. That comes with a cash card that can be used at any ATM. If you need to withdraw from a non-Group ATM you can do so from here.

I've got a first reserve but you can no longer set up direct debits against the account. If you just want to use ATMs it's fine but what about Direct Debits?

jen245

nicci985 wrote: »

I'm concerned, I just got this email about the STEP account changing and they tell me I have to swap to the Basic Account.

I've just applied and been denied :mad:................... as I have a DRO until the 13th December.

So if they won't swap me over and they're closing the STEP account how can I pay my rent/bills?

Really annoyed as I'm starting UNI next week and it's another thing I need to organise :mad:

I really liked Natwest too

What did you apply for? Theyre changing accounts automatically, so you don't have to apply, and as Chambta said, just use your first reserve account for cash withdrawals

[Deleted User]

jen245 wrote: »

What did you apply for? Theyre changing accounts automatically, so you don't have to apply, and as Chambta said, just use your first reserve account for cash withdrawals

I applied for a basic bank account without an overdraft and just got declined straightaway. So how will they swap me to this bank account on the 22nd November if they are declining me for it today???

jen245

Because you already have a basic account (Step account). The email says they will change your account over to the Basic account and that your account details will stay the same.

chambta

nicci985 wrote: »

I've got a first reserve but you can no longer set up direct debits against the account. If you just want to use ATMs it's fine but what about Direct Debits?

I'm suggested if you are unable/unwilling to open a Select account then an alternative to get around the ATM restriction is to run a First Reserve too. With Digital Banking/Telephone Banking/IPhone App transfers can be made to this and funds withdrawn using the other card.