Natwest Current Account - Is it any good?

innovate

It all depends what you need the account for. I agree, the Halifax OD charges are near obscene.

However, if you don't need an OD, Halifax beats NatWest hands down, because you can earn a fiver a month in a Halifax reward account, whereas at Natwest, the potential is a big fat zero.

Sharon87

innovate wrote: »

It all depends what you need the account for. I agree, the Halifax OD charges are near obscene.

However, if you don't need an OD, Halifax beats NatWest hands down, because you can earn a fiver a month in a Halifax reward account, whereas at Natwest, the potential is a big fat zero.

From May onwards you need at least 2 Direct Debits and pay £750 into the account, for the fiver, so on that note it could be a better account, but I find Natwest better as my main account

innovate

Sharon87 wrote: »

From May onwards you need at least 2 Direct Debits and pay £750 into the account, for the fiver, so on that note it could be a better account, but I find Natwest better as my main account

It has needed monthly funding of £1K/mth for years as a pre-req for the fivers. It shouldn't be too difficult to fund a main current account with that amount, and it will become even easier when they lower the requirement to £750 in May. Also, 2 Direct Debits are not hard to find.

It is important to note, however, that it is not compulsory to pay in the £750/mth and to have 2 DDs. You just don't get the free fivers if you don't.

rb10

If you use internet banking, then it's worth noting that Natwest's offering is basic, yet cluttered with adverts.

It does most of the basic functions you'd expect from online banking; it's main problem is that it's outdated and in need of a revamp. Halifax's online banking is significantly better.

Customer service at Natwest isn't too good either - they generally come towards the bottom of surveys. Having said that, they've put a lot of money into their 'Customer Charter', which indicates that they're aware of their failings & are trying to improve things.

I'd go with Halifax over Natwest any day, if you stay in credit.

pmduk

When things go wrong though, Natwest are far superior to Halifax in my experience. Halifax will initially deny there's a problem,

rb10

pmduk wrote: »

When things go wrong though, Natwest are far superior to Halifax in my experience. Halifax will initially deny there's a problem,

I've seen Natwest's complaints process to be smoother than Halifax's ... but you're significantly more likely to use it as Natwest make more mistakes.

Lowermax

I've been with Natwest for about 10 years (opened with student overdraft). They have been great! I had a few charges when I was a poor student when I went over my overdraft but that's understandable.

My girlfriend and I now have a joint gold account with them which costs £15 a month (£7.50) but this covers us for phone insurance, breakdown cover, travel insurance and lots more so its well worth it! The online services are great and the iPhone app is incredible for transferring money and checking your in comings and outgoings from your account.

Such a great service we will now be going to them for a mortgage (I've heard they are very good but will be shopping around as well)

Overall a great service from them and would 100% recommend them!

KTF

Lowermax wrote: »

Such a great service we will now be going to them for a mortgage (I've heard they are very good but will be shopping around as well)

Make sure there is plenty of emphasis on the shopping around part.

Country_Lad

My girlfriend and I now have a joint gold account with them which costs £15 a month (£7.50) but this covers us for phone insurance, breakdown cover, travel insurance and lots more so its well worth it!
Overall a great service from them and would 100% recommend them![/QUOTE]

Only DO NOT use their Holiday Travel Service. Like a fool I did believing it would save me money. In actual fact it cost me £535 more than had I booked the holiday myself direct .
When I complained Thomas Cook wiped their hands saying as I had booked using the Nat West Gold Account telephone number I should take my complaint up with Nat West. Of course Nat West said sorry nothing to do with them Thomas Cook was at fault.
Needless to say I will not be using the Nat West Travel service again and would seriously advise others not to as well.
In fact I would go a lot farther, leave Nat West Gold Account all together. Why on earth pay £15 a month for a service that costs you an additional £535 extra than had you done it yourself.

Country_Lad

My girlfriend and I now have a joint gold account with them which costs £15 a month (£7.50) but this covers us for phone insurance, breakdown cover, travel insurance and lots more so its well worth it!
Overall a great service from them and would 100% recommend them![/QUOTE]

Only DO NOT use their Holiday Travel Service. Like a fool I did believing it would save me money. In actual fact it cost me £535 more than had I booked the holiday myself direct .
When I complained Thomas Cook wiped their hands saying as I had booked using the Nat West Gold Account telephone number I should take my complaint up with Nat West. Of course Nat West said sorry nothing to do with them Thomas Cook was at fault.
Needless to say I will not be using the Nat West Travel service again and would seriously advise others not to as well.
In fact I would go a lot farther, leave Nat West Gold Account all together. Why on earth pay £15 a month for a service that costs you an additional £535 extra than had you done it yourself.