What you need before you start

NatWest offers several savings accounts for different goals — fixed-rate bonds, cash ISAs, and when ready-access savings — but the opening process is the same for all of them. You will need proof of identity, proof of address, and a way to fund the account once it opens.

For identity, NatWest accepts a UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, or a national ID card from an EU, EEA, or Swiss national. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — a birth certificate plus a utility bill, for example — but the process takes longer because NatWest will ask for manual verification.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months. A bank statement works too. You cannot use a mobile phone bill or a credit card statement for this step.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a NatWest savings account online in about 10 minutes if you have a UK passport or driving licence, or in a branch in person with the same documents.
  • NatWest will ask for proof of address (a utility bill or council tax bill from the last three months) and will verify your identity against the electoral register and credit reference agencies.
  • If you are opening online, you will need a mobile phone to receive a one-time security code during the process.
  • You can fund the account when ready after opening by transferring money from another bank account, or you can set up a standing order to pay in regularly.
  • If you do not have standard identity documents, NatWest can still open an account for you, but it will take longer because a staff member will need to verify your details manually.

Opening online through the NatWest website or app

Go to natwest.com and select "Open a savings account" from the homepage, or use the NatWest mobile app if you already have one installed. You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, and contact details. NatWest will then ask you to confirm your identity by uploading a photo of your passport or driving licence — take the photo in good light and make sure all four corners of the document are visible.

Next, you will upload proof of address. Take a photo of the document or upload a PDF if you have one saved. NatWest checks this against the electoral register and credit reference agencies, so the name on the bill must match the name you gave during registration.

You will then receive a one-time security code by text message to the mobile number you provided. Enter this code to confirm your phone number. At this point, NatWest will tell you whether your identity has been verified when ready or whether a staff member needs to check your documents manually — this usually takes one to two working days.

Once you are verified, you will choose which savings account to open and set your initial deposit. You can transfer money from another bank account straight away using Faster Payments, which usually arrives within two hours on a working day.

Opening in a NatWest branch

Find your nearest branch on natwest.com using the branch locator tool. Bring your passport or driving licence and proof of address. You do not need an appointment for most branches, but you can book one online if you prefer to avoid waiting.

A staff member will check your documents, verify your identity on the spot, and open the account while you wait. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You can fund the account when ready by transferring money from another bank account using the branch's find internet connection, or you can do it yourself when you get home.

What happens after you open the account

NatWest will send you a welcome letter with your account number and sort code within five working days. You will also receive online banking access details if you opened online, or you can set this up in the branch. Your account is ready to use as soon as it is opened — you do not need to wait for the welcome letter.

If you chose a fixed-rate bond or notice account, your money will be locked away for the agreed term or notice period, and you cannot withdraw it early without losing interest. If you chose an when ready-access account, you can withdraw money at any time without penalty.

You can set up a standing order to pay money into the account regularly from another bank account. Do this through your main bank's online banking service or by calling them — NatWest does not set up standing orders on their end.

If your identity cannot be verified when ready

If NatWest cannot verify you automatically using the electoral register and credit reference agencies, a staff member will contact you by phone or email within one to two working days. They will ask you to confirm details from your documents or may ask additional questions about your address history.

This does not mean you have been rejected — it means NatWest needs to complete a manual check. The process usually takes another one to two working days after the staff member contacts you. Once you are verified, you will receive a confirmation email and your account will be active.

If you are a new resident in the UK, have recently changed address, or do not appear on the electoral register, manual verification is more likely. Bring extra documents to the branch if you can — a tenancy agreement, a letter from your employer, or a recent bank statement from another bank can all help speed up the process.

Funding your account and setting up regular payments

You can pay money into your NatWest savings account by bank transfer from any other UK bank account. Use your NatWest account number and sort code (which you will see on your welcome letter or in online banking). Transfers usually arrive within two hours on a working day, or within one working day on weekends and bank holidays.

You can also set up a standing order with your main bank to pay a fixed amount into your NatWest savings account on a regular schedule — weekly, monthly, or any other interval you choose. This is done through your main bank's online banking service or by calling them.

Do not pay cash into a NatWest savings account at a branch — NatWest does not accept cash deposits into savings accounts. If you want to pay in cash, you will need to deposit it into a NatWest current account first, then transfer it to your savings account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a NatWest savings account if I do not have a UK address?

No. NatWest requires proof of a UK address dated within the last three months. If you have just moved to the UK, you will need to wait until you have been at your current address for at least three months and have a utility bill or council tax bill to prove it.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online opening takes about 10 minutes if your identity is verified when ready, which happens for most people with a passport or driving licence. If manual verification is needed, add one to two working days. In-branch opening takes 15 to 20 minutes and is verified on the spot.

What if I already have a NatWest current account?

You can open a savings account through your existing online banking login. Log in, select "Open a savings account", and follow the same process — NatWest will not ask for identity verification again because you are already a customer.

Can I open a joint savings account?

Yes. Both account holders will need to provide identity and address documents. You can open a joint account online or in branch, but both people must be present in the branch if you choose to open in person.

What if I do not have a mobile phone to receive the security code?

You will need to open the account in a branch instead. A staff member can verify your identity in person without needing to send a security code to your phone.