5 Critical NatWest Updates for 2025 You Can't Ignore
Big changes are coming to NatWest in 2025! Discover 5 critical updates, from new security features and green savings to a revamped app and fee changes.
Daniel Evans
A financial journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK retail banking.
The world of banking is never static, and as we step into 2025, NatWest is rolling out some of its most significant updates in years. From the way you log in to how you save and spend, these changes are designed to make your banking experience more secure, intuitive, and aligned with modern values. If you're a NatWest customer, you'll want to get ahead of the curve.
1. Security That Sees You: The Next Generation of Biometrics
In an ongoing effort to combat sophisticated fraud, NatWest is doubling down on biometric security for 2025. While fingerprint and facial recognition have become standard, the bank is introducing 'Behavioural Biometrics' into its mobile app. This cutting-edge system learns your unique patterns—like the speed at which you type, the angle you hold your phone, and the pressure of your taps—to create an invisible layer of security.
What does this mean for you? If someone else gets hold of your phone and password, the app can detect that the user's behaviour doesn't match your profile and trigger additional security checks or lock the account. It’s a seamless upgrade that works in the background to protect you without requiring any extra steps. Furthermore, voice biometrics are being rolled out for telephone banking, allowing you to securely verify your identity simply by speaking a passphrase. Say goodbye to fumbling for your mother's maiden name!
2. Investing with Impact: The New 'Green Future' Accounts
Responding to a growing demand for ethical finance, NatWest is launching a dedicated suite of 'Green Future' products. This includes a new savings account and an accessible investment ISA designed for customers who want their money to make a positive impact on the planet.
The Green Future Saver Account
Unlike a standard savings account, the funds deposited in the Green Future Saver are ring-fenced and used exclusively to finance renewable energy projects across the UK, such as wind farms and solar installations. While the interest rate is competitive, the main draw is transparency. Customers will receive an annual 'Impact Report' detailing exactly how their collective savings have contributed to carbon reduction and clean energy generation.
Standard Saver vs. Green Future Saver
| Feature | Standard Instant Saver | Green Future Saver |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | Variable, standard market rate | Competitive fixed or variable rate |
| Use of Funds | General bank lending activities | Exclusively funds UK renewable energy projects |
| Key Benefit | Flexibility and easy access | Ethical impact and transparency |
| Reporting | Standard annual statement | Annual 'Impact Report' detailing environmental benefits |
3. Your App Gets Smarter: Meet the Revamped Cora AI Assistant
The NatWest mobile app is getting a major intelligence boost. The bank's digital assistant, Cora, is being upgraded with proactive, personalised financial insights. Think of it as a financial coach living in your pocket.
The new Cora will:
- Analyse Spending Habits: It will automatically categorise your spending and provide weekly or monthly summaries, highlighting areas where you could save money. For example, it might notice you have three different streaming subscriptions and ask if you still use them all.
- Predict 'Bill Shocks': By learning your regular payment cycles, Cora can warn you if an upcoming bill (like annual car insurance) is larger than usual or if your account balance might not be sufficient to cover it, helping you avoid fees.
- Set Smart Savings Goals: Tell Cora you're saving for a holiday, and it will help you create a realistic savings plan, suggesting small, regular transfers to a savings pot and celebrating milestones along the way.
This moves the app from a reactive tool for checking balances to a proactive partner in managing your financial well-being. The goal is to empower users to make smarter financial decisions with minimal effort.
4. A Fairer Way to Borrow: Overhauling Overdraft Fees
Navigating overdraft fees has often been a confusing and costly experience for customers. In 2025, NatWest is simplifying its entire overdraft structure to be more transparent and, for many, more affordable. The complex system of daily usage fees is being completely scrapped.
The new model is based on a single, clear annual interest rate (EAR) applied to your overdrawn balance. There will be no additional fees for using the overdraft, whether arranged or unarranged. Furthermore, many accounts will now include a small, interest-free overdraft buffer (e.g., £50) to prevent charges on minor, temporary negative balances.
This change is particularly beneficial for those who occasionally dip into their overdraft for short periods. It removes the sting of high daily charges and makes the cost of borrowing much easier to understand and calculate. It's a welcome move towards greater transparency and fairness in everyday banking.
5. The 'NatWest Horizon' Account: A New Tier of Premier Banking
For higher-net-worth individuals and frequent travellers, NatWest is introducing a new top-tier account: NatWest Horizon. This account sits above the existing Premier Banking offering and is designed to provide a more holistic service combining wealth management, exclusive lifestyle benefits, and global travel perks.
Key benefits of the NatWest Horizon account include:
- Dedicated Relationship Manager: A single point of contact for all banking and wealth management needs.
- Worldwide Family Travel Insurance: Comprehensive, multi-trip travel insurance that covers the account holder and their immediate family.
- Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges globally via a partner network.
- Preferential Rates: Access to better rates on mortgages, loans, and investment products.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: No NatWest fees for using your debit card for purchases or cash withdrawals abroad.
This new account aims to compete directly with other premium offerings on the market, providing significant value for customers who meet the higher eligibility criteria (which typically involve a substantial income or level of savings/investments with the bank).
What This Means for You: Key Takeaways
These 2025 updates represent a significant evolution for NatWest, focusing on security, ethics, and customer empowerment. Here’s what you should do now:
- Explore the App: Once the updates roll out, take time to navigate the new features in your mobile app, especially the enhanced Cora assistant. Set up a savings goal to see it in action.
- Review Your Savings: Consider if the 'Green Future' account aligns with your personal values. It’s a powerful way to make your money work for the planet.
- Understand the New Overdrafts: If you ever use your overdraft, familiarise yourself with the new single-rate structure. It will likely save you money and stress.
- Assess Your Account Needs: If you're a frequent traveller or have significant assets, see if you qualify for the new NatWest Horizon account. The benefits could far outweigh the monthly fee.
Change can be daunting, but these NatWest updates are overwhelmingly positive for customers. By staying informed, you can leverage these new tools and products to build a stronger, smarter, and more secure financial future.