NatWest Business Banking: Overview
NatWest offers business banking to sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, and charities across the UK. The bank is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 121878, and deposits are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000. NatWest's business banking suite includes current accounts, savings, lending, international payments, merchant services, and a range of digital tools accessible through its online and mobile banking platform.
NatWest Business Banking Account Types
| Account |
Monthly Fee |
Free Period |
Best For |
| Business Current Account (Start-Up) |
£0 for 24 months |
24 months |
New businesses (0–24 months) |
| Business Current Account (Established) |
£8 per month |
None |
Existing businesses over 24 months |
| Treasurer's Account |
£0 |
Ongoing |
Clubs, charities, community groups |
| Business Savings Account |
£0 |
N/A |
Holding surplus cash |
How to Log In to NatWest Business Banking Online
NatWest Business Banking is accessed through Bankline (for larger businesses needing multi-user access and complex payment workflows) or NatWest Online Banking (for smaller businesses and sole traders). Most small business customers use Online Banking.
- ▸Visit natwest.com and click "Log in" in the top-right corner, then select "Business Banking."
- ▸Enter your 10-digit Customer Number (printed on your debit card and welcome letter).
- ▸Enter your PIN or password. NatWest uses two-factor authentication: you will be prompted to approve the login via the NatWest app or to enter a one-time passcode sent by SMS.
- ▸Once authenticated, you land on the account overview screen, which displays your current account balance, recent transactions, and quick-access buttons for payments and transfers.
NatWest Business App: Mobile Login
The NatWest Business app (available on iOS and Android) allows login via biometric authentication — fingerprint or Face ID — after initial setup. On first use, you must verify your identity using your existing Customer Number and PIN. The app supports payment approvals, balance checks, payee management, and instant notifications for incoming payments. It does not support Bankline-level multi-user workflows but is suitable for sole traders and small limited companies where one director manages the account.
NatWest Online vs Bankline: Which Does Your Business Need?
| Feature |
Online Banking (Small Business) |
Bankline (Larger Business) |
| Multi-user access |
No |
Yes (with permission levels) |
| Dual authorisation for payments |
No |
Yes |
| Bulk payments / BACS upload |
Limited |
Full |
| International payments (SWIFT) |
Yes (limited) |
Full SWIFT access |
| Monthly cost |
Included in account fee |
Additional Bankline subscription |
Common Login Problems and Fixes
- ▸Forgotten PIN or password — use the "Forgotten details" link on the login page. NatWest will verify your identity via the app or a one-time SMS code, then prompt you to set a new PIN.
- ▸Account locked after failed attempts — call NatWest Business Banking on 0345 711 4477 during business hours. Identity checks apply before unlocking.
- ▸Two-factor authentication not working — check that your registered mobile number is current. Update it via a branch visit or by calling the above number. If the NatWest app push notification fails, request an SMS code as a fallback.
- ▸Bankline not loading — Bankline requires a compatible browser and the NatWest security software (Rapport). Ensure Rapport is installed and updated; disable browser extensions that may conflict.
Case Scenario 1: Sole Trader First Login
Scenario: A newly registered sole trader opens a NatWest Business Current Account online. Within five working days, she receives her debit card and a welcome pack containing her Customer Number. She visits natwest.com, selects Business Banking login, enters her Customer Number and sets her PIN. NatWest sends a push notification to her NatWest app for two-factor authentication. She approves it and immediately accesses her account dashboard, sets up a payee for her main supplier, and creates a standing order for her monthly accountancy fee.
Case Scenario 2: Director Adding a Second User
Scenario: A limited company director with a NatWest Business Account wants his bookkeeper to have read-only access to download statements. NatWest Online Banking does not support this directly — the company upgrades to Bankline. The director registers via Bankline, invites the bookkeeper as a secondary user with "view only" access. The bookkeeper receives a Bankline enrolment code by post, completes setup, and can now download statements directly into the bookkeeper's accounting software without accessing payment functions.
Related reading: UK Business Bank Accounts 2026 | Best Free Business Bank Account UK | How to Open a Business Bank Account UK
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify fees, features and eligibility with NatWest directly before opening an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NatWest business banking login URL?
Business banking is accessed via natwest.com — click "Log in" then select "Business Banking." There is no separate URL; all personal and business logins begin at the same homepage.
What is my NatWest Business Customer Number?
Your 10-digit Customer Number is printed on your NatWest business debit card and in the welcome letter sent when the account was opened. It is also visible when you log into the NatWest app under Account Settings.
Is NatWest Business Banking covered by FSCS?
Yes. NatWest is FCA-authorised (firm reference 121878) and FSCS-eligible. Business deposits are protected up to £85,000 per business per banking group. NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank share a banking licence, so deposits across all three count toward the same £85,000 limit.
Can I access NatWest Bankline on a mobile device?
Bankline has a mobile-optimised version accessible via a browser on smartphones and tablets. There is no dedicated Bankline mobile app; the NatWest Business app is the separate mobile product designed for smaller businesses using Online Banking rather than Bankline.
How long is the NatWest start-up business account free banking period?
NatWest offers 24 months of free business banking for start-ups — defined as businesses trading for fewer than 24 months at the time of application. After the free period, the standard monthly fee of £8 applies unless the account is switched to a different account type.
What number do I call if I'm locked out of NatWest Business Banking?
Call NatWest Business Banking on 0345 711 4477 (UK calls). Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. For out-of-hours card emergencies, 0370 600 0459 is available 24 hours a day.
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