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Is NatWest Still Worth It? My Honest Take on UK Banking in 2024 Okay, real talk: I never thought I’d find myself writing a post about my experiences with NatWest. But after the wild ride that was last year—rising interest rates, digital everything, and a few too many “unexpected maintenance” messages—I figured, why not spill the tea? Whether you’re a student, a new grad, or just someone thinking about switching banks, maybe my story will help you out. The First Time I Walked Into NatWest Picture this: a rainy Thursday in Manchester, 2017. I’m fresh out of uni, nervously clutching my passport and proof of address, walking into the local NatWest branch because “online onboarding” was still a bit iffy back then. I remember the smell of coffee and the slightly worn-out carpet. The staff were honestly lovely, and there was this sense of calm that made me feel like, “Yeah, maybe adulting isn’t that scary.” That was my NatWest origin story. Fast forward seven years, and so much has changed. I barely go to branches anymore (who does?), and my banking is basically an app on my phone. But has NatWest kept up with me? Well… yes and no. The Good Stuff: Why I Still Stick Around The app is actually pretty slick. I can freeze my card in two taps, see my spending trends, and get notifications instantly. Plus, those little savings pots? Life changing for my chaotic budgeting style. Customer service is mostly on point. One time my card got cloned (long story, involves a dodgy kebab shop), and NatWest sorted it out within hours. No endless hold music, just a real person who actually cared. Rewards and offers. Okay, they’re not going to make you rich, but the odd cashback or cinema ticket is always a nice surprise. It’s like finding a fiver in your pocket when you do laundry. But... It’s Not All Roses Like, I won’t lie—NatWest isn’t perfect. The online banking interface on desktop still feels a bit 2014. And don’t even get me started on those times the app randomly decides it needs “urgent maintenance” at the most inconvenient moments (why is it always 2am before payday?!). Also, if you’re into super trendy fintech stuff, NatWest can feel a bit... slow. My friend who uses Monzo literally splits bills with emojis and gets paid back in seconds. Sometimes I get a bit of FOMO watching her do her thing at brunch. A Little Real Talk: What Actually Matters? For me, banking is all about trust. Sure, I want cool features, but I also want to know my money is safe, my data is private, and if something goes wrong, someone’s got my back. NatWest, for the most part, delivers on that. I never feel like I’m just a number. Even when I’m chatting with someone in the app, there’s this sense of, “We’ve got you.” The Verdict: Should You Bank With NatWest? Here’s my hot take: If you’re after reliability, a decent app, and the backing of a big-name bank, NatWest is still a solid choice. It’s not trying to be the flashiest or most futuristic, but it does the basics really, really well. If you want to get experimental with your banking, maybe look elsewhere—but if you want peace of mind? I’d say give NatWest a shot. My Advice? Try It For Yourself We all bank differently. If you’re curious, download the app, open a basic account, and see how it fits your vibe. And if you’ve had weird or wonderful experiences with NatWest, drop them in the comments—I love a good banking story! Final thought: At the end of the day, your money deserves a home that feels right. For me, that’s still NatWest… for now.