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Our Select account

Open our everyday bank account

To apply, you need to be 18+ and a UK resident. 

Why choose our basic bank account?

This bank account is free of a monthly fee.

Manage your account whenever and wherever you need to with our easy-to-use mobile banking app.

Pay however you like with Apple Pay, Google Pay™ or Contactless Debit Card. Limits apply.

Arranged overdrafts are available too. Subject to eligibility. For more information, see our Overdraft details section below. 

A simple bank account that gives you more

Our basic bank account is free from a monthly fee and can be opened online. The Select account, and all of our bank accounts, come with some little extras which can help you save, budget and take stock of your finances.

Mobile banking screen showing budgeting activity

Budget better, spend less

Spending will put your transactions in to categories, giving you a detailed view of where your money is going.

Available to customers aged 16+ who hold a Personal or Premier current account.

Information Message

Take a closer look at how spending works Open in new window
Mobile banking screen for viewing Credit Score

Know your score

With our mobile app you can keep up to date with your credit score for free.

Available to customers aged 16+ who hold a Personal or Premier current account.

Information Message

Take a look at how you can check your score Open in new window
Mobile banking screen for Open Banking

View your accounts with other banks

View balances and transactions on selected accounts with participating UK banks. All your money on one screen.

You need to be registered for online banking with your other banks.

Information Message

Take stock of your accounts with open banking today Open in new window

Overdraft details

How do overdrafts work?

An arranged overdraft can be useful for short term borrowing. Understand arranged and unarranged overdrafts and their impact on your account. An overdraft is a form of borrowing and is repayable on demand.

How much will an overdraft cost?

Understand the cost and impact of overdrafts and whether you're eligible to apply for one. If you don't repay what is owed, you could harm your credit score and borrowing capability.

How to open a bank account online

Apply online

During the application we'll ask for information about you such as your address, job etc. So have these ready.

Provide your ID

You'll need to provide proof of your ID and address. You might be able to do this online, look out for an email from us.

Check your details

We'll check we have everything we need to open your account. Look out for your new debit card in the post.

Your account is open

Start using your new account. Log in to Digital banking and download our mobile app to bank on the go.

Switch to Royal Bank

The Current Account Switch Service will do all the work when it comes to switching, moving everything across from your old account all within 7 working days, including Direct Debits and standing orders. All you need to do is tell us the details of your old bank account and when you want the switch to start.

We can not switch savings accounts or ISAs through this service. Any other products you have with your old bank will not be moved at the same time.

Current Account Switch Guarantee (PDF, 39KB)

A Guide to Switching Current Accounts (PDF, 3MB)

How does the Switch Service work?

Open in new window

Everyday current account – Frequently asked questions

Get ready to apply

Before you apply, we need to check you're happy with a few things. And ask you a few questions up front. Then we can make your application as quick and simple as it can be.

First things first. You can apply if you:

  • are aged 18 or over and a UK resident

Now please take a look at the important legal info

If you carry on applying, it means you're happy with what's in these documents, including the FSCS information sheet. And happy to view your statements in Digital Banking - not posted. Please take some time to review, print and/or save the important information.

How your information might be used

It's important for you to understand how we use and share your information. Please read this short summary before you continue with your application.

As part of the checks that we will complete to verify your identity, we’ll take an image of your face so that it can be compared with your photo ID and this biometric data is captured.

 

All okay? Apply for a bank account online today.

To speed up your application for our Select account, we need to do a few final checks with you. They'll only take a minute.

Continue
Do we already know you?
If you have a current account, credit card, loan or savings account with NatWest please let us know.
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What would you like to do today?
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Do you have a passport or driving licence?
You can use a full or provisional UK driving licence. We also accept ID cards and driving licences from EU or EEA countries. If you don’t have any of these, you can still setup your account online but will need to visit a branch or post us your info to activate it.
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You're all set

Your application will be completely online, and you won't need to post us any information or visit a branch. 

  1. Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll set up your account.
  2. Our partner Mitek will then check your identity by matching you to your Photo ID. Your Photo ID must be a Passport, UK or EU/EEA Driving Licence or an EU/EEA National ID card. We might also ask for a valid proof of address. You'll need a device with a camera to upload these. If you don't have your ID to hand you can finish this step later.
  3. Once they've confirmed your identity we'll activate your account.

Please note, a partial switch does not qualify for any switch incentives we may offer. 

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Ok. Let’s get started

  • Tell us about yourself

We’ll ask you some questions to get your account set up.

  • Reserve your account

Once you’re done we’ll reserve your account and give you a reference number.

  • Visit a branch or post your ID to us

To activate your account you’ll either need to pop into a branch with your reference number and ID or send them to us by post.

Find out what type of ID we accept

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Here's what to do next

We’ve made a few changes to how we open joint bank accounts.

The button below takes you to a dedicated page explaining exactly what you need to open your account.

In summary:

  1. You create a joint account by adding the second applicant to an existing account.
  2. You can either add the second applicant to an existing account, or if you’d like a completely new account, one of you can open a new account and then add the second applicant once it’s open. 
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Joint accounts opening
Do you have our app on a mobile device?
You can apply using either the mobile app or online banking. The mobile app is easier and quicker as we can prefill some of your information.
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Great, let's get started

Just a heads up, you'll need to take a few steps to start your application.  

  1. If you're already using a device with the Royal Bank app, select the 'Start application' button below. Using a desktop? Simply scan the QR code with your mobile device that has the Royal Bank app.
  2. Once logged in, select 'Apply' and then 'Current Accounts'. 
  3. Then choose what type of account you would like to open, change or switch to, and follow the instructions within app to start your application. 

Can't scan the QR code?

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Start your application
Do you have RBS Digital Banking?
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Log in to Digital Banking

  1. Enter your customer number or 16-digit card number to get started. 
  2. You'll then need to enter your Digital Banking pin and password.
  3. Once you're logged in, select 'Current accounts' from the product list. 
  4. Finally, choose the account you want to apply for and complete your application.
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Log in now

Let’s get you signed up for Digital Banking

You’ll need to sign up for Digital Banking with us in order to apply for a Select account. The good news is that it normally takes only 5 minutes and all you’ll need is your sort code, account number and your Royal Bank Debit Card, if you have one.

Once you’ve registered, select ‘Next’ to log in and apply for a Select account. 

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I am now signed up

Log in to Royal Bank Digital Banking

  1. Enter your customer number or 16-digit card number to get started. 
  2. You'll then need to enter your Digital Banking pin and password.
  3. Once you're logged in, select 'Current accounts' from the product list. 
  4. Finally, choose the account you want to apply for and complete your application.
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Log in now

Forgotten your Digital Banking Details?

If you've forgotten your log in details, don't worry, select 'Reset my Digital Banking' for further instructions. 

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Reset Digital Banking details

How to download and apply via the app

First, download the app, then:

  1. On your mobile or tablet, open the camera and point your device at the QR code.
  2. Follow the link that pops up to download the app.
  3. Use your details to log in, then select ‘Apply’ at the bottom of the app.

Can't scan the QR code?

Available on selected devices.

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Download app

Ways to take control of your money

Get a financial health check

Review your finances with our free financial health check. Fill in a few details and get useful hints and tips.

Check your financial health today Open in new window

Learn how to manage your money

It can be tricky to know where to begin when it comes to saving money. But our quick guide can help point you in the right direction.

Take a look at our managing money tips Open in new window

Get better at budgeting

Setting yourself budgets is a brilliant way to get your spending under control. In a few simple steps you could be saving money in no time.

Get to grips with budgeting Open in new window