Natwest Classic (Existing Customers Only) Credit Card

Natwest credit card review: Classic (Existing Customers Only)

IF you're looking for a simple, everyday credit card - and are already a Natwest customer - the Natwest Classic credit card might be for you.

The card has a low interest rate on purchases for the first nine months plus bonuses if you have an Advantage Gold Natwest current account and more protection on everyday purchases too.

The low rate is 4.9% p.a. on all purchases so while a 0% purchases credit card would be better for spreading the cost of purchases over a number of months it'll certainly save you money if you just want to let a balance roll over for a few months.

The typical APR after the introductory rate expires is 19.9%.

For Advantage Gold Natwest current account customers that'll be reduced by 1%.

The Natwest Classic credit card also offers more protection on purchases and against fraud than your average plastic and, as a Natwest credit card holder, you'll have access to a range of exclusive services.

These include the Natwest wine club and the Natwest travel service.

All in all, though, your biggest incentive for making an application to the Natwest Classic credit card is likely to be simplicity and ease of acceptance.

With good credit increasingly hard to find going to your current bank is often safer than looking elsewhere - as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the online application. See below for more details.

Interest Rates and Fees
		Notes..
Typical APR	19.9% APR (variable)	Advantage Gold Account customers will receive a 1% discount in the APR for at least 12 months. The typical APR is the rate most people are offered.
Introductory Purchases	4.9% for 9 months	Payments will be applied towards promotional purchases first.
Balance Transfers	19.95% p.a.	-
Balance Transfer Fee	None	There is no balance transfer handling fee to pay.
Cash Withdrawal Rate	27.95% p.a. (variable)	You can withdraw up to £300 each day, within your credit limit.
Cash Withdrawal Fee	3% (£3 minimum)	-
Annual Fee	None	-
Foreign Transaction Fee	2.75%	This fee will be charged if you make a purchase or cash withdrawal in a foreign currency.

Rewards
		Notes..
Reward #1	Travel Discounts	Travel discounts with the Natwest Travel Service. Includes air tickets and hotels.
Reward #2	Wine Club Offers	Enjoy special offers and the occasional free gift from the Natwest Wine Club.

Cardholder Services & Extras
Online Account Management		You can manage your account online if you have a Natwest current account.
Internet Fraud Guarantee		If your card has been used on the internet without your knowledge or consent, Natwest guarantee not to hold you liable for the fraudulent transaction if you have signed up to Natwest Secure (a free service in partnership with MasterCard SecureCode).
Fraud Monitoring		Active Fraud Monitoring with Free Mobile Text Alerts Choose SMS text alerts and receive a text message instead of a phone call if Natwest spot anything suspicious on your account.
Identity Protection
MasterCard SecureCode		An extra layer of security when shopping online. Register and set up a password-protected identity-check when you shop online with participating online retailers.
Purchase Protection Insurance
Purchase Delivery Insurance
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Travel Accident Insurance
Travel Inconvenience Insurance
Assistance Abroad		Travel Helpline Get advice and help with medical emergencies whilst abroad.
Emergency Card Replacement
Other Extras
Optional Extras	These are extras that you can choose, but you will have to pay for them. - Card Protection - Identity Protection Cover

Payments & Payment Details
		Notes..
Credit Limit	£300 minimum	Maximum credit limit is subject to status.
Interest Free Period	Up to 56 days	For purchases if you pay your balance in full and on time, and have paid the previous month's balance in full and on time. There is no interest free period on balance transfers, money transfers or cash advances.
Minimum Monthly Payment	2.25% (£5 minimum)	The minimum monthly payment will be the greater of: - 2.25% of your outstanding balance (rounded down to the nearest pound), OR - £5.
Allocation of Payments	Interest on Special Offers » Other Interest, Fees & Charges » Special Offers » Purchases & Balance Transfers » Cash Advances & Money Transfers	-
Default Charges	£12	- Returned Payment: £10 - Returned Promotional Cheque: £12 - Late Payment: £12 - Exceeding Credit Limit: £12
Copy of Statement Fee	£3	This is the fee you will be charged for duplicate statements.

Card Details
		Notes..
Online Application	Yes	Only available to existing Natwest current account customers. Remember: always ensure you meet the application requirements before applying, as getting rejected can affect your credit score.
Card Type	Classic	-
Payment Company	MasterCard	The company who provides the payment technology and infrastructure to allow you to use this credit card. Retailers and ATM machines displaying the 'MasterCard' logo will accept this credit card.
Card Issuer	Natwest	The bank who issues this credit card.
Card Advertiser	Natwest	The company who advertises and promotes this credit card.

Review Continued...

Looking for a credit card that keeps it clean and simple with low interest and extra protection? Then the Natwest Classic could be for you.

Extra Protection

All credit cards offer extra protection on purchases under law.

Section 75 legislation makes both the issuer and the retailer equally responsible if anything goes wrong with a purchase between £100 and £30,000.

That makes the Natwest Classic credit card an excellent addition to the debit card you have with your Natwest current account.

You'll also have extra protection on your personal details as a Natwest Classic credit cardholder.

Cardholders can use Natwest Secure - which uses MasterCard Securecode for online purchases - and there's a guarantee for your money if the credit card is used fraudulently.

Purchases for 4.9%

For the first nine months the Natwest Classic credit card has a low interest rate on purchases of 4.9%.

That makes it perfect for short-term borrowing over a couple of months especially if you think you'll have difficulty obtaining a 0% purchases credit card.

Transactions which are not counted as purchases will attract the higher typical APR rate so make sure you know what's included.

Any form of cash transaction - including ATM withdrawals and cash back at the till - won't count as purchases and neither will gambling transactions, shopping vouchers or foreign vouchers.

Note that the Natwest Classic credit card's rate will be withdrawn if you fail to meet the minimum repayment each month. Ideally, though, you should pay more than the minimum to avoid interest.

Avoid cash

It's already been mentioned above that cash transactions can confound that introductory low interest rate but there's a second reason to avoid cash withdrawals with the Natwest Classic credit card.

There's a high interest rate of 27.95% and a 3% fee (of a minimum of £3).

There's also no interest-free period.

Note also that the Natwest Classic credit card isn't suitable for use abroad.

There's a 2.75% fee on any foreign transaction.

All in all...

All in all, the Natwest Classic credit card is just as classic as its name suggests with a simple introductory rate plus extra purchase protection.

Apply Online for Natwest Classic (Existing Customers Only) credit card »