Natwest has released an app for Windows Phone. Owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the UK bank was confirmed to be working on an app for Microsoft's mobile platform along with its parent. The mobile banking app is a gateway for account holders to travel through to manage accounts while on the go. Has the wait been worth it?
First impressions are positive. The official app looks like a well-developed offering that integrates well into the Windows Phone experience with a clear focus on typography. Utilising the Natwest colour palette, the official app offers functionality that one would expect to see in such a solution.
So what about features? What can Natwest customers do with this Windows Phone app? From the app description:
- View your transaction history for most of your accounts, search for historical transactions on your current accounts and savings accounts
- Get Cash from NatWest, RBS or Tesco cash machines without a debit card
- Send money to NatWest Mobile Banking customers that use this app – all you need is their mobile number
- Pay bills or people – just set up and make your first payment in Online Banking beforehand
- Transfer funds between your accounts
- Find your nearest cash machine or local branch
- Top up your pay as you go mobile phone and up to four others (service not available on the 3 network).
That's quite an offering, and one that Windows Phone desperately needs. To begin and set up your account in the app, you'll need your online banking customer number, some personal details and your debit card. Once submitted, Natwest will confirm your identity and fire you an SMS when the account is set up and ready to go.
You have to be above the age of 11, own a debit card and a mainland UK mobile number starting with 07 to use the app. Be sure to read the full terms and conditions found over on the Natwest website. Customers who own Windows Phones will feel right at home with this official app to ensure that their accounts are only a tap away while on the move. We just need other banks to follow suit.
You can download the Natwest app from the Windows Phone Store. Thanks, Benjamin, for the tip!
