NatWest issue apology after huge app meltdown stops customers using accounts

A pedestrian uses a mobile handset as she walks past a NatWest bank branch
-Credit: (Image: 2013 Bloomberg/Getty)


Thousands of NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank customers have been hit by a major web outage today that left them unable to access their funds. Scores of customers flocked to social media platform X to voice frustration over the technical meltdown before the banking giants at NatWest and RBS issued an apology.

One dismayed NatWest account holder said: "I just can't log in. I have tried closing and re-opening the app". Another queried: "How long will it be until it's resolved? I need to access some money."

A third customer lamented: "Literally can't do anything we've got planned this morning until @NatWest_Help decide to fix their app. I wouldn't mind, but this is happening non-stop at the minute."

Meanwhile, someone else asked: "Anyone else NatWest app not working?"

Apologies were soon issued by The Royal Bank of Scotland, who acknowledged "connection issues". Their online statement noted: "We have been receiving reports that the online banking and mobile app are experiencing connection issues. We are currently looking into getting this resolved. Thanks so much for your patience. We're sorry for any inconvenience. Please try again later."

NatWest told customers through its social media channels that they are committed to rectifying the issue at the earliest possible time. time. When that will be is not known.

Both NatWest and The Royal Bank of Scotland form part of the NatWest Group conglomerate. A NatWest spokesperson told The Mirror: "Some customers experienced difficulty when attempting to log in and make payments via their mobile banking app and online banking this morning. This has been resolved and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."

NatWest, which boasts over 19 million customers, has significantly reduced its number of physical branches in recent years, reflecting a shift towards digital banking preferences. Although banks are not mandated to offer compensation for outages or technical difficulties, affected individuals may be eligible for reimbursement depending on the extent of the disruption's impact on them.

Customers will need to provide proof of how the outage adversely affected them, such as any additional expenses incurred from late payment charges, for example.