NatWest ‘May 20 2026’ replace for anybody with on-line banking | Personal Finance | Finance | EUROtoday

NatWest has issued an replace on to the way it processes biometric knowledge (Image: Getty)
NatWest has issued an alert to prospects with on-line banking about an replace approaching May 20, 2026. The excessive avenue financial institution has been emailing prospects to allow them to know, though the financial institution stresses “there’s nothing you need to do”.
NatWest is among the many greatest and best-known banks within the UK, serving to greater than 20 million prospects throughout retail and enterprise. The financial institution has made headlines just lately after saying it’ll shut down dozens of branches over the following 12 months.
The banking large has confirmed the closure dates for 34 banks, with three extra to shut at dates but to be determined. NatWest has shifted closely towards a digital-first mannequin, with greater than 10 million prospects utilizing its cell app every single day.
With so many purchasers utilizing its on-line banking options, it has been making customers conscious of an replace occurring subsequent month. A press release from the financial institution reads: “We’re changing how we process biometric data on 20th May 2026. There’s nothing you need to do. We just want to let you know.”
It defined: “What is biometric data? Biometric data is information about your unique physical features – like your face or voice – that helps us confirm it’s really you.”
Read extra: Full checklist of fifty NatWest, Lloyds and Santander branches closing in May
Read extra: NatWest points assertion as 100s of consumers see cash ‘disappear’
What’s altering?
NatWest added: “At the time you set up biometric approval in our mobile app or Voice ID for Telephone Banking, you gave us your consent to use this data. From 20th May, we’ll use ‘legitimate interests’ to process your biometric data, instead of your consent.
“Legitimate pursuits is a time period in knowledge safety regulation. It lets us use your knowledge when we have now a transparent and truthful motive that helps necessary providers – on this case, serving to to maintain your account safe and forestall fraud.”
What does this mean for me?
NatWest says customers don’t need to do anything. It said: “There are not any modifications to how you utilize the app or Telephone Banking. We’ll preserve utilizing your biometric knowledge to assist shield your account and forestall fraud – similar to we do now.”
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Biometric approval lets you prove it’s really you when you want to:
- Make a payment in the mobile app to someone new or when changing a payee reference
- Make an international payment in the mobile app
- Change your personal details in the mobile app, such as your home address
- Increase your limits
- View your PIN
- View your card details
- Use as an alternative to card readers in Online Banking
- Make a payment through Open Banking to new beneficiaries
You can read NatWest’s FAQs to learn more about legitimate interests, biometrics and our mobile app. You can also visit its Telephone Banking page to find out about Voice ID.
Because this is an update to how NatWest processes data, the bank says it wants to reassure customers that they still have all their privacy rights, including the right to object to how their data is processed.
The financial institution provides: “You’ll discover all the things about your rights in part 4 of our privateness discover. We’re right here for you in the event you need assistance. You can chat with Cora, your digital assistant, within the app or on our web site. Or, in the event you want, name us or go to a department.”
https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2195252/natwest-may-20-2026-update