As the UK banking sector continues to shift with digital innovations, fluctuating interest rates, and branch closures, financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a fresh set of warnings and insights, this time aimed at customers of NatWest.
With over two decades of trusted consumer advocacy through MoneySavingExpert, Martin Lewis’s comments often make headlines and shape consumer behaviour across the UK.
Recently, Lewis’s name has been associated with important updates on bank switching incentives, savings account changes, and investment scams targeting NatWest customers.
This article delves into what he’s actually said, why it matters, and how customers can stay informed and protected amidst a landscape of financial uncertainty.
Who Is Martin Lewis?
Martin Lewis is a British financial journalist and broadcaster, widely known as the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, one of the UK’s most influential consumer finance platforms.
Over the years, he has built a reputation for giving practical, evidence-based advice on everything from energy tariffs and mortgages to travel insurance and savings accounts.
Lewis frequently appears on national television and radio, notably on ITV’s The Martin Lewis Money Show, where he highlights current financial issues and answers public concerns.
His guidance has become particularly important in times of economic strain, such as during the cost of living crisis, helping millions make sense of often complex banking and financial changes.
What Has Martin Lewis Recently Said About NatWest?
Martin Lewis has recently highlighted several changes affecting major UK banks, including NatWest. He warned customers to be cautious of offers that may seem beneficial at first glance, particularly regarding savings accounts with low interest rates.
Lewis urged savers not to leave their money idle in accounts that provide subpar returns compared to other available options.
He also raised concerns about the misuse of his name and image in fraudulent schemes, some falsely linking him to investment products associated with NatWest. Lewis emphasised the importance of verifying the authenticity of financial information and offers before making decisions.
His guidance encourages customers to stay informed, vigilant, and proactive in protecting their money from misleading promotions or scams.
How Are NatWest’s New Savings Account Changes Impacting Customers?
The savings landscape at NatWest has undergone notable shifts in 2025, with changes in interest rates and account structures that are impacting thousands of customers across the UK.
Interest Rate Adjustments and Account Revisions
NatWest recently updated the terms for several of its savings accounts, including its Digital Regular Saver and Instant Saver accounts.
While these accounts were once competitive, Martin Lewis points out that the top easy-access accounts elsewhere now offer significantly better returns, often through challenger banks.
For example, many savers are still holding funds in accounts yielding as little as 1% annually, when alternative providers offer over 4%. Lewis advises savers to regularly review their rates and consider switching to accounts that protect the value of their money in real terms.
NatWest Savings Accounts vs Competitors (October 2025)
| Bank | Account Type | Interest Rate (AER) | Access Type |
| NatWest | Digital Regular Saver | 6.17% (on up to £5k) | Monthly deposit |
| NatWest | Instant Saver | 1.74% | Instant access |
| Nationwide | Flex Regular Saver | 8.00% (on £200/month) | Monthly deposit |
| Chase UK | Easy Access Saver | 4.10% | Instant access |
| Barclays | Rainy Day Saver | 5.12% | Online access only |
Note: Figures are indicative and based on public rates as of October 2025.
Why Is Martin Lewis Warning About Bank Switching Incentives?
One area that consistently draws attention from Martin Lewis is the trend among high street banks, including NatWest, to offer switching bonuses to new customers.
These cash offers, typically ranging from £100 to £200, are designed to attract account holders from competitors. While tempting, Lewis cautions that these incentives can have unintended consequences.
The Impact on Credit Scores and Financial Behaviour
Repeatedly switching accounts in a short timeframe may affect your credit history, especially if linked to overdrafts or missed payments. Lewis has noted that while the credit impact is often minor, those applying for mortgages or loans should tread carefully.
Smart Switching vs Chasing Bonuses
Lewis advocates for strategic switching rather than chasing every cash offer. If the new account doesn’t serve your long-term banking needs, like having a reliable app, in-person service, or strong savings interest, it may not be worth the £175 bonus NatWest might offer.
What Role Has NatWest Played in Recent Financial Scams Involving Martin Lewis’s Name?
The misuse of Martin Lewis’s image in online scams has reached alarming levels, and NatWest has occasionally been drawn into these incidents, not due to negligence, but because scammers exploit the bank’s brand recognition.
The “Celebrity Scam Super League” Incident
NatWest was reportedly associated with one of the highest-value fraud cases in which a deepfake video of Martin Lewis was used to promote a fake cryptocurrency investment.
A customer who trusted the video ended up losing a significant sum, believing it to be endorsed by both Lewis and NatWest.
How Scammers Exploit Trust
Fraudsters have created highly convincing social media adverts and emails bearing NatWest’s logo and Martin Lewis’s face. These scams usually urge people to invest quickly, often mimicking real banking portals.
Are NatWest Customers at Risk of Being Misled by Fraudulent Investment Schemes?
Absolutely, and Martin Lewis is vocal about this danger. He warns that fake investment schemes, particularly in crypto or forex, are frequently disguised as legitimate opportunities using trusted banking brands like NatWest and public figures like himself.
Key Differences Between Genuine Offers and Scams
| Feature | Genuine NatWest Offer | Scam/Fraudulent Scheme |
| Website URL | Ends with .natwest.com | Random domains or misspellings |
| Communication Channel | Official email, banking app, post | Facebook ads, WhatsApp messages |
| Use of Martin Lewis’s name | Never used in official promotion | Used frequently and fraudulently |
| Time-sensitive investment push | Unlikely | Always “urgent” |
| Verification | Can be confirmed via NatWest or MSE | No support from official channels |
How Does NatWest Compare to Nationwide and Lloyds in Martin Lewis’s Advice?
Martin Lewis remains neutral in terms of bank preferences, but his analysis suggests that NatWest is often outperformed by others like Nationwide in savings and switching deals.
For instance, Nationwide’s Flex Regular Saver consistently offers higher interest rates for disciplined savers. Lloyds, on the other hand, occasionally surpasses NatWest in customer service ratings and digital banking tools.
However, Lewis does acknowledge NatWest’s occasional competitiveness, particularly when it launches promotional switching bonuses or enhances app features.
What Steps Can Customers Take to Stay Protected and Informed?
With scams on the rise and banking offers changing rapidly, customers are advised to stay proactive in managing their finances.
Verify All Offers Through Trusted Sources
Before responding to any email, message, or advertisement, ensure the source is legitimate. Check that communications come from official channels and confirm any offers directly with the bank or financial institution.
Stay Informed and Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly review account statements, compare available financial products, and stay updated on changes that may affect your savings or investments. Being vigilant helps customers detect unusual activity early and make informed decisions to protect their money.
What’s the Overall Takeaway from Martin Lewis’s Guidance for NatWest Customers?
Martin Lewis doesn’t single out NatWest as a bad actor; instead, he uses the bank’s changes and associations as case studies to highlight wider financial behaviours. His core advice for NatWest customers is:
- Stay alert to account changes and interest rates
- Avoid complacency in savings and switching behaviour
- Verify every offer, especially if it involves investment opportunities
The underlying message is one of empowerment through awareness, understanding what’s happening in your bank, asking the right questions, and being cautious with financial decisions that look “too good to be true.”
Conclusion
In an age where banks are evolving rapidly and fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, the voice of trusted experts like Martin Lewis becomes crucial.
For NatWest customers, his advice isn’t just about grabbing the best savings rate or getting a bonus for switching, it’s about safeguarding your financial well-being in an environment where the lines between real and fake are increasingly blurred.
Whether you’re a long-time NatWest customer or considering switching, staying informed, questioning offers, and using trusted resources can make all the difference in your financial journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify if a message or call from NatWest is genuine?
You can verify by contacting NatWest directly through its official website or app. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages. Genuine communication will never ask for full PINs or passwords.
What should I do if I’ve been scammed using Martin Lewis’s name?
Report the incident immediately to Action Fraud, your bank (e.g., NatWest), and notify MoneySavingExpert if applicable. The faster you act, the better the chance of limiting financial loss.
Are Martin Lewis’s recommendations safe to follow for all types of savers?
Generally, yes, his advice is grounded in independent research and consumer-first principles. However, individuals should always consider their personal financial situation before acting.
How do I compare savings accounts from NatWest with others in the market?
Use comparison tools from MoneySavingExpert, Which?, or major aggregators like MoneySuperMarket. Look at both AER (interest) and access flexibility.
What tools does MoneySavingExpert offer to check for scam alerts?
MSE offers email alerts, scam updates, and a dedicated fraud awareness hub on its website to help consumers avoid the latest fraudulent schemes.
Is it risky to switch banks frequently in the UK?
It can be if done excessively, especially if you have overdrafts or rely on stable direct debits. Martin Lewis recommends switching only when there’s clear benefit and no disruption to your financial setup.
Where can I find official updates on NatWest’s banking changes?
Visit www.natwest.com for updates, or subscribe to MoneySavingExpert’s newsletter for third-party insights and comparisons.
