Reclaim NatWest Overdraft Fees
If you've been charged overdraft fees by NatWest that you believe were unfair, excessive, or part of a mis-sold facility, you might be able to get your money back. Banks have a responsibility to treat customers fairly and lend responsibly. This guide will help you challenge those charges.
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Your rights
While there isn't a single 'Overdraft Fees Act', your right to reclaim unfair or mis-sold overdraft fees is protected by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) principles. These require banks to treat customers fairly and lend responsibly. If NatWest's fees were excessive, unclear, or if the overdraft facility was provided irresponsibly, you have the right to complain. If NatWest doesn't resolve your complaint satisfactorily, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) can independently assess whether the bank acted fairly and reasonably.
Step by step
- 1Gather all relevant bank statements and correspondence from NatWest showing the overdraft fees you wish to reclaim. Note specific dates and amounts.
- 2Contact NatWest directly and make a formal complaint. Clearly explain what went wrong and how you would like it put right.
- 3NatWest has up to eight weeks to issue its final response for most complaints. If they reject your complaint or do not respond within this timeframe, you can escalate your case.
- 4If you receive a final response from NatWest, you generally have six months from that date to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
- 5Provide the FOS with all your evidence, including your initial complaint to NatWest and their response. The FOS will investigate and make an impartial decision.
What they'll say, and your comeback
“The fees were clearly stated in your terms and conditions.”
Comeback, While I may have agreed to the terms, the bank still has a responsibility under FCA rules to treat me fairly and lend responsibly. I believe these fees were excessive or the facility was not suitable for my circumstances.
“You used the overdraft facility, so the fees are valid.”
Comeback, My complaint is not about using the overdraft, but about the fairness and appropriateness of the fees charged, or whether the overdraft was provided responsibly given my financial situation at the time.
“Your complaint is too old.”
Comeback, The Financial Ombudsman Service can consider complaints up to six years from the event, or three years from when I first became aware of the issue, whichever is later.
What actually happens
In practice, reclaiming overdraft fees from NatWest does not have a standard outcome or typical refund amount. Each case depends on the specific evidence provided and the individual circumstances. You will first complain directly to NatWest, who usually have up to eight weeks to provide a final response. If you are not satisfied with their decision, or if they do not respond within that time, you can then escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You generally have six months from NatWest's final response to do this. Money can be recovered at either stage, but success hinges on demonstrating that the fees were unfair, excessive, or that the overdraft was mis-sold. There is no specific NatWest deadline for requesting a refund, so general complaint time limits apply.
FAQ
How far back can I claim overdraft fees?
Generally, you can complain about fees going back up to six years from the date of the charge, or three years from when you first became aware of the issue, whichever is later. The FOS has discretion in exceptional circumstances.
Do I need to close my overdraft to complain?
No, you do not need to close your overdraft facility to complain about past fees. Your complaint relates to historical charges, not necessarily your current use of the facility.
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A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice. Last researched 2026-10-19.