NatWest ‘May 20 2026’ update for anyone with online banking | Personal Finance | Finance
NatWest has released an update on how it processes biometric data (Image: Getty)
NatWest has issued a warning to its online banking customers about an update coming on May 20, 2026. The bank emailed customers with information, although it stressed there was “nothing you need to do.”
NatWest is one of the largest and best-known banks in the UK, helping more than 20 million customers in retail and business. The bank made headlines recently after announcing it would close dozens of branches next year.
The banking giant has confirmed the closure dates of 34 banks, and the closure dates for three more banks have not yet been determined. NatWest has made a significant shift towards a digital-first model, with more than 10 million customers using its mobile app every day.
It’s notifying users of an update coming next month, as many customers use online banking features. The statement made by the bank includes the following statements: “We are changing the way we process biometric data on May 20, 2026. There is nothing you need to do. We just want to inform you.”
He explains: “What is biometric data? Biometric data is information about your unique physical characteristics, such as your face or voice, that helps us verify that this person is really you.”
Read more: Full list of 50 NatWest, Lloyds and Santander branches to close in May
Read more: NatWest issues statement after 100s of customers see money ‘disappearing’
What’s changing?
NatWest added: “When you set up biometric consent on our mobile app or Voice ID for Phone Banking, you give us permission to use this data. From 20 May, we will use ‘legitimate interests’ rather than your consent to process your biometric data.”
“Legitimate interests is a term in data protection law that allows us to use your data where we have a clear and fair reason to support important services, which in this case helps keep your account secure and prevent fraud.”
What does this mean for me?
NatWest says customers don’t need to do anything. The statement said: “There are no changes to the way you use the app or Phone Banking. We will continue to use your biometric data just as we do now to help protect your account and prevent fraud.”
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Biometric verification allows you to prove that it is really you when you want to:
- Make a payment to a new person or when changing payee reference in the mobile app
- Make international payments on the mobile app
- Change your personal information, such as your home address, in the mobile app
- Increase your limits
- View your PIN
- View your card details
- Use as an alternative to card readers in Internet Banking
- Pay new beneficiaries via Open Banking
you can read NatWest FAQs To learn more about legitimate interests, biometrics and our mobile application. You can also visit Phone Banking page To learn about Voice ID.
As 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 bank adds: “You will find all about your rights in chapter 4 of this book. our privacy notice. If you need help, we are here for you. You can chat with your digital assistant Cora in the app or via it. our website. Or if you wish, call us or stop by our branch.”
