NatWest customers could be in line for a free £85 cash bonus thanks to the latest deal from the bank but who is eligible for this offering?
Major UK banks are competing fiercely to attract new university students for the 2025 academic year, with NatWest and Nationwide Building Society among the financial institutions providing
Nationwide's FlexStudent account promises rewards totalling £280, while NatWest has launched a more modest offer combining £85 in cash with a four-year tastecard membership.
The battle for student customers comes as Nationwide revealed its account "attracted more than a quarter of the student current account market last year".
NatWest customers could be in line for a free £85
PABoth banks are targeting first-year students with immediate cash incentives, though their approaches differ significantly in terms of total value and the types of perks offered.
Nationwide's FlexStudent account requires students to deposit £500 by 12 December 2025 to unlock the full benefits package.
Successful applicants receive £100 in cash alongside £120 worth of Just Eat vouchers, distributed as £10 monthly codes over the first year.
The building society also offers referral incentives, with students earning £40 in Just Eat vouchers when two friends open FlexStudent accounts.
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University students are being targeted by banks
GettyThe account includes an interest-free arranged overdraft starting at £1,000 in year one, increasing to £2,000 in the second year and £3,000 by the third year.
Additional benefits include commission-free purchases and cash withdrawals abroad, making it attractive for students travelling during university breaks.
NatWest's Student Account provides an £85 cash incentive paid within 10 working days of opening, alongside a complimentary four-year tastecard membership.
The tastecard offers discounts at establishments including Black Sheep Coffee, Domino's and Krispy Kreme, plus 25 per cent off barista drinks through Coffee Club.
Students can access overdrafts up to £2,000 in their first year, rising to £3,250 from their third year onwards.
Paul Slinger, Head of Onboarding at NatWest, stated: "We aim to empower our student customers with accounts that provide immediate financial help and long-term value, supporting their success and enhancing their university experience."
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Nationwide Building Society is also offering deals for customers
NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETYNatWest's app features money management tools including expense tracking through its Spending feature, Split Bill and PayMe functions for sharing costs, and Round Ups that transfer spare change to a 5.5 per cent Digital Regular Saver.
The bank requires students to be enrolled on full-time undergraduate courses lasting at least two years or nursing programmes of one year or more.
Nationwide offers exclusive access to its FlexGraduate account after university, featuring an interest-free overdraft "designed to help students find their feet after university, allowing them time to pay off their overdraft once their course has finished".
Both accounts target new customers who have not received student incentives recently.
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