NatWest Looks Into Online Banking 'Issues'

NatWest is investigating a potential fault with its online banking system, amid claims some payments to customers haven't arrived.

The bank's helpline on Twitter (Xetra: A1W6XZ - news) received dozens of messages from customers unable to log-in for online banking and using the bank's mobile app earlier today.

Many of those complaining said they are due to be paid, with one saying she was overdrawn three days after payday but couldn't access online banking.

The bank responded on Twitter: "Please try not to panic".

It is not the first time the bank, which is part of Royal Bank of Scotland (LSE: RBS.L - news) Group, has had IT problems.

Last year it was fined £56m by regulators after up to 6.5m customers from NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank were prevented from accessing their accounts in 2012. Customers were unable to make payments for up to three weeks, in a problem blamed on a botched software upgrade.

In June, around 600,000 transactions, including salaries and benefits, were also affected by IT problems at the bank.

Just after 1.30pm, an RBS spokesman told Sky News: "We are aware that some customers experienced issues with online banking this morning.

"This has now been resolved and our service is operating as normal.

"We apologise to those customers who experienced difficulties."

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