UPDATED: NatWest system problems hit millions

There are still problems with some account balances, says bank. Here's the latest and what to do if you need help.

NatWest says that there are still some problems with customers' account balances not updating as the problems affecting the company's systems enter a seventh day.

The problems have also hit 100,000 Ulster Bank customers and a smaller number of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) customers.

The 'glitch' started last Tuesday but became fully apparent on Thursday morning when systems failed to update customers’ balances overnight.

Individual and business account holders found money wasn't credited to their accounts and bill payments were not debited.

The RBS Group has admitted that this is an "unacceptable inconvenience" for customers. RBS Chief Executive Stephen Hester in a statement said: "Right now my top priority, and the priority of the entire RBS Group, is to fix these problems and put things right for our customers.

"This is taking time, but I want to reassure people that we are working around the clock to resolve these problems as quickly as we are able."

It has opened NatWest and RBS branches at 8am again today (Monday) and extended their opening hours until 7pm.

Many branches were open on both Saturday and Sunday to help customers affected by the problems.

There have also been horror stories of house purchases not being completed because money was not in people's bank accounts at the time the purchase was due to be completed.

The bank in a statement on its website promised "that no customers will be permanently out of pocket as a result of this".

What you can do

If you urgently need to withdraw money that isn't showing as credited contact your local branch, as there are reports of some people being allowed to make withdrawals if they can show they would normally receive a regular payment, such as a salary, at this time of the month.

If you have a bill payment due to come out of your account, you should contact the company concerned and tell them about the banks' problem.

You should also keep a record of all phone calls and emails so you can claim any fees and other compensation back later.

Phone numbers

To call NatWest using a local number, phone 0161 451 7551. For RBS phone 0161 930 8666 and for Ulster Bank call 02890 538 048.

Thinking about switching?

If you are a fed-up Natwest, Ulster Bank or RBS customer affected by this mess why not consider switching?

Both First Direct and Halifax offer £100 introductory bonuses for switching your current account to them. Halifax will also pay you £5 a month as long as you pay in £1,000 each month.

Meanwhile, the Santander 123 account pays you cashback on your direct debits.

More on current accounts

Santander 123 current account pays cashback on your direct debits!

Halifax relaunches its £100 current account switching bonus

Co-operative Bank offers £100 incentive for taking out its Current account.

Packaged accounts: is your current account worth paying for?