NatWest (National Westminster Bank Plc), established in 1968 and part of NatWest Group plc, operates as a UK-regulated clearing bank. It offers a comprehensive range of retail, commercial, and corporate banking services, with a notable emphasis on digital channels and relationship management for SMEs and mid-market businesses. NatWest serves various business sizes, providing financial products from small unsecured loans to large asset-based lending facilities. This breadth allows it to cater to startups as well as large enterprises. To learn more about business loans and lending options, see business loans overview and unsecured business loans.
Key Features of NatWest Business Lending
NatWest combines a wide product range with a digital-first approach, offering business customers several practical benefits. Below are some notable features.
- Wide finance product range including loans, overdrafts, invoice, and asset finance – see business loans.
- Digital onboarding and servicing for smaller loans with e-signature capability – related to short term business loans.
- Participation in government-backed schemes such as the Recovery Loan Scheme – for eligibility details see how to qualify for a business loan in the UK.
Funding Eligibility
To access NatWest's business finance, you will generally need a minimum trading history, turnover thresholds, and satisfy creditworthiness criteria. You may qualify if you meet the trading and financial standards below. For further information, use the qualification guide and check your credit score.
- Minimum trading period typically 12 to 24 months depending on loan type.
- Turnover requirements vary broadly: from £0 for some small loans to £6.5m+ for asset-based lending facilities.
- Personal and director guarantees commonly required, especially for larger or unsecured loans – see understanding personal guarantees.
Loan Options
NatWest offers various product types to suit distinct business needs, with amounts ranging from low five figures to tens of millions, and terms tailored to purpose and scale.
- Small Business Loan: £1,000 to £50,000, terms 1 to 7 years, representative 11.3% APR fixed rate. Suitable for businesses with under £2m turnover. See small business loans.
- Variable Rate Business Loan: £35,001 to £10,000,000, terms 1 to 30 years, variable Bank of England Base Rate + 3% to 6% margin. For established businesses with higher turnover. See term loans.
- Fixed Rate Business Loan (£35k+): £35,001 to £10,000,000, fixed for 3 to 10 years with option to re-fix. Typical rates 5.5% to 9.5% p.a. Ideal for asset purchase or long-term growth. See fixed rate loans.
- Business Overdraft: £500 to £50,000 online (higher limits with relationship approval), revolving 12-month facility, variable Base Rate + 5.85% to 13.75%. Interest charged only on drawn amount. See revolving credit loans.
- Asset Finance (via Lombard): £10,000 to £10,000,000, 1 to 7 years, rates 5.0% to 11.0%. Secured on assets and suitable for machinery, vehicles, and technology. See asset finance.
- Invoice Finance: Up to 90% of eligible invoice value, facility limits £50,000 to £15,000,000, rolling facility with debtor cycles of 30-90 days. See invoice financing.
- Recovery Loan Scheme: £25,001 to £10,000,000 term loans, 3 months to 6 years. Government-backed with capped interest rates. See relevant eligibility details.
- Business Credit Card: Credit limit up to £10,000 per card, revolving credit. Variable purchase rate 18.9% p.a., with interest-free periods on purchases. See business credit cards.
How to Apply
The application process varies depending on loan size and type but involves a combination of online submission and relationship-led support. Expect review of trading history, financials, and credit.
- Submit application via NatWest’s online portal or through a relationship manager – see loan application forms.
- Provide financial documents such as filed accounts, bank statements, and management accounts – listed in application requirements.
- Undergo credit checks and affordability assessments as per lender criteria.
- Sign agreements digitally or in-person, depending on product and loan size, with funding often same day for smaller loans – see loan approval timeline.
Funding Agent's View on NatWest Lending
NatWest is a broad-spectrum lender capable of supporting businesses from startups seeking modest unsecured funding to large corporates requiring complex asset-based lending. Its combination of extensive product variety, strong regulatory status, and government scheme access provides flexibility but involves traditional bank credit assessments and security conditions that some smaller firms may find restrictive. Prospective borrowers should review eligibility carefully and consider NatWest’s product range as part of a wider market comparison. For tools to assist your decision, consider using the business loan calculator, the credit score guide, and the application process overview.



