NatWest customers soon able to pay online without entering card details

NatWest customers will soon be able to shop online without needing to enter their card details at the checkout.

The bank is in discussions with major retailers and expects customers to have the new payment option when making some online purchases in the coming months.

It will mean NatWest customers can opt at the checkout to be redirected to their bank’s online banking page or mobile app, rather than entering card details.

As well as cutting out the hassle of keying in long card numbers, customers can also check their balance before making a payment – helping to avoid any surprise transactions or overdraft fees.

They will also be able to make payments by sharing only a minimal amount of data.

Merchants involved could save on some card processing costs, as well as having payments settled immediately through bank-to-bank transfers, NatWest said.

The move is possible due to “open banking” technology, which aims to help give people a clearer view of their finances and encourage innovation around banking products by enabling information to be shared securely.

Paul Thwaite, NatWest managing director for sales, specialist businesses and business banking, said: “This new service provides our customers with an alternative way to pay, which is convenient and simple to use, and brings benefits to both our personal and corporate customers.”