Using a NatWest joint account to share expenses is one of the most popular options for couples in the UK. NatWest is one of the UK’s biggest, longest-standing banks, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best joint account for splitting bills and sharing costs.
Thousands of modern couples are going rogue and using the bill-splitting app Cino as a joint account alternative. Cino allows couples to split bills from their personal bank cards by createing a shared joint card that's linked to both partners' accounts. Each partner's share comes from their own bank account when they pay.
A NatWest joint account is a traditional bank account that two people share. You both get your own debit card, you both have equal ownership of the money inside, and you both have full visibility of spending.
Things you can use it for:
It works just like a normal NatWest current account — except you both have access to it.
✅ It’s backed by a major UK bank
NatWest is one of the biggest, most established names in UK banking.
That means stability, familiarity… and lots of branches if you're someone who still likes in-person support.
✅ FSCS-protected up to £170,000
Like all joint accounts, your shared funds are protected up to £170,000 (£85k per person) under FSCS rules if the bank ever failed.
✅ Easy to set up if you both already bank with NatWest
If you’re both existing NatWest customers, you can open a joint account quickly through the app.
No mountains of paperwork required.
✅ You each get your own debit card
You can both spend from the account using your own card, online or in-store.
✅ Helpful budgeting tools
NatWest has spending categorisation, savings spaces and app features to help you track money together.
❌ You both must bank with NatWest
If one of you uses Monzo, Starling, Barclays, Revolut etc…
you’ll need to switch or open a whole new account just to share expenses.
❌ Shared liability
You both legally own all the money.
That means:
❌ It isn’t ideal if you want to split bills unequally
If you split rent 60/40 or 70/30, a joint account doesn’t automatically work that out.
You’ll need spreadsheets, manual transfers, or awkward mental maths.
❌ Not as “instant” or flexible as newer fintech tools
NatWest’s app is solid, but it doesn’t offer modern shared-spending features like:
If the idea of opening a whole new bank account together feels a bit… intense…
there is another option.
With Cino, you can share expenses just like a joint account — but without actually opening one.
No chasing.
No awkward IOUs.
No “I’ll transfer you later”.
No merging your financial lives before you’re ready.
When a NatWest joint account makes sense
A NatWest joint account could be right for you if:
✔ You both already bank with NatWest
✔ You want a traditional bank with branch access
✔ You don’t mind shared liability
✔ You split everything 50/50 and want one pot for bills
Cino tends to work better if:
✔ You want to keep your own bank accounts
✔ You split bills based on income or custom percentages
✔ You want everything to split automatically
✔ You don’t want the commitment of a full joint account
✔ You want a fee-free shared card abroad
✔ You want something quick, flexible and modern
A NatWest joint account is a reliable, traditional option — especially if you already bank with NatWest and you’re happy pooling everything into one shared pot.
But if you prefer flexibility, fairness, no admin, and not opening a new account together…
Cino is the modern joint-account alternative designed for couples today.
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