NatWest business credit card: benefits, use and alternatives

NatWest is one of the most famous banks on the high street in the UK and a well-known name for business owners in England and Wales. Its business credit cards are designed to help small and medium-sized businesses keep their cash flow going, pay for everyday expenses, and earn cashback on purchases. If you are thinking about getting a business credit card, here is everything you need to know about what NatWest offers.

What is a NatWest business credit card?

A NatWest business credit card works in the same way as a personal credit card. You are given a pre-agreed credit limit, use the card to pay for business expenses, and repay the balance at the end of each month. If you do not clear the full balance, interest is charged on the remaining amount.

The card is available to UK-based sole traders, limited companies, and partnerships, making it accessible to a wide range of business types. What sets a business credit card apart from a personal one is that it is intended solely for business use, helping you keep company and personal finances separate, manage employee spending, and track outgoings more efficiently. NatWest's business cards also come with cashback and expense management tools that add practical value beyond a basic line of credit.

NatWest business credit card benefits

Across its business card range, NatWest offers a consistent set of key benefits:

Up to 56 days interest-free credit on purchases when you pay your balance in full and on time each month, giving you a useful buffer between spending and settling up.

Cashback on fuel and EV charging at 1% on the standard Business card, rising to 3% on the Business Plus card at eligible stations including Esso, BP, Shell, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Gridserve, Tesla, Pod Point and Chargemaster.

Mastercard Business Savings gives you access to automatic cashback at a range of participating merchants, applied directly to your account without needing to register or claim.

Expense management tools including the NatWest Mobile Banking app, ClearSpend for real-time balance tracking, and Smart Data OnLine for custom spending reports.

No annual fee in the first year, with the £30 per cardholder fee also waived in subsequent years if you spend £6,000 or more annually on the standard Business card.

Flexible credit limits starting from £500, with the limit tailored to your business based on turnover, trading history, and creditworthiness.

Types of NatWest business credit cards

NatWest offers two main credit cards for smaller businesses, with further options for larger organisations.

The NatWest Business Credit Card is the standard option for businesses with an annual turnover of up to £2 million. It carries a representative APR of 24.3% variable, with a purchase rate of 16.9% p.a. It earns 1% cashback on eligible fuel and EV charging, comes with no annual fee in the first year, and the £30 fee is waived from year two onwards if you spend £6,000 or more annually. It is a straightforward, cost-effective card for managing everyday business expenses.

The NatWest Business Plus Credit Card is the premium option for businesses with a turnover of up to £6.5 million. It carries a representative APR of 29% variable and a £70 annual fee per cardholder, but earns significantly more cashback: 0.5% on general spending, 1% on travel and accommodation, 2% on trade and business supplies, and 3% on fuel and EV charging, up to a maximum of £600 cashback per year per account. It also waives foreign transaction fees, making it a stronger choice for businesses with regular international spending.

For larger businesses, NatWest also offers the onecard, a charge card for businesses with a turnover above £2 million. It carries a £45 annual fee per cardholder and gives real-time spend controls through the ClearSpend app, along with travel insurance for cardholders and easier VAT reclaiming. It is available to limited companies, LLPs, partnerships of four or more partners, and charitable incorporated organisations. For organisations with a turnover above £25 million, NatWest also offers virtual card solutions with direct integration into general ledger and ERP systems.

For full details of current rates, fees, and terms and conditions across NatWest's business card range, visit the NatWest business cards page.

How to apply for a NatWest business credit card

You must already hold a NatWest business bank account in the same legal entity name to apply for either card. If you are not an existing NatWest business customer, you will need to open a business current account first.

You must be a UK resident aged 18 or over, with your registered business address in the UK and registered for tax purposes here. NatWest offers a soft credit check eligibility tool on its website, which gives you an indication of whether you are likely to be approved without leaving a mark on your credit file.

You can apply online, in branch, or by calling NatWest's business line. You will need personal details for the business owner, partners, or directors, and business information including your Companies House registration number if you are a limited company.

Does a NatWest business credit card affect your personal credit score?

Yes. A full credit check is carried out as part of the application, which will appear on your personal credit file. Used responsibly, with payments made on time and balances kept manageable, the card can contribute positively to your credit profile over time. Missed payments will result in a £12 late payment fee and can damage your credit score. You can find out more about building business credit and what lenders look at when assessing applications.

Alternatives to NatWest business credit cards

Finding the business credit card that best suits your needs means thinking carefully about your existing banking relationships, your spending patterns, and whether the cashback on offer matches how your business actually spends day to day.

If your business does not spend heavily on fuel or travel, the cashback on the standard NatWest card may not deliver much practical value. And if you do not already bank with NatWest, the requirement to hold a business current account there adds an extra step before you can even apply. It may be worth exploring Funding Circle’s Cashback business credit card which offers broader cashback across all spending rather than specific categories.

If you need capital to grow, invest in equipment, or manage a funding gap, you can find out more about our small business loans. 

31/03/2026: While we want to help as much as we can, the information found here is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered financial or legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, Funding Circle does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained here. If you have any questions, please speak to your professional adviser or seek independent legal advice.