NatWest launches Polish bank account (Polskie konto bankowe od NatWest)
NatWest launches Polish bank
Monday, 15 Jan 2007 14:37
NatWest is saying witamy w NatWest to the UK's Polish-speaking customers with a new bank account.
The NatWest
Welcome Account has been put together aimed at meeting the needs of Polish-speaking migrants to the UK.
Current figures show more than 250,000 Poles have successfully applied to work in the UK since Poland joined the EU in May 2004. And with figures showing as many as two million Poles visited Britain between 2003 and 2005, banks are now competing to secure their business.
NatWest's move comes a month after Lloyds TSB provided staff with account opening forms in Polish and Polish language brochures in the bank's top 130 Polish serving branches to help customers understand the account features.
Lloyds TSB also simplified its identification requirements, allowing new accounts to be opened with just a passport or EU identity card.
But NatWest has taken the process one step further - offering the first bank account where all services are in Polish, including telephone and internet banking as well as a dedicated telephony unit staffed by Polish speakers.
The NatWest
Welcome Account also includes a money transfer account. This allows customers to transfer funds from their current account then have a family member or friend withdraw them from a cash machine in Poland or anywhere in the world.
"The NatWest
Welcome Account offers an entirely unique service," said Helen Page, NatWest marketing director.
"Our research revealed that new Polish speakers in the UK want the whole bank account package delivered in Polish, not just part of it. With the support of our new Polish telephony unit, the NatWest
Welcome Account offers a unique level of language support, which none of the other banks offer.
"This straightforward package is perfect for a Polish speaker's initial banking needs because it provides day-to-day banking and a safe, inexpensive way to send money to family back home."
To open a NatWest
Welcome Account customers must fill in an application form, available online or in a branch, and provide a current passport or ID card and proof of employment in the UK.
Moving cash to the money transfer account costs £4 per transaction with an additional foreign exchange rate of 2.5 per cent per withdrawal. The account also has a monthly charge of £2.
Go to
www.NatWest.com/welcome for more information.