Consolidation Loan NatWest — Complete UK Guide

Considering a NatWest consolidation loan? Learn how it works, eligibility and APRs, the pros & cons, red flags — and safer alternatives like IVAs, DMPs or DROs.

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Reviewed by: Fresh Start Debt Support team • Last updated

NatWest Consolidation Loan — How It Works, APRs, Risks & Safer Alternatives

Quick answer: A NatWest consolidation loan can tidy multiple debts into one fixed payment — but it won’t reduce your total balance and you’ll still pay interest. If you’re already struggling or have late payments, a loan may be declined or expensive. We’ll help you compare whether a IVA, DMP or DRO could freeze interest, stop most enforcement and even write off unaffordable debt after completion.

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What Is a NatWest Consolidation Loan?

A NatWest consolidation loan is a personal loan used to pay off multiple existing debts so you have one new fixed monthly repayment to NatWest.

It simplifies cashflow, but doesn’t reduce your total debt like some formal solutions can.

How a NatWest Debt Consolidation Loan Works (Step-by-Step)

  1. Apply: NatWest runs a credit & affordability check.
  2. Approve & issue: If approved, funds are released to clear your other debts.
  3. Repay NatWest: You make a fixed monthly repayment for the term agreed.
  4. Stick to the plan: Missing payments can hurt your credit and lead to action.

There’s no legal protection against other creditors with a loan. In contrast, options like an IVA or DRO usually freeze interest and stop most enforcement once approved.

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Pros & Cons of a NatWest Consolidation Loan

✅ Pros

⚠️ Cons

If your budget is tight, a loan can increase pressure. It’s vital to compare with solutions that freeze interest and enforce affordability.

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NatWest APRs, Caps & Eligibility Conditions (At a Glance)

Exact offers change and depend on your individual credit checks, income and term. Always verify the current representative example and maximum APR on NatWest’s site before applying.

Who Qualifies? NatWest Loan Eligibility at a Glance

If your score is already damaged or you’ve missed payments, speak to us before applying. We’ll show you if an IVA, DMP or DRO suits you better.

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NatWest Consolidation Loan Interest Rates & APRs

APR depends on your credit profile, loan size and term. Even a modest APR over a long term can lead to a large total repayable. Always compare:

Long-term cost warning: Consolidating to a longer term can cut the monthly payment but significantly increase interest paid overall. Run the numbers before you apply.

Compare APR vs IVA/DMP/DRO

When a NatWest Loan May Not Be Right

In these cases, formal options can be safer: they’re built around what you can afford and often freeze interest and stop most enforcement once approved.

Right of set-off (important): If you fall behind, banks (including NatWest) can sometimes use money in your current account to pay arrears owed to them (called “right of set-off”). Speak to us or a free charity adviser if you’re at risk — setting up a safe account and an agreed plan can help protect essentials.
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Alternatives to a NatWest Consolidation Loan

These routes prioritise affordability and protection:

IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement)

  • Freeze interest, stop most enforcement
  • One affordable payment; remaining qualifying debt may be written off after completion
  • Typical term: 5–6 years
Learn about IVAs

DMP (Debt Management Plan)

  • Informal, flexible, based on what you can afford
  • Interest often frozen by agreement (not guaranteed)
  • Free DMPs are available from debt charities (e.g., StepChange) and usually don’t need a credit check.
Learn about DMPs

DRO (Debt Relief Order)

  • For low income and low assets
  • Recent update: Debt limit increased (up to £50,000 in England & Wales) and the government fee has been removed; debts are typically written off after 12 months if criteria remain met.
Learn about DROs

Bankruptcy

  • Fastest full reset (usually ~12 months to discharge)
  • Serious implications but effective where repayment isn’t realistic
Bankruptcy guide

We’ll compare all options side by side so you can decide safely.

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Head-to-Head: NatWest Loan vs Other Options

NatWest Loan vs IVA

NatWest loan: Full balance repayable with interest; no legal protection. IVA: Legal protection, interest typically frozen, and remaining qualifying unsecured debt may be written off after completion.

NatWest Loan vs DMP

NatWest loan: New borrowing; fixed commitment. DMP: No new credit; affordable payments; interest often frozen by agreement; flexible if income changes (free via charities).

NatWest Loan vs DRO

NatWest loan: Increases commitments. DRO: For low income & low assets; debts written off after 12 months if criteria remain met (with recent threshold/fee improvements).

NatWest Loan vs Bankruptcy

NatWest loan: Repay in full with interest. Bankruptcy: Fastest reset but with restrictions; can be appropriate where repayment is unrealistic.

How to Choose the Best Route (Step-by-Step)

  1. List your debts. Balances, APRs, fees, minimums.
  2. Prioritise essentials. Rent/mortgage, council tax, utilities.
  3. Check realistic spare income. Include food, transport, childcare.
  4. Compare options. If affordability is tight, review IVA/DMP/DRO first.
  5. Decide & start. Loan only if clearly affordable; otherwise choose the solution that freezes interest and stops action.
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Which Option Fits You Best?

Answer these quick questions to see likely options:







Repayment vs Write-Off Calculator

Estimate how long repayments might take without help vs using a formal solution:







Official Guidance & Trusted Free Support

Review these trusted UK resources about debt options and consumer protections:

Use these alongside our free support so you know your rights and the safest route.

NatWest Consolidation Loan — Frequently Asked Questions

Will a consolidation loan fix my debt problem?

It can tidy payments and may reduce APR, but it doesn’t reduce your total debt. If affordability is tight, explore IVA/DMP/DRO first.

Can a loan make things worse?

Yes, if repayments are unaffordable you could default, harm your credit further and face action. Compare all options before applying.

Will I be credit-checked?

Yes. Applications leave a footprint on your credit file. Multiple applications in a short time can lower your score.

What if I’m already in arrears?

Approval is less likely and APRs may be higher. Consider solutions that freeze interest and stop most enforcement once approved.

Can I include overdrafts and cards in an IVA/DMP/DRO?

Generally, yes — most unsecured debts (cards, loans, overdrafts, store cards, BNPL) can be included. We’ll check each creditor.

Will I lose my home or car?

Debt solutions aim to protect essentials, but equity and high-value assets can affect terms. We’ll explain safeguards clearly.

Is help really free?

Our guidance is free and confidential. Any third-party fees for formal solutions are disclosed in writing so you can decide confidently.

How long will it take to be debt-free?

Loans depend on the term chosen. IVAs usually last 5–6 years; DROs 12 months; bankruptcy ~1 year to discharge; DMP length varies by affordability.

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Compare Your Options Before Taking a NatWest Consolidation Loan

If you qualify at a good APR and can afford the payment, a NatWest consolidation loan can simplify things. If you’re already stretched, a IVA, DMP or DRO may freeze interest, stop most enforcement and, in many cases, write off unaffordable debt after completion.

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