Fresh Start Debt Support
Applying for a joint loan with NatWest might seem like the perfect solution when you're managing money as a couple. Whether you’re consolidating debts, funding a big purchase, or simply sharing responsibilities, it’s a decision that requires careful thought — and a clear understanding of the risks.
At Fresh Start Debt Support, we’ve helped thousands of people who’ve taken out joint loans and later found themselves in financial distress. If you're thinking about a NatWest joint personal loan, let’s explore the facts, your rights, and safer alternatives.
Get Free Joint Loan AdviceA joint loan is a type of borrowing where two people apply for a loan together and both become legally responsible for the repayments. This is sometimes called “joint and several liability.” With NatWest, joint loans are often used by:
NatWest allows joint applications for personal loans ranging from £1,000 to £50,000, usually with a repayment term between 1 and 7 years. The key point? You’re both 100% liable for the full amount — even if only one of you benefits.
Understand Joint Liability Before You BorrowEvery financial decision comes with trade-offs. Joint loans can offer convenience, but they also create long-term obligations. Here's what to consider before applying for a NatWest joint loan:
We often speak to clients who agreed to a joint loan during a relationship — only to be left repaying it alone after a breakup, redundancy, or falling out. If you're considering borrowing jointly, make sure you’re protected and informed.
Speak to Us Before Taking on Joint DebtJoint loans may seem like a team solution — but when things go wrong, it’s often one person left carrying the burden. If you're borrowing to manage existing debts, there are often better routes to explore first.
An IVA lets you legally write off a portion of your debt while protecting your assets. Unlike a joint loan, it doesn’t tie you to another person’s finances. Ideal for couples who want to deal with debt independently.
A DMP allows you to repay your debts at a pace you can afford. It's informal, doesn't require court approval, and avoids borrowing more. DMPs are flexible and can work well if you both have separate financial commitments.
If you're on a low income with few assets, a DRO can freeze your debts for 12 months — and then write them off completely. It’s especially helpful for those who have been denied joint credit or are already falling behind.
Instead of taking on more liability through a joint loan with NatWest, speak to us about safer, long-term debt solutions.
Explore Alternatives to Joint BorrowingWhile NatWest joint loans may seem convenient, many couples don’t realise how difficult it can be if things change. Whether it’s a breakup, job loss, or illness, your joint loan doesn’t go away — and you’re both still liable.
Here’s what can go wrong with a NatWest joint loan:
We’ve helped many people who were left in a worse situation after a joint loan fell apart. Before tying your finances to someone else, get impartial advice.
Get Joint Loan Risk GuidanceAt Fresh Start Debt Support, we’ve worked with people from all walks of life who’ve run into issues with joint loans. Here are two stories we hear far too often:
Sarah and Jake took out a £15,000 joint loan with NatWest to consolidate their credit cards and pay for a new kitchen. When the relationship ended a year later, Jake moved out and stopped contributing. NatWest still expected full payment — and Sarah was left struggling to cover everything alone. We helped her get a joint debt IVA to freeze interest and split the repayments fairly.
Paul co-signed a £10,000 loan with his younger brother who had poor credit. When his brother lost his job, Paul had to cover both halves — or risk court action. He contacted Fresh Start and we helped him explore a Debt Management Plan to protect his credit and avoid legal trouble.
If you’re already in a joint loan that’s gone bad, or thinking of taking one out, we’re here to help — confidentially and without judgment.
Book a Free Joint Loan ReviewMany people take out joint loans with NatWest as a form of debt consolidation. But there are important differences between a consolidation loan and a structured debt solution.
| NatWest Joint Loan | Debt Solution (IVA/DMP) |
|---|---|
| Creates new debt | Freezes and reduces existing debt |
| Tied to another person legally | Handled individually and confidentially |
| Interest and charges apply | Interest often frozen |
| Can damage credit if one party defaults | Helps rebuild financial control over time |
Borrowing more to fix existing debt is risky — especially when you're relying on someone else to pay. That’s why thousands of people are choosing regulated debt solutions instead of taking out joint personal loans.
Compare Debt Solutions to Joint LoansJoint loans aren’t suitable for everyone. You should reconsider if you:
In these cases, a joint loan could do more harm than good. Talk to our team first. We offer confidential support for individuals, couples, and families navigating debt stress.
Get Help Before You ApplyNot directly. Once a joint loan is agreed, both parties are legally responsible. You’d have to refinance or pay off the loan entirely to change names.
You’re still responsible for 100% of the repayments. NatWest can pursue either of you, regardless of who originally caused the missed payments.
Yes, but you’ll likely face early repayment charges. Check your loan agreement or speak to us about better alternatives like an IVA or DMP.
Yes. If both parties are struggling, a joint IVA can be created. If just one person is struggling, they may be able to enter an individual IVA, DMP, or DRO for their share of the debt.
Yes. Any missed payments or defaults on the loan — by either borrower — will appear on both credit files.
Ask Us Your Joint Loan QuestionFresh Start Debt Support helps people with joint loans from NatWest across the entire UK. Whether you're in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, we offer free, confidential advice online or over the phone.
We frequently help people in:
No matter your location, we make it easy to get the help you need — without travel or stress. We’re here for you, wherever you are.
Get Local Support for Joint LoansJoint loans with NatWest don’t always go as planned. Whether you're struggling with repayments, tied to someone else’s debt, or just want clarity before applying — Fresh Start Debt Support is here for you.
We’ll help you explore your options without judgment. From freezing interest to splitting joint responsibility fairly, we’ve got your back.
Let us help you take the first step toward financial freedom. There’s no obligation — just honest advice.
Book Your Free Joint Loan Assessment