NatWest launched banking app for iPhone and iPod touch

NatWest bank recently launched an iPhone application offering a range of useful, but limited functionality. Perhaps a victim of their own publicity, early users reported a slow buggy start for the high-profile application. Thankfully things have improved, and future updates are doing to be addressed to some obvious shortcomings.
The set up process while downloading the application, took around ten minutes, with various small print to read and terms and conditions to agree. You will need to enter sensitive data, including date of birth, mobile phone number, post code, account number, security code and the like. This need to give information applies even if you have set up online banking via your browser, you can't simply log-in, a new account needs to be created.
Around 24 hours later the user receives confirmation by text that all was good and fired up NatWest for iPhone. The application let's to monitor the current account balance and better still view a mini-statement with last six transactions listed. If you are a heavy eBay, Marketplace and PayPal user this is an excellent way to keep track of recent activity as well as monitor outgoings that may look dodgy.
NatWest for iPhone also offers balance updates sent to iPhone or iPod touch, along with limit alerts if you are close to being overdrawn. Users can top up pay as you go mobile phones - up to five - using the application, with the exception of the 3 network. For paying bills, transferring money and setting up payments, users will need to sign up for NatWest online banking and fire up Safari.
If you shop online and instore regularly, NatWest for iPhone is a useful tool for checking transactions and your balance without setting up online banking or resorting to a trip to the nearest cash point.