Lunchtime meltdown for NatWest customers as network error meant their cards were declined and they were unable to make payments for TWO hours

  • The bank, used by millions, scrambled to fix the problem after complaints
  • Some customers had multiple payments rejected or couldn't pay for lunch
  • RBS spokesman said 'No customers will be left of pocket as a result of this issue'

By Joe Middleton For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

NatWest customers were unable to make payments for two hours after a network error meant their cards were declined.

The bank, which is used by millions, said the problem started at 10.30am this morning and continued until just before 12.30pm.

People took to social media to vent their fury at the issue, with some saying all of their payments have been declined today or they couldn't purchase their lunch.

A branch of NatWest at King Street in Hammersmith, London. NatWest customers are complained today they are unable to make payments after a network error means cards are being rejected for two hours

A branch of NatWest at King Street in Hammersmith, London. NatWest customers are complained today they are unable to make payments after a network error means cards are being rejected for two hours

One customer on Twitter said: 'Huge network error with @NatWest_Help all cards being declined.'

 Another clearly perturbed customer said: 'Hi when will this issue be resolved? Every single one of my payments have been declined today.

'Have called the bank & they said my account is fine.' 

NatWest said the problem lasted for two hours but did not affect all of its customers or people using ATMs

NatWest said the problem lasted for two hours but did not affect all of its customers or people using ATMs

In response to another person who couldn't use their card one concerned mother said: 'Same as my daughter...she's stuck as she can't pay for her lunch.'

Others are even more unfortunate, with one customer stuck abroad.

They said: 'I am abroad and my card has been blocked.'

An RBS spokesman said the issue was resolved for customers just before 12.30pm.

They said: 'Debit card payments are now being processed as normal. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

'No customers will be left of pocket as a result of this issue.'

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