Sainsbury's Bank customers urged to check Nectar points after NatWest merger

Daily Mirror

05-05-2025

All bank customers have been encouraged to check over their finances
Sainsbury's Bank customers have been encouraged to keep an eye out for changes to their Nectar points. In a key change that began on May 1, customers with the bank are being moved over to NatWest.
Sainsbury's Bank is transferring all its personal loans, credit cards, and savings accounts over to NatWest. Bank leaders have stated they hope to finish the move over to NatWest systems by the end of 2025.
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Customers are informed there will be no immediate changes including to Nectar points, which will operate the same. However, industry experts have said there may be alterations to the system further down the line.
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Personal finance expert Aaron Peake, from the free credit scoring service CredAbility, said that bank bosses may make changes to Nectar points. He explained: "Loyalty schemes are often one of the first things to change after a buyout.
"So if you're collecting points, you might want to make the most of them now or look for an alternative card if rewards disappear." He also said there is something customers should do as a first priority.
He urged: "The first thing to do is check any recent emails or letters to make sure you're aware of what's happening. If you've got a savings account, personal loan or credit card with Sainsbury's Bank, look at your interest rate, fees and repayment terms to see if anything is set to change.
"It's also worth checking your direct debits or standing orders, just in case account details are updated." An update from Sainsbury's Bank reassured customers: "Your Sainsbury's Bank Credit Card remains valid and you can continue to use it instore, in other stores or online.
"As we usually would, we will contact you as and when any changes are made to your product." Pernia Rogers, founder of Your Finance Travel Buddy, spoke about what the acquisition means for the wider UK banking scene.
She said: "By acquiring Sainsbury's Bank, NatWest is bringing in 1.8 million customers, along with £1.4 billion in personal loans and £1.1 billion in credit card balances. It's another sign of the UK's high street banking market becoming increasingly concentrated, as larger banks continue to absorb smaller players.
"That could mean less competition in some areas, which may affect things like choice, pricing and innovation for customers down the line."