NatWest and RBS' mobile banking apps go TITSUP

UPDATE RBS and NatWest customers have been left unable to access their accounts via the banks' mobile apps.

In an identically-worded tweet both banks said this morning: "We're sorry if you're having trouble getting into Mobile Banking, we're working hard to resolve the issue. Thank you for your patience."

NatWest and RBS are currently "investigating" the problem. On Saturday the bank's online banking service was down "due to routine maintenance".

Customers took to Twitter to complain:

@NatWest_Help Problems after problems with your mobile banking! Get it sorted, it's a disgrace! #fail #again

— Swain Elect Contract (@SwainElectContr) April 20, 2015

@NatWest_Help yet again your mobile banking isn't working? Remind me what I pay those £180 a year account charges for? Unhelpful staff?

— Brett Mitchell (@brettmitchel666) April 20, 2015

@NatWest_Help any idea what's going on with the mobile banking app? All I'm getting is 'service unavailable'

— Laura Slowe (@pinkfaery) April 20, 2015

RBS and NatWest are no strangers to IT cockups. In December they were hit with a £56m fine from regulators for their IT meltdowns in 2012.

The Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority said the IT disaster could have affected the "stability of the financial system it interfered with". ®

Update

A spokeswoman contacted us to say the bank does not yet have an estimate as to when mobile banking will be fully running again. She said: “We are aware that some customers are experiencing difficulty accessing our mobile banking. We’re investigating this and we are working to get it resolved as quickly as possible. In the meantime, our customers can visit one of our branches, use online banking or call us via telephone banking as normal. We apologise to customers for the inconvenience."

Second update

At around 14:30, a spokeswoman told us: "Our Mobile Banking service is currently operating as normal. We apologise to those who experienced difficulties accessing the service today. We will continue to monitor the service."