Housemate by NatWest app for iPhone and iPad

Housemate is a free app open to users aged 17+ across the UK. Users must have a UK bank account and an iOS compatible device. Open Banking is available for selected UK banks and account types only. You need to be registered for your own bank’s online banking. The rent recognition feature is only open to those residing in England or Wales.

Having to share your space with friends - or even random strangers - is normal when youre renting. Housemate is here to help smooth out some of the problems that might crop up.

You don’t need to be a customer of NatWest to use Housemate. If you have a UK bank account, Housemate can help make payments easier using Open Banking and even help you plan for the future by recognising your rent payments to build your history with our partner Experian.

How it works:

Link your bank
We use Open Banking to ensure that you and your housemates get the full Housemate functionality, regardless of who you bank with, so long as they’re Open Banking enabled; most banks are. Whether it’s in-app payments to each other or syncing your latest transactions, everyone is an equal in our house.

Clear record
Our app keeps things clear and simple. You can add expenses straight from your bank account, see your transaction history and if anyone you live with needs an *ahem* gentle cue to pay up – our GIF reminders will save you from nagging.

Settle up seamlessly
Housemate helps you stay on top of ‘who owes who’ with one complete list of transactions – especially useful if you’re on a tight budget. An easy way to settle up with the entire house, or to pay just one person you live with.

Build for the future
It’s possible to recognise your rent payments with our partner Experian, adding them to your history and making it easier for lenders to identify you in the future. You can also take steps to improve your credit score by following our ‘Credit score checklist’, which could make lending more affordable in the future.