This week has seen customers of both NatWest and TSB not be able to access their online banking apps due to short-term outages.
TSB was the most recent bank to face problems with outages on its online banking platform this morning (30 May). Customers were left frustrated when they could not log onto their accounts, in particular as for some, they would have been paid.
Statistics from Downdetector revealed a significant surge in problem reports regarding TSB. Reports peaked at 2,688 complaints at 7:26 am on 30 May.
The three most cited issues stemming from an inability for mobile login (58%), mobile banking (29%), and online login (13%).
TSB customers took to social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter) to voice their concerns regarding the three aforementioned issues.
The UK bank released a statement reassuring customers that they were aware of the online login and banking problems and are working to resolve it.
The statement read: “We’re aware that some customers are experiencing issues with our digital services. We’re currently looking into this and will provide updates as soon as possible.”
As of 11:00 am on 30 May, the reports on Downdetector dropped to 38.
But TSB customers were not the only one’s facing the same problems this week, as NatWest had similar issues with its online banking platform.
On 28 May, customers of the high-street UK bank had issues accessing the NatWest online banking app and website, relating to mobile and online banking.
Downdetector had up to 4,000 report complaints regarding the aforementioned issues at 7:36 am on 28 May.
Whilst NatWest was able to resolve the online outage, and with TSB on a similar path, these online banking outages raise questions regarding the reliance of online and mobile transactions.
Not only does this serve as a stark reminder of how vital online money and banking has become in today’s climate, it may also indicate customers to turn back to cash as a safety net if online outages like this continue to remain a problem.