Housemate by NatWest 4+

Brilliant Idea but has some bugs

The app is a brilliant idea and what makes it great is being able to link other bank accounts using open banking, however, noy many banks are supported and even the ones that are don’t all work, Monzo for instance will connect but doesn’t show transactions history. It would be great if NatWest could develop this app further!

Good concept but not fully working

I’ve tried to set up rent recognition but it doesn’t work. I meet all the criteria for it to do so. From a UX perspective it’s bad that I have to keep re-entering the same data everytime I try to attempt it after quitting, and as a user what action can I take if it doesn’t work? There is no advise on if all fails.
I’ve also noticed that when I try to add an expense and select my bank account to choose the expense rather than manually input, it does not show my transaction history. Only my bank balance shows. I’ve disconnected and reconnected to my bank and this issue is still there. It is a good concept but I feel there are still some iterations that need to be made for the app to fully meet the needs of the user.

Developer Response ,

Hi Jesuisguiz, thanks for your feedback. Sorry to hear you've been having challenges with rent recognition. We have recently made improvements to how that feature works. Your rent payments must be the same each month in order for Housemate to find and match your rent payments. This means the same amount, paid at the same frequency and with the same reference, to the same payee. It also means you must pay your rent in a consistent manner. If you pay your rent in a different format (e.g. via an automated standing order one month, then via a manual online transfer the next month), we won't be able to set up your rent recognition.
We are sorry to hear you've also had an issue with adding expenses from your bank account. It could be that there is a special character in one of your recent transactions which is causing this. Please could you contact housemate@natwest.com as the team would like to look into both these issues further for you.
Best wishes
Housemate Support Team

Great app: It really helps

I live in a flat with just my partner and love the fact we always know how much we owe each other for the household bills. Housemate is always right.

I also love the fact I can submit my rent payments to build my credit file.

I have noticed that it is always improving and would love to see if it can start to do things automatically, so it will make things even easier.