NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank have announced the introduction of a new carers card to enable vulnerable customers and those in extended isolation a way to pay for essential goods.

The ‘companion card’, a supplement to the bank’s existing current accounts, can be topped up by up to £100 every five days and given to a trusted person or carer for them to make purchases on behalf of the individual.

To enhance security, NatWest said the carers card would be associated with the customer’s existing bank account but kept separate on the bank’s systems. The card won’t share a PIN or long card number with the customer’s existing debit cards and ATM withdrawals are restricted to £50, as well as being subject to fraud monitoring systems, the bank added.

The move is the latest in a series of innovations that NatWest, Royal Bank and Ulster Bank have introduced in response to coronavirus to protect vulnerable customers.

The banks are also the first in the UK to offer vulnerable customers and those in extended isolation a fee-free cash delivery service to their door, having delivered almost £250,000 to around 750 customers to date since 25 March.

NatWest CEO, Les Matheson, commented: “Tackling issues around access to finance can be difficult for some, but we are committed to finding innovative solutions that keep our customers safe and able to pay for the things they need, when they need them – whether that’s digitally via our app, via this new card, or through cash.

“We will continue to listen to and be guided by our customers in introducing services that meet their needs and provide meaningful help.”

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