What is the difference between Account Balance and Available Balance?

I have a Natwest bank account. Apparently my balance is 拢5 but my available balance is only 拢5. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? :S|||Account balance is how much money you have in your account. Available balance is the amount of money that is available for you to use. I don't know your bank's policies, you should really call them and find out why you have $5 available(sorry, I'm in the US and don't have a lb sign). Maybe you deposited the rest recently and it hasn't cleared, but I have no idea. If you withdraw more than the cash you have available though, you'll be slapped with a penalty.