A Comprehensive Guide: How to Add Someone to Your Nationwide Account
Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I wish someone else could help me manage my Nationwide account," or "It would be so much easier if my partner and I shared one account for household bills"? If so, you're in the right place! Adding someone to your Nationwide account can simplify your financial life, but it's crucial to understand the different options and the steps involved. This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know, engaging you from the very first step.
So, are you ready to unlock a new level of convenience and shared financial management with Nationwide? Let's dive in!
Understanding Your Options: Joint Account vs. Authorized User vs. Power of Attorney
Before we get into the "how-to," it's vital to grasp the distinctions between the various ways you can give someone access to your Nationwide account. Each option offers a different level of control and responsibility, so choose wisely!
Option 1: Changing Your Sole Current Account to a Joint Account
This is the most common and comprehensive way to "add someone" to your Nationwide current account. When you convert your sole account to a joint account:
- Shared Ownership: Any money in the account belongs to both of you.
- Joint Responsibility: Both account holders are equally responsible for all transactions, including any overdrafts, even if they were incurred before the new account holder was added.
- Separate Cards & Access: You'll both receive separate cards and can independently spend and withdraw money.
- Survivorship: If one account holder passes away, the other takes full control of the account and any funds.
- Statements: Nationwide will typically send paperwork to the first-named account holder, though you can request statements be sent to both.
This is ideal for couples, family members sharing household expenses, or anyone who wants full, equal financial partnership.
Option 2: Adding an Additional Cardholder to a Credit Card Account
This is different from a joint current account. While an additional cardholder can use the credit card, they are not a joint account holder.
- No Joint Ownership: The primary account holder remains solely responsible for the account.
- Primary Holder Responsibility: You, as the main account holder, are fully responsible for all transactions made by the additional cardholder, making minimum monthly payments, and any charges.
- Limited Access: The additional cardholder can use the card for purchases but generally cannot access or view the account online. Nationwide will only discuss the account with the primary holder unless you provide written consent.
- Age Requirement: The additional cardholder must typically be over 18.
This option is suitable for situations where you want someone to have spending access on your credit card, but you want to retain full legal and financial responsibility.
Option 3: Setting Up Third-Party Access (e.g., Third Party Mandate or Power of Attorney)
These options are designed for situations where someone needs help managing your money, rather than outright shared ownership.
- Third Party Mandate: This allows someone you trust to perform simple, everyday banking in a Nationwide branch for a limited period (e.g., up to 12 months). They can take cash out, pay bills, or transfer money between your Nationwide accounts. They cannot make changes to your account, apply for an overdraft, or transfer money into an account in their own name. This is for short-term support.
- Power of Attorney (POA): This is a legal document that grants someone the authority to manage your finances on your behalf, especially if you become unable to do so yourself. There are different types of POAs (e.g., General, Limited, Durable).
- Comprehensive Control: An attorney can manage money, check statements, make payments, open/close accounts, and sometimes even get online access and a debit card (with specific conditions).
- No Credit Applications: Attorneys typically cannot apply for credit cards, overdrafts, or loans on your behalf.
- Registration Required: A Power of Attorney document must be registered with Nationwide before the attorney can act. For Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) documents, it must first be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.
This is best for situations where you need support with financial management, perhaps due to age, illness, or disability.
For the purpose of this guide, we will focus primarily on changing a sole current account to a joint account, as this is what most users mean when they ask "how do I add someone to my Nationwide account." We will also touch on adding an additional credit card holder.
Step 1: Identify Your Goal – Who Are You Adding and Why?
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Think about it: Before you pick up the phone or head to a branch, what exactly is your objective?
- Are you looking to share all financial responsibility for your current account with a partner? (Joint Account)
- Do you want your child to be able to use your credit card for emergencies, but you retain full control? (Additional Credit Card Holder)
- Are you helping an elderly relative manage their day-to-day banking? (Third Party Mandate)
- Are you planning for a future where you might need someone to manage your finances due to incapacitation? (Power of Attorney)
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Engage with yourself: Take a moment right now to seriously consider your specific situation. The type of access you need to grant will dictate the entire process. Have you discussed this with the person you intend to add? Their understanding and agreement are paramount!
Step 2: Gather Your Documents and Information
Regardless of the option you choose, preparing in advance will save you a lot of time and potential frustration.
For a Joint Current Account:
- Your Existing Nationwide Account Details:
- Account Number
- Sort Code
- Your Customer Number (if applicable)
- Your personal details (full name, current address, date of birth, contact number, National Insurance number, email address).
- Details of the Person You're Adding:
- Full Name (including any previous names in the last 3 years)
- Current and Previous Address (if applicable)
- Date of Birth
- Contact Number
- Email Address
- National Insurance Number (if they have one)
- Nationality (required for regulatory reasons)
- Do they already have a Nationwide account or customer number? This can streamline the ID verification process.
- Proof of Identity (for the person being added, especially if they are new to Nationwide):
- Valid Passport
- Driving Licence (Full or Provisional)
- National Identity Card
- Nationwide usually requires original documents.
- Proof of Address (for the person being added, if different from their ID):
- Utility Bill (e.g., gas, electricity, water – usually within the last 3 months)
- Council Tax Bill (current year)
- Bank Statement (from another bank, within the last 3 months)
- Mortgage Statement (last 12 months)
- Important Note: Both the existing account holder and the person being added must be present on the call or in the branch together for a joint account application.
For an Additional Credit Card Holder:
- Your Credit Card Account Details:
- Last 4 digits of your credit card number (the account to which the additional cardholder is to be added).
- Details of the Person You're Adding:
- Full Name (as it will appear on the card)
- Date of Birth
- Permanent Residential Address
- Contact Phone Number
- Email Address
- Nationality
- Proof of Identity (for the person being added, if they don't have other Nationwide accounts).
For Third-Party Access (Power of Attorney):
- Your Account Details.
- The Original Power of Attorney Document (or a professionally certified copy).
- Office of the Public Guardian Registration Stamp (for Lasting Power of Attorney).
- Office of the Public Guardian Access Code (if using one).
- Proof of ID and Address for the Attorney (if they are not already a Nationwide member).
Step 3: Initiate the Process with Nationwide
This is where the actual "adding" begins!
Step 3a: Adding Someone to a Nationwide Current Account (Making it Joint)
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Method 1: Call Nationwide Directly (Recommended for existing accounts)
- This is typically the most straightforward way to convert a sole account to a joint account.
- Call Nationwide's Customer Service: The official Nationwide website advises that you'll need to call them directly to change your sole current account to a joint account. Their general customer service number is usually a good starting point. Ensure both the existing and new account holders are on the call together. This can be done via a conference call if you are not physically together.
- Be prepared to answer security questions and provide the details you gathered in Step 2.
- They may then guide you through an online process or send you a form to complete.
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Method 2: Visit a Nationwide Branch
- If you prefer face-to-face interaction, you can visit your local Nationwide branch.
- Both account holders must attend the branch together.
- Bring all the documents and information you prepared in Step 2. The branch staff will guide you through the "Addition of Account Holder" form (e.g., form IF10). They will verify identities and process your request.
- This is also the recommended route if the person you're adding doesn't currently hold any Nationwide accounts or have a valid Nationwide customer number, as they will need to have a profile set up and their ID validated.
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Method 3: Applying for a New Joint Account Online
- If you don't have an existing Nationwide account, or you want to open a new joint account (rather than converting an existing one), you can often do this online.
- Typically, one person will open a new sole account first, and then add the other person during the online application process or shortly after the initial account is opened.
- Nationwide offers various current account types (FlexPlus, FlexDirect, FlexAccount, FlexBasic) that can be opened as joint accounts. You can compare these on their website.
Step 3b: Adding an Additional Cardholder to a Nationwide Credit Card
- Download and Print the Form: Nationwide provides a specific "Additional Card Holder Form" (e.g., CC10) on their website.
- Fill Out the Form: Both the primary account holder and the person being added need to complete and sign relevant sections of the form.
- Post the Form: Once completed, post the form to Nationwide.
- ID Check: If the person you're adding doesn't have any other Nationwide accounts, they may need to provide proof of ID. This can often be done by sending it along with the form, or by visiting a branch in person (the primary account holder does not need to be present for the ID check at the branch in this scenario).
- Processing Time: It typically takes 14 to 17 working days for the additional card to be processed and sent out.
Step 3c: Registering a Power of Attorney
- Fill in the Registration Form: Nationwide has a "Registration of Power of Attorney" form (e.g., SF249) available. This form can also be used to request a debit card and Internet Bank access for the attorney.
- Submit Documents: You will need to show Nationwide the original Power of Attorney document or a copy certified by a professional (like a solicitor). The attorney will also need to provide proof of ID and address if they are not already a Nationwide member.
- Submission Methods: You can register a Power of Attorney either in branch or by post.
- Processing Time: It can take up to 11 working days for Nationwide to register someone as an attorney.
Step 4: Completing the Application/Registration
Once you've initiated the process, there will be a few more steps to ensure everything is finalized.
For Joint Current Accounts:
- Signatures: You'll both need to provide signatures on the "Addition of Account Holder" form.
- New Cards & PINs: A new debit card and PIN will be sent out automatically to the newly added account holder. Existing account holders usually don't need new cards or PINs.
- Confirmation: Nationwide will send confirmation once the account has been successfully converted to a joint account. This may be by email or post.
- Review Joint Account Terms: Familiarize yourselves with the terms and conditions of joint accounts, especially regarding shared responsibility and what happens in specific scenarios (e.g., an overdraft, or if one account holder passes away).
For Additional Credit Card Holders:
- Card Delivery: The additional credit card will be sent to the primary account holder's address.
- PIN Delivery: The PIN for the new card will arrive separately.
- Terms and Conditions: The additional cardholder should be aware of the credit card terms and conditions, as their usage directly impacts the primary account holder.
For Power of Attorney:
- Confirmation of Registration: Nationwide will send confirmation once the Power of Attorney has been successfully registered.
- Access Setup: If requested on the form, a debit card and/or Internet Bank access for the attorney will be processed and sent separately. Be aware that attorneys acting "jointly" (meaning all attorneys must make decisions together) cannot typically have a card, chequebook, or use online banking.
- Acting in Best Interests: Attorneys are legally obligated to always act in the best interests of the account holder (the "donor").
Step 5: Post-Completion and Ongoing Management
Congratulations! You've successfully added someone to your Nationwide account (or granted them access). Now, it's about managing this new arrangement effectively.
For Joint Current Accounts:
- Communication is Key: Regularly communicate with your joint account holder about spending, upcoming bills, and account balances.
- Shared Responsibility: Both individuals are responsible for the account. Ensure you both understand any overdraft limits and how to manage them.
- Online Banking & App: Both account holders can register for Nationwide's Internet Bank and Banking app to manage the account independently.
- Statements: Decide if you both want to receive paper statements or if one person will manage digital statements.
For Additional Credit Card Holders:
- Monitor Spending: The primary account holder should regularly monitor the additional cardholder's spending to ensure it aligns with expectations and doesn't exceed the credit limit.
- Payment Responsibility: Remember, the primary account holder is solely responsible for all payments.
For Power of Attorney:
- Understand Limitations: Attorneys should always operate within the scope of the Power of Attorney document. Some transactions (like applying for new credit) are usually prohibited.
- Record Keeping: It's good practice for attorneys to keep meticulous records of all transactions made on behalf of the donor.
- Review Periodically: Periodically review the Power of Attorney arrangement, especially if the donor's circumstances change.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with 'How to', along with quick answers.
How to apply for a new joint current account with Nationwide?
You can apply for a new joint account online, over the phone, or in a branch. Often, one person opens a sole account first, and then the other person is added during the application process or shortly after.
How to change my Nationwide sole current account to a joint account?
You will need to call Nationwide's customer service with both the existing and new account holders present on the call, or visit a Nationwide branch together with both individuals and their respective IDs.
How to add an additional cardholder to my Nationwide credit card?
You need to download, complete, and sign the "Additional Card Holder Form" from the Nationwide website, and then post it to them. The new cardholder may need to provide ID if they don't have other Nationwide accounts.
How to remove someone from a Nationwide joint account?
You will typically need to contact Nationwide directly, as a "Removal of Account Holder form" usually needs to be completed and returned to your local branch by the account holder who is remaining on the account. Both individuals might need to agree.
How to register a Power of Attorney with Nationwide?
Complete Nationwide's "Registration of Power of Attorney" form and submit it with the original POA document (or a certified copy) and the attorney's ID and address proof, either in branch or by post.
How to get online banking access for a newly added joint account holder?
Once added, the new joint account holder can register for Nationwide's Internet Bank and Banking app using their new account details and personal information.
How to get a debit card for the person I've added to my joint account?
A new debit card and PIN are typically sent automatically to the newly added joint account holder after the conversion is complete.
How to know if the person I'm adding needs to show ID at Nationwide?
If the person you're adding doesn't currently have any other accounts with Nationwide or a valid Nationwide customer number, they will almost certainly need to provide proof of identity and address.
How to contact Nationwide about adding someone to my account?
You can contact Nationwide's general customer service line (found on their official website), or visit your nearest Nationwide branch.
How to understand the financial responsibility of a joint account?
Both individuals on a joint account are equally and "jointly and severally" responsible for all money in the account, including any debts or overdrafts, meaning either person can be held responsible for the full amount.
