Calling Nationwide in the UK for free can sometimes feel like a maze, with different numbers for different services and specific opening hours. But don't worry, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process smoothly, ensuring you connect with the right department without incurring any charges.
Your Ultimate Guide to Contacting Nationwide by Phone (UK Free)
Are you looking to speak to someone at Nationwide? Perhaps you have a question about your current account, need to discuss a mortgage, or have an urgent query about a lost card. Whatever your reason, this guide will provide you with the most effective ways to get through to Nationwide by phone, absolutely free within the UK.
Step 1: Identify Your Need - What's Your Query About?
Before you even pick up the phone, take a moment to consider why you're calling. Nationwide offers a variety of services, and having a clear idea of your specific need will help you find the correct contact number and ensure you're directed to the most appropriate team.
- Are you calling about your current account (FlexAccount, FlexDirect, FlexPlus, FlexOne, FlexStudent, FlexGraduate, FlexBasic)?
- Do you have a question regarding your mortgage?
- Is it about a savings account or an ISA?
- Are you looking for assistance with your credit card?
- Have you lost your card or had it stolen?
- Do you need to report fraud or a suspected scam?
- Are you making a complaint?
- Is it a general enquiry that doesn't fit into a specific category?
Knowing this upfront will save you time and frustration!
Step 2: Find the Right Freephone Number for Your Specific Enquiry
Nationwide provides several freephone numbers (starting with 0800) and standard rate numbers (starting with 0345) for different services. Calls to 0800 numbers are always free from UK landlines and usually free from UK mobiles. Calls to 0345 numbers are charged at a local rate, but are usually included in mobile phone packages, making them effectively free for most users.
Here's a breakdown of the primary contact numbers for Nationwide:
Sub-heading 2.1: General Enquiries & Main Current Accounts (FlexAccount, FlexOne, FlexStudent, FlexGraduate, FlexBasic)
- UK Freephone Number: 03457 30 20 11 (Charged at local rate, usually free on mobile plans)
- Abroad: +44 1793 65 67 89 (International rates apply)
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday and Bank Holidays: 8 am to 8 pm
- Sundays: 9 am to 5 pm
Sub-heading 2.2: FlexDirect Current Account Enquiries
- UK Freephone Number: 03456 07 73 57 (Charged at local rate, usually free on mobile plans)
- Abroad: +44 1793 65 67 89 (International rates apply)
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday and Bank Holidays: 8 am to 8 pm
- Sundays: 9 am to 5 pm
Sub-heading 2.3: FlexPlus Current Account Enquiries
- UK Freephone Number: 0800 11 88 55 (Absolutely free from UK landlines and mobiles)
- Abroad: +44 1793 54 12 00 (International rates apply)
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday and Bank Holidays: 8 am to 8 pm
- Sundays: 9 am to 5 pm
Sub-heading 2.4: Mortgages
- UK Freephone Number: 0345 609 25 30 (Charged at local rate, usually free on mobile plans)
- Opening Hours: Generally Monday to Friday, with some Saturday availability. It's best to check the Nationwide website for the most up-to-date hours for mortgage specific enquiries.
Sub-heading 2.5: Savings and ISAs (General Enquiries)
- UK Freephone Number: 03457 30 20 11 (Charged at local rate, usually free on mobile plans)
- Abroad: +44 1793 65 67 89 (International rates apply)
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 am to 6 pm
- Saturday: 8 am to 6 pm
- Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
Sub-heading 2.6: Credit Cards
- UK Freephone Number: 03456 00 66 11 (Charged at local rate, usually free on mobile plans)
- Abroad: +44 2476 43 89 97 (International rates apply)
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 8 pm
- Sundays and Bank Holidays: 9 am to 5 pm
Sub-heading 2.7: Lost or Stolen Cards (Debit, Credit, Savings) & Fraud Reporting
- UK Freephone Number: 0800 055 66 22 (***This is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week, absolutely free number for urgent issues.***)
- Abroad:
- Current Account Fraud: +44 1793 65 67 89
- Credit Card Fraud: +44 2476 43 89 97
- Savings Cards/Certificates: +44 1793 65 67 89
Sub-heading 2.8: Complaints
- UK Freephone Number: 0800 30 20 15 (Absolutely free from UK landlines and mobiles)
- Opening Hours: Check the Nationwide website for specific complaints line hours, as they may differ slightly from general enquiry lines.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Call
Once you have the correct number, a little preparation can make your call much more efficient.
- Gather Your Information: Have your account number, sort code, debit card number, or any relevant policy numbers readily available. If you're calling about a recent transaction, have the details of that transaction at hand.
- Prepare Your Queries: Write down the questions you want to ask or the issue you need to resolve. This helps you stay focused and ensures you don't forget anything important.
- Find a Quiet Spot: Make sure you're in a place where you can hear and be heard clearly, free from distractions.
- Be Patient: While Nationwide strives to answer calls promptly, there might be waiting times during peak hours. Be prepared to hold, and remember that the customer service representative on the other end is there to help you.
Step 4: Dial the Number and Navigate the Automated System
When you call, you'll likely be greeted by an automated voice system.
- Listen Carefully: The system will usually provide options for different departments or services. Listen to all the options before making a selection, as your specific query might fall under a less obvious category.
- Use Your Keypad: Follow the voice prompts to select the most relevant option using your phone's keypad.
- Speak Clearly (if prompted): Some systems use voice recognition. Speak clearly and naturally if asked to state your reason for calling.
- Be Ready for Security Questions: For security purposes, Nationwide will likely ask you to verify your identity. This could involve your date of birth, mother's maiden name, specific numbers from your account, or a telephone banking passnumber if you have one. Have these details ready to hand.
Step 5: Speak to a Customer Service Representative
Once you're connected to a human, clearly state your reason for calling.
- Be Concise: Explain your query or issue clearly and concisely.
- Provide Details: Offer any necessary account information or transaction details when requested.
- Ask for Clarification: If you don't understand something, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Take Notes: It's always a good idea to make a note of the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke to, along with a summary of the conversation and any agreed-upon actions. This can be very useful if you need to follow up later.
Step 6: Follow Up (If Necessary)
If your query requires further action, such as a callback or a document to be sent, confirm the next steps and any reference numbers.
- Confirm Timelines: Ask for an estimated timeframe for any actions to be completed.
- Note Reference Numbers: Always make a note of any reference numbers provided.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to contact Nationwide by phone in the UK for free, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with 'How to', along with their quick answers, to further assist you in contacting Nationwide:
How to: Find my Nationwide customer number?
Your customer number can typically be found in your Nationwide banking app (under 'Details & Settings' -> 'Your details'), on your online banking registration welcome letter, or by using your Visa debit card and a card reader via the customer number lookup tool on their website.
How to: Report a scam or fraud to Nationwide?
Immediately call Nationwide's 24-hour fraud line on 0800 055 66 22. This number is free to call from the UK.
How to: Check Nationwide's telephone banking opening hours?
General current account enquiries (FlexAccount, FlexOne, etc.) and FlexDirect/FlexPlus accounts typically operate Monday to Saturday and bank holidays from 8 am to 8 pm, and Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. Specific departments like mortgages or credit cards may have slightly different hours, which are usually listed on the Nationwide website under their contact us section.
How to: Call Nationwide from outside the UK?
Use the international dialling code +44 followed by the specific number, omitting the leading 0. For general current account enquiries, it's +44 1793 65 67 89. For FlexPlus, it's +44 1793 54 12 00. For lost/stolen credit cards, use +44 2476 43 89 96.
How to: Get help with my Nationwide mortgage by phone?
For mortgage-related queries, dial 0345 609 25 30. This number is charged at a local rate but usually free on most UK mobile plans.
How to: Contact Nationwide about a lost savings card or certificate?
Call the 24-hour lost and stolen card line on 0800 055 66 22.
How to: Make a complaint to Nationwide over the phone?
You can directly call Nationwide's dedicated complaints line on 0800 30 20 15, which is free from UK landlines and mobiles.
How to: Set up telephone banking with Nationwide?
You can usually set up telephone banking by calling the general enquiries number for your current account (e.g., 03457 30 20 11) or by visiting your local Nationwide branch. You'll typically need a telephone banking passnumber and your customer number or debit card details.
How to: Report a damaged Nationwide card?
You can report a damaged card through the Nationwide banking app, internet banking, or by calling the lost/stolen card number 0800 055 66 22, as they handle all card-related issues.
How to: Check my Nationwide balance over the phone without speaking to someone?
Nationwide's telephone banking service often allows for automated balance checks. You'll typically need your telephone banking passnumber and account details. For current accounts, the general enquiries line (e.g., 03457 30 20 11) can guide you through automated services.
