The Nationwide card reader, often referred to as a "security token" or "Digipass," is a crucial tool for keeping your online banking safe and secure. While Nationwide is increasingly promoting their banking app with biometric authentication for convenience, the card reader remains a highly reliable method for verifying your identity and authorizing various transactions.
It's primarily used to generate unique passcodes (often called "one-time passcodes" or "transaction authorisation codes") that act as an extra layer of security when you're performing certain actions within your Nationwide Internet Bank. Think of it as a digital handshake that confirms it's truly you accessing your account, not a fraudster.
So, are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Nationwide card reader and enhance your online banking security? Let's dive in!
How to Use a Nationwide Card Reader: Your Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Using your Nationwide card reader is a straightforward process, but it's important to follow the steps carefully to ensure your transactions are secure.
Step 1: Get Acquainted with Your Card Reader
Hello there, future online banking pro! Before we dive into the technicalities, let's take a moment to understand what you're working with. Your Nationwide card reader is a small, handheld device, usually with a screen and a keypad.
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Identify the Key Components:
- Screen: This is where the passcodes and messages will appear.
- Keypad: Similar to a calculator, this is where you'll enter your PIN and other numbers.
- Card Slot: This is where you'll insert your Nationwide Visa Debit Card. Make sure you insert it chip-side first, facing upwards.
- On/Off Button (if applicable): Some models have a distinct button to power them on. Others activate automatically when a card is inserted.
- Battery Compartment (on the back): This is where the CR2032 batteries are housed. Good to know for future troubleshooting!
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Check the Batteries: If your card reader isn't responding, the first thing to check is the battery. Some card readers have a small, clear plastic strip that needs to be removed from the battery compartment to activate it for the first time. If the screen is blank, the batteries might be dead or need activation.
Step 2: Logging into Nationwide Internet Bank with Your Card Reader
This is one of the most common uses for your card reader – adding an extra layer of security when you access your online account.
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2.1 Navigating to the Login Page:
- Open your web browser and go to the official Nationwide website.
- Locate the "Log in" or "Internet Bank" option and click on it.
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2.2 Initiating the Card Reader Process:
- Enter your Customer Number and Passnumber as you normally would.
- Nationwide's system will then prompt you to use your card reader for verification. This prompt usually appears as a specific request on the screen, asking for a code generated by your card reader.
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2.3 Using Your Card Reader to Generate the Login Code:
- Insert your Nationwide Visa Debit Card into the card reader. Ensure the chip is facing upwards and goes in first.
- The card reader should turn on automatically. If not, press the 'ON' button if your model has one.
- The screen on your card reader will usually display "SELECT FUNCTION" or "LOGIN."
- Press the "LOGIN" button on the card reader (it might be labelled as '1' or have a distinct login symbol).
- The card reader will then prompt you to "ENTER PIN." Carefully enter your 4-digit card PIN using the card reader's keypad. Be mindful of your surroundings to ensure no one is looking over your shoulder.
- After entering your PIN, press the 'OK' or 'ENTER' button on the card reader.
- The card reader will then generate a unique 8-digit passcode. This is your login code.
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2.4 Entering the Code into the Internet Bank:
- Carefully type the 8-digit passcode displayed on your card reader's screen into the designated field on the Nationwide Internet Bank login page.
- Double-check that you've entered the code correctly.
- Click "Continue" or "Log in."
- If successful, you will be granted access to your Nationwide Internet Bank. Congratulations, you're in!
Step 3: Authorising Payments and Changing Details with Your Card Reader
Beyond just logging in, your card reader is often required for higher-risk transactions to ensure it's genuinely you making the changes or payments.
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3.1 When You'll Need Your Card Reader:
- Paying a New Person: Setting up a payment to a recipient you haven't paid before.
- Changing Personal Details: Updating your mobile number, email address, or other sensitive information.
- Amending Standing Orders: Modifying existing regular payments.
- Making Significant Payments: For certain large transactions, even to existing payees, a card reader may be required.
- Online Shopping Security (Visa Secure/Mastercard Identity Check): While many online purchases now use one-time passcodes sent to your phone or app verification, some retailers or transactions might still prompt you to use your card reader for authentication.
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3.2 The Transaction Authorisation Process:
- When you reach a point in your online banking where the card reader is required (e.g., confirming a new payment), Nationwide's Internet Bank will present you with a challenge code or a series of numbers.
- Insert your Nationwide Visa Debit Card into the card reader if it's not already in.
- Press the "SIGN" or "CODE" button on the card reader (it might be labelled as '2' or '3', or have a distinct signature symbol).
- The card reader will prompt you to "ENTER PIN." Enter your 4-digit card PIN.
- Press 'OK' or 'ENTER'.
- The card reader will then ask you to "ENTER REFERENCE" or "ENTER NUMBER." This is where you'll input the challenge code or numbers shown on your computer screen. It's absolutely vital to enter these numbers exactly as they appear on your screen. This is how the card reader encrypts the specific transaction you're trying to make.
- Press 'OK' or 'ENTER'.
- The card reader will then generate a unique 8-digit response code (sometimes called a "transaction authorisation code" or "TAC").
- Carefully enter this 8-digit response code from your card reader into the corresponding field on the Nationwide Internet Bank page.
- Confirm the transaction.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Card Reader Issues
Even the most reliable tools can have their quirks. Here's what to do if you encounter a snag:
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4.1 "Error" or "Check Card" Message:
- This usually means the card isn't inserted correctly. Remove your card and re-insert it, making sure the chip is facing upwards and fully pushed in.
- If the problem persists, there might be an issue with the chip on your card. You may need to order a new debit card from Nationwide.
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4.2 Blank Screen or Won't Turn On:
- Check for the clear plastic strip if it's a new card reader.
- Try pressing the 'ON/OFF' button.
- The batteries might be dead. You'll need two CR2032 batteries to replace them. There's usually a small rectangular hole on the back where you can insert a pen tip to pull out the battery drawer.
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4.3 "Last PIN Try" or "PIN Locked Call Issuer":
- This indicates you've entered your PIN incorrectly too many times (usually three). Your card PIN will be locked.
- To unlock your PIN, you'll need to use an ATM. Insert your card, enter your PIN (if you know it), select "Other" or "PIN services," and then "PIN unlock." You may need to request a PIN reminder if you've forgotten it.
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4.4 Difficulty Reading the Screen (Contrast):
- Some card readers have a "MENU" button. Press this and look for a "CONTRAST" option to adjust the screen brightness.
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4.5 Code Not Accepted:
- Double-check that you're entering the code from the card reader correctly. Even one wrong digit will cause it to fail.
- Ensure you're entering the correct type of code for the action you're performing (login code vs. transaction authorisation code).
- Make sure you're entering the challenge code from your screen exactly into the card reader.
Step 5: Keeping Your Card Reader Safe and Secure
Your card reader is a key part of your online banking security, so treating it with care is important.
- Store it Safely: Keep your card reader in a secure place where it won't be lost or damaged.
- Don't Share Your PIN: Never disclose your card PIN to anyone, not even Nationwide staff.
- Be Wary of Phishing: Nationwide will never ask you to reveal your full PIN or passnumber via email or text message. Be cautious of any suspicious communications.
- Report Loss or Theft: If your card reader is lost or stolen, contact Nationwide immediately.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nationwide card readers:
How to get a Nationwide card reader?
You can order a new Nationwide card reader online via your Internet Bank service, or by visiting your nearest Nationwide branch. Current account holders with a Visa debit card are usually eligible.
How to use a Nationwide card reader for online shopping?
While many online purchases now use one-time passcodes sent to your phone or app verification, some retailers or transactions may still prompt you to use your Nationwide card reader. You would typically select "Authenticate with card reader" and follow the on-screen instructions, which will involve inserting your card, entering your PIN, and typing a challenge code into the reader to generate a response code.
How to replace the batteries in a Nationwide card reader?
You will need two CR2032 batteries. On the back of the card reader, there's usually a small, rectangular hole. Push the tip of a pen into this hole to eject the battery drawer. Remove the old batteries, insert the new ones according to the + and - indicators, and push the drawer back in.
How to unlock a locked Nationwide card reader PIN?
A Nationwide card reader PIN gets locked after three incorrect attempts. To unlock it, you need to use your debit card at any ATM (with a LINK sign). Insert your card, enter your PIN (if you remember it), select "Other" or "PIN services," and then choose "PIN unlock."
How to get a new PIN for my Nationwide card?
If you've forgotten your PIN, you can request a PIN reminder through your Nationwide Internet Bank, the Banking App, or by calling Nationwide directly. A new PIN will be sent to you by post within 3-5 working days.
How to use my Nationwide card reader with another bank's card?
Generally, Nationwide card readers are designed to work with your Nationwide Visa Debit Card. While some card readers from other banks or building societies might be universally compatible with Visa debit cards, it's best to use the card reader provided by your bank for optimal functionality and security.
How to know when I need to use my Nationwide card reader?
Nationwide will prompt you on screen within the Internet Bank or during an online transaction when the card reader is required. This typically happens for new payments, changes to personal details, or certain high-value transactions.
How to set up biometrics instead of using a card reader for Nationwide online banking?
Nationwide's Banking App offers biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) for logging in and approving payments, reducing the need for a card reader. You can set this up within the app's settings, often under "Pay without card reader" or "Account biometrics."
How to troubleshoot a Nationwide card reader showing "Error" or "Check Card"?
This error usually means your card isn't inserted correctly. Remove your card and re-insert it, making sure the chip is facing upwards and is fully pushed into the slot. If the issue persists, there might be a problem with your card's chip, and you may need to order a replacement card.
How to contact Nationwide if my card reader is faulty?
If your Nationwide card reader is faulty and troubleshooting steps haven't helped, you can contact Nationwide's customer service via their helpline, or visit your nearest branch to discuss getting a replacement. You can also order a new card reader online through your Internet Bank if you're eligible.
