It's a fantastic idea to bank online with Nationwide! It offers convenience, flexibility, and control over your finances right from your fingertips. Gone are the days of rushing to a branch during opening hours. With Nationwide's online banking, you can manage your money whenever and wherever suits you.
So, are you ready to unlock the power of online banking with Nationwide? Let's dive in!
A Comprehensive Guide: How to Bank Online with Nationwide
This extensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from initial registration to mastering various online banking features.
Step 1: Getting Ready for Nationwide Online Banking
Before you begin, let's ensure you have everything you need for a smooth registration process.
1.1 Do You Have a Nationwide Account?
First and foremost, you'll need to be a Nationwide Building Society customer with an active account. This could be a current account, savings account, or credit card. If you've recently opened an account online, you might already be registered for online banking. If you opened it in a branch, you'll likely need to register.
1.2 Gather Your Essentials
To register for online banking, have the following information handy:
- Your full name
- Your address and postcode
- Your email address
- Your mobile number (this is crucial for security verification)
- The account details for the Nationwide account you wish to register with (e.g., account number and sort code).
1.3 Decide Your Registration Method
Nationwide offers two primary ways to register for online banking:
- Through their Banking App: This is often the quickest and most convenient method, especially if you prefer banking on the go.
- Through their Website (Internet Bank): If you prefer a desktop experience or don't have the app yet, the website is your go-to.
Important Note: If you've just opened a new account, you might need to wait 6 working days before you can register for online banking.
Step 2: Registering for Nationwide Online Banking
Let's get you set up! We'll cover both the app and website registration processes.
2.1 Registering via the Nationwide Banking App
This is a popular choice for many due to its ease of use.
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Sub-step 2.1.1: Download the App
- Open your phone's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iPhone).
- Search for "Nationwide Banking App".
- Download and install the official Nationwide app. Look for the Nationwide logo to ensure it's legitimate.
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Sub-step 2.1.2: Launch and Enroll
- Once installed, open the Nationwide Banking App.
- You'll likely see an option to "Register" or "Enrol". Tap on this.
- The app will guide you through entering your personal details (name, address, email, mobile number).
- You'll be prompted to enter details for the Nationwide account you want to link.
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Sub-step 2.1.3: Set Up Your Passnumber and Memorable Data
- As part of the registration, you'll create a passnumber (a short, memorable code) that you'll use for future logins. Choose something secure that you can remember.
- You'll also set up "memorable data" - this is usually a series of characters from a word or phrase that only you know. This adds an extra layer of security.
- Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
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Sub-step 2.1.4: Verification
- Nationwide will send you a verification code to your registered mobile number. Enter this code into the app to confirm your identity.
- You might also be asked to set up biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) for quicker and more secure logins in the future. This is highly recommended!
2.2 Registering via the Nationwide Internet Bank (Website)
If you prefer to register using your computer, here's how:
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Sub-step 2.2.1: Visit the Nationwide Website
- Open your web browser and go to the official Nationwide Building Society website (usually nationwide.co.uk).
- Look for a "Log in" or "Register" button, typically in the top right corner. Click on "Register for the internet bank."
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Sub-step 2.2.2: Start the Registration Process
- You'll be directed to a registration page.
- Enter your personal details as requested: full name, address, email, and mobile number.
- Provide your Nationwide account details.
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Sub-step 2.2.3: Create Login Credentials
- Similar to the app, you'll be asked to create a passnumber and set up your memorable data. Ensure you choose strong, unique credentials.
- You might also be sent a card reader in the post if you're registering a current account for the first time. Keep this safe, as it might be needed for certain transactions or security checks in the future, although Nationwide is increasingly reducing its reliance on them.
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Sub-step 2.2.4: Complete Verification
- Expect to receive a verification code via text message to your registered mobile number. Input this code on the website to verify your identity and complete the registration.
Step 3: Logging In to Nationwide Online Banking
Once registered, logging in is a breeze.
3.1 Logging In via the Nationwide Banking App
- Open the Nationwide Banking App on your smartphone or tablet.
- Enter your passnumber.
- If you've enabled biometrics, you can simply use your fingerprint or facial recognition for a faster login.
3.2 Logging In via the Nationwide Internet Bank (Website)
- Go to the Nationwide website (nationwide.co.uk).
- Click "Log in" to the "Internet Bank."
- You'll be prompted to enter your customer number or username, followed by your passnumber and a few characters from your memorable data.
- For enhanced security, Nationwide might occasionally ask for a code from your card reader or send a text message verification code to your phone.
Step 4: Exploring Key Online Banking Features
Congratulations! You're now logged in and ready to manage your money online. Here's a rundown of common features you'll find.
4.1 Viewing Your Accounts and Balances
- Account Overview: The first thing you'll see is an overview of all your Nationwide accounts (current accounts, savings, credit cards, mortgages).
- Transaction History: Click on any account to view your detailed transaction history. You can often filter by date or search for specific transactions. This is incredibly useful for keeping track of your spending.
- Statements: You can view, download, and often print digital copies of your statements. Many users choose to go paperless to help the environment and keep their records digitally.
4.2 Making Payments and Transfers
This is one of the most powerful aspects of online banking.
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Sub-step 4.2.1: Transferring Money Between Your Nationwide Accounts
- Look for an option like "Payments & Transfers" or "Quick Transfer."
- Select the "from" account and the "to" account (e.g., current account to savings account).
- Enter the amount and confirm. These transfers are usually instant.
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Sub-step 4.2.2: Paying Someone New (External Transfers)
- You'll need the recipient's full name, their account number, and sort code.
- Select "Pay a new person or company."
- Enter the recipient's details and the amount.
- For security, you might be asked to use your card reader or confirm the payment via a text message code, especially for the first payment to a new payee or for larger amounts.
- Payments usually arrive instantly via Faster Payments, or on the same working day for CHAPS payments (often used for larger sums).
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Sub-step 4.2.3: Setting Up Standing Orders and Direct Debits
- Standing Orders: These are fixed, regular payments you set up to pay the same amount to the same person or organization (e.g., rent, subscriptions). You have control over setting them up, amending them, or cancelling them.
- Direct Debits: These are payments where you give an organization permission to take varying amounts from your account (e.g., utility bills, phone bills). You can view and cancel Direct Debits through online banking.
4.3 Managing Your Cards
- Freezing/Unfreezing Your Debit Card: If you misplace your debit card, you can instantly freeze it in the app to prevent unauthorized use. If you find it, you can unfreeze it just as easily. If it's lost or stolen, you can report it directly through the app or online banking.
- Viewing Card Details: Some online banking platforms allow you to view your card details securely within the app for online purchases.
- Managing Credit Card: If you have a Nationwide credit card, you can manage your credit limit, request balance transfers, and view statements.
4.4 Other Useful Features
- Setting Up Alerts: Get text message or app notifications for important account activity, like low balance alerts or large transactions.
- Updating Personal Details: Change your address, phone number, or email address directly through online banking.
- Secure Messaging: Many online banking platforms offer a secure messaging service to communicate with Nationwide customer service.
- Applying for New Products: You can often apply for new Nationwide accounts, loans, or mortgages directly through your online banking portal.
Step 5: Ensuring Your Online Banking Security
Nationwide takes security very seriously, and so should you.
5.1 Strong Passwords and Passnumbers
- Always use a strong, unique passnumber for your online banking. Avoid easily guessable combinations like birthdays or simple sequences.
- Never write down your passnumber or memorable data.
5.2 Protect Your Devices
- Ensure your computer or mobile device has up-to-date antivirus software.
- Keep your operating system and apps updated to benefit from the latest security patches.
- Use a secure Wi-Fi connection when banking online. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions.
5.3 Be Wary of Phishing and Scams
- Nationwide will never ask you for your full passnumber, memorable data, or card reader codes via email, text, or phone call.
- Always check the website address (URL) before logging in to ensure it's the official Nationwide site (it should start with
https://). - Be suspicious of unsolicited emails or texts asking for personal or financial information. If in doubt, contact Nationwide directly using the official contact details from their website.
5.4 Utilise Biometrics (App)
If available, enabling fingerprint or facial recognition for your mobile banking app adds an extra layer of convenient security.
Step 6: Getting Help and Support
Even with a detailed guide, you might encounter situations where you need assistance.
6.1 Nationwide's Online Help Resources
Nationwide has extensive "Help" and "Support" sections on their website and within their app. These often include FAQs, guides, and simulators that can walk you through various processes.
6.2 Contacting Nationwide Directly
If you can't find the answer online, don't hesitate to contact Nationwide's customer service:
- Telephone Banking: Check the Nationwide website for the specific contact number for your account type.
- Secure Messaging: Use the secure messaging feature within your online banking portal or app.
- In Branch: If you prefer face-to-face assistance, visit your nearest Nationwide branch.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: View my account balance online with Nationwide?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Nationwide Internet Bank or Banking App. Your account balances will typically be displayed on the main dashboard or "Accounts" section immediately after logging in.
How to: Pay a new person using Nationwide online banking?
Quick Answer: Log in, navigate to "Payments & Transfers," select "Pay or move money," then choose to pay a "New person or company." Enter their account name, account number, and sort code, then follow the security prompts.
How to: Set up a Standing Order with Nationwide online?
Quick Answer: After logging in, go to the "Payments & Transfers" section. Look for an option to "Set up a Standing Order." You'll need the recipient's details, the amount, frequency, and start date.
How to: Find my Nationwide account number and sort code online?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Internet Bank or Banking App. Select the specific account you wish to view. Your account number and sort code are usually displayed prominently on the account details page.
How to: Download my bank statements from Nationwide online?
Quick Answer: Log in to your online banking. Go to the relevant account, then look for a "Statements" or "Documents" section. You should have options to view, download (often as a PDF), or print your statements.
How to: Change my contact details (address/phone) with Nationwide online?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Nationwide online banking. Look for a "Profile," "Personal Details," or "Manage My Details" section. You should be able to update your address and phone number there, potentially with a security verification step.
How to: Freeze or unfreeze my Nationwide debit card using the app?
Quick Answer: Open and log in to the Nationwide Banking App. Navigate to your debit card details. There will usually be a clear option to "Freeze" or "Unfreeze" your card instantly.
How to: Transfer money between my Nationwide current and savings accounts?
Quick Answer: Log in to your online banking. Go to "Payments & Transfers" or "Quick Transfer." Select your current account as the "from" account and your savings account as the "to" account, enter the amount, and confirm.
How to: Troubleshoot if I'm locked out of my Nationwide online banking?
Quick Answer: On the Nationwide login page (website or app), look for a "Forgotten your details?" or "Locked out?" link. Follow the instructions to reset your passnumber or unlock your account, which may involve identity verification.
How to: Check if Nationwide online banking is secure?
Quick Answer: Nationwide uses advanced encryption (SSL/TLS) and multi-factor authentication (like passnumbers, memorable data, text codes, and card readers) to secure your online banking. Always ensure you're on the official Nationwide website (check for "https://" in the URL) and avoid sharing your full login details with anyone. Using biometric login on the app also enhances security.
