Blocking payments on your Nationwide app can be a crucial skill, whether you're managing subscriptions, stopping unauthorized transactions, or simply adjusting your financial commitments. It empowers you to take control of your money directly from your phone.
Ready to take charge of your Nationwide payments? Let's dive in!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various ways to block payments on the Nationwide app, offering step-by-step instructions and important considerations.
How to Block Payments on the Nationwide App: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Nationwide app provides several ways to manage and, if necessary, block different types of payments. Understanding the nuances of each payment type is key.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Payment You Want to Block
Before you can block a payment, it's essential to understand what kind of payment it is. Nationwide categorises payments into a few key types, and the method for blocking each varies.
Sub-heading 1.1: Direct Debits
Direct Debits are regular payments set up by an organisation with your permission to collect varying amounts of money from your account. Think utility bills, gym memberships, or insurance premiums.
Sub-heading 1.2: Standing Orders
Standing Orders are fixed, regular payments that you set up yourself to transfer a set amount of money to another account (which could be your own savings or someone else's). Examples include rent payments or regular transfers to a savings account.
Sub-heading 1.3: Recurring Card Payments (Continuous Payment Authorities - CPAs)
Recurring Card Payments, also known as Continuous Payment Authorities (CPAs), are agreements you make with a company to take payments directly from your debit or credit card. These are often used for streaming services, online subscriptions, or app purchases. Unlike Direct Debits, the amounts can vary, and they are linked to your card details rather than your bank account directly.
Sub-heading 1.4: Pending Transactions
Pending transactions are payments that have been authorised but haven't yet fully processed and left your account. You'll see these affecting your 'available balance' but not necessarily your 'account balance' yet.
Sub-heading 1.5: Unauthorized or Fraudulent Payments
These are payments you did not make or authorise. Immediate action is required for these.
Step 2: Blocking Direct Debits and Standing Orders via the Nationwide App
The Nationwide app makes it straightforward to manage your regular, scheduled payments.
Sub-heading 2.1: Accessing Your Payments Section
- Log in to the Nationwide Banking App: Open the app on your smartphone or tablet and securely log in using your biometric data (fingerprint or facial recognition) or your passnumber.
- Navigate to the Payments Tab: At the bottom navigation bar, you'll see a 'Payments' tab. Tap on this to proceed.
- View & Cancel Payments: Within the Payments section, look for an option like 'View & cancel payments' or 'Regular payments'. Tap on this to see a list of your future-dated payments, standing orders, and Direct Debits.
Sub-heading 2.2: Cancelling a Specific Direct Debit or Standing Order
- Select the Payment: From the list displayed, tap on the specific Direct Debit or Standing Order you wish to cancel. This will bring up the details of that particular payment.
- Review Payment Details: Carefully review the details to ensure it's the correct payment you intend to block.
- Confirm Cancellation: You should see an option to 'Cancel payment' or a similar prompt. Tap this option and follow the on-screen instructions to confirm. You might be asked to re-enter your passnumber or use biometrics for security.
Important Considerations for Direct Debits and Standing Orders:
- Timing is Key: For Direct Debits, it's generally advised to cancel at least one working day before the payment is due to leave your account.
- Contractual Obligations: Cancelling a Direct Debit or Standing Order only stops the payment; it does not cancel any underlying contract you may have with the organisation. You are still responsible for any services received. Always contact the company directly to cancel your service or subscription to avoid future issues or debt.
- The Direct Debit Guarantee: If a Direct Debit is taken in error or for the wrong amount, you are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, allowing you to claim a full refund from your bank.
Step 3: Managing and Stopping Recurring Card Payments (CPAs)
Recurring card payments are slightly different as they are linked to your card, not directly to your bank account.
Sub-heading 3.1: Initial Steps – Contacting the Merchant
For recurring card payments, the first and most effective step is often to contact the company or merchant directly.
- Contact the Merchant: Reach out to the company taking the payment and request them to cancel your subscription or recurring payment. They should provide written confirmation of the cancellation.
- Note Down Details: Keep a record of the date and time you contacted them, the name of the person you spoke to, and any reference numbers provided.
Sub-heading 3.2: Stopping CPAs through Nationwide (If Merchant Fails)
If you've contacted the merchant and they haven't stopped the payment, or you're having trouble getting in touch, Nationwide can assist.
- Gather Information: Have the company name, payment amount, and the date the payment was taken (or is due) readily available.
- Contact Nationwide: Unlike Direct Debits and Standing Orders, recurring card payments often cannot be cancelled directly through the app's 'View & Cancel Payments' section. You will typically need to:
- Call Nationwide: Use their customer service helpline. Be prepared to explain that you have attempted to cancel with the merchant.
- Visit a Branch: If you prefer in-person assistance, a Nationwide branch can help.
- Report the Issue: Explain to the Nationwide representative that you wish to stop a recurring card payment and that your attempts with the merchant have been unsuccessful. They will guide you through the process, which may involve cancelling your existing card and issuing a new one to prevent further charges.
Special Note on Gambling Blocks:
The Nationwide app also offers a specific feature to block transactions to gambling merchants.
- Log in to the app.
- Navigate to 'Manage Cards' or 'Card Services'.
- Look for an option to 'Block gambling transactions' or similar.
- Activate this block. This is an excellent tool for responsible gambling and adds an extra layer of control.
Step 4: Dealing with Pending Transactions
You can view pending transactions in the Nationwide app, but blocking them directly isn't always straightforward.
- View Pending Transactions:
- Log in to the Nationwide Banking App.
- Tap on the account you want to view.
- Look for an option like 'View pending transactions'.
- Understanding Pending Transactions: Pending transactions are essentially "reserved" funds. The money hasn't fully left your account yet, but it's earmarked for that payment.
- Can You Block a Pending Transaction?
- For debit card pending payments, you may be able to dispute them if you believe they are incorrect. Contact Nationwide's fraud or dispute team immediately.
- For credit card pending payments, you generally cannot dispute them until they have fully processed.
- Important: If a pending transaction hasn't been taken by the company after 7 days, Nationwide will usually un-reserve the money, making it available again. However, some payments can take up to 180 days to process, so it's wise to keep sufficient funds in your account.
Step 5: Reporting Unauthorized or Fraudulent Payments
If you suspect a payment is fraudulent or you did not authorise it, act immediately.
Sub-heading 5.1: Initial Steps – Secure Your Account
- Report Your Card as Lost or Stolen: If you believe your card details have been compromised, immediately report your card as lost or stolen through the app or by calling Nationwide. This will stop any further unauthorised transactions.
- In the app, look for 'Manage cards' and then options like 'Report lost/stolen card' or 'Freeze card'.
- Check for Other Account Access: Ensure no one else has gained access to your online banking or app. Change your passnumber if you have any doubts.
Sub-heading 5.2: Contacting Nationwide's Fraud Team
- Call Nationwide's Fraud Helpline: This is the most crucial step. Nationwide has dedicated fraud helplines that are available 24/7.
- UK: 0800 055 66 22
- From abroad (Current Account Fraud): +44 1793 65 67 89
- From abroad (Credit Card Fraud): +44 2476 43 89 97
- Provide Details: Be ready to provide the date, time, and amount of the fraudulent payment, along with any other relevant information.
- Nationwide's Process: Nationwide will investigate the fraudulent activity and will attempt to recover your money. They have systems in place to monitor and protect your account.
Important:
- Be honest and provide all details. Withholding information, such as having shared your PIN, could affect the outcome of your claim.
- Report to Action Fraud (UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime) in addition to informing Nationwide.
General Tips for Payment Management on the Nationwide App
- Regularly Review Payments: Make it a habit to check your bank statements and the 'View & cancel payments' section in your app regularly. This helps you identify any payments you no longer need or recognise.
- Keep Contact Details Updated: Ensure your contact details (phone number, email) are always current with Nationwide. This is vital for security checks and receiving important alerts.
- Utilise Security Features: Take advantage of the app's security features like biometric login, and be cautious about sharing your device or login details.
- Understand Different Payment Types: Knowing the difference between Direct Debits, Standing Orders, and Recurring Card Payments will save you time and hassle when managing your money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about blocking payments on the Nationwide app:
How to check if a payment is a Direct Debit, Standing Order, or Recurring Card Payment?
You can check your Nationwide app under the 'Payments' tab and then 'View & cancel payments' for Direct Debits and Standing Orders. For Recurring Card Payments, you often need to check your card statements or contact the merchant directly as they aren't always listed in the same section of the app.
How to cancel a Direct Debit on the Nationwide app?
Log in to the Nationwide app, go to the 'Payments' tab, select 'View & cancel payments', find the Direct Debit, and tap 'Cancel payment'.
How to stop a Standing Order using the Nationwide app?
Similar to Direct Debits, navigate to the 'Payments' tab in the app, then 'View & cancel payments', select the Standing Order, and choose to cancel it.
How to cancel a recurring card payment on the Nationwide app if the merchant won't cooperate?
You typically need to contact Nationwide directly by phone or in branch. They may cancel your card and issue a new one to prevent further charges.
How to block gambling transactions on the Nationwide app?
Log in to the app, go to 'Manage Cards' or 'Card Services', and look for the option to activate the gambling block.
How to view pending transactions in the Nationwide app?
Log in to the app, tap on the specific account you wish to view, and then look for 'View pending transactions'.
How to stop a pending payment on my Nationwide debit card?
While direct cancellation isn't usually an option for pending payments, if you believe it's an error or unauthorized, contact Nationwide's fraud or dispute team immediately.
How to dispute an unauthorized transaction on my Nationwide account?
Immediately report your card as lost/stolen via the app or phone Nationwide's fraud helpline (available 24/7) and provide all relevant details.
How to ensure a cancelled recurring payment doesn't get taken again?
Always confirm cancellation with the merchant in writing and, if necessary, contact Nationwide to ensure the payment authority is fully revoked. For recurring card payments, getting a new card might be the most secure option.
How to find Nationwide's customer service number for payment issues?
You can find their contact numbers on the Nationwide website under the 'Contact us' section, or directly within the Nationwide app's help or support areas. For fraud, dedicated 24/7 helplines are provided on their website.
