Life throws unexpected curveballs, and sometimes that includes a payment you've made that you suddenly need to stop or question. Perhaps you've spotted a suspicious transaction, realised you've paid the wrong person, or simply changed your mind about a purchase. Whatever the reason, knowing how to block or dispute a payment with your bank is crucial. If you're a Nationwide customer, you're in the right place!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of blocking a payment on Nationwide, from identifying the type of payment to knowing when and how to contact them. Let's get started!
Step 1: Identify the Payment Type and Its Status – The First Crucial Check!
Before you do anything, take a deep breath and carefully examine the payment in question. The method and urgency of blocking a payment heavily depend on whether it's a future-dated payment, a pending transaction, or one that has already gone through.
Sub-heading: What Kind of Payment Are You Dealing With?
- Future-Dated Payments (Standing Orders, Direct Debits): These are regular, pre-authorised payments set up to go out on a specific date. Think your monthly gym membership, utility bills, or rent. These are generally the easiest to stop if caught in time.
- Pending Card Transactions: You've swiped your card, but the money hasn't officially left your account yet. This could be a recent purchase in a shop or an online transaction. While the money is reserved, it's not fully processed.
- Completed Transactions: The money has already been debited from your account and credited to the recipient. These are the most challenging to block and usually require a dispute process.
- Recurring Card Payments (Continuous Payment Authority): These are like subscriptions where you've given a company permission to take payments directly from your debit or credit card, often without needing you to enter your card details each time. Examples include streaming services, app subscriptions, or online newspaper access.
- Fraudulent Transactions: This is when money has been taken from your account without your permission or knowledge. Act immediately if you suspect fraud.
Sub-heading: Where Can You Check Your Payments?
Nationwide offers several convenient ways to view your transactions:
- Nationwide Banking App: Log in, tap on the "Payments" tab, then "View & cancel payments" for future-dated payments, standing orders, and Direct Debits. You can also view "Pending transactions" within your account details.
- Internet Bank: Log in to the Internet Bank. You'll find options to view and manage upcoming payments and potentially pending transactions.
- In Branch: Visit your local Nationwide branch for assistance.
- By Phone: Call Nationwide's customer service.
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| How To Block Payments On Nationwide |
Step 2: Blocking Future-Dated Payments (Standing Orders & Direct Debits)
If the payment hasn't left your account yet, congratulations! You're in the best position to block it.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Sub-heading: Stopping a Standing Order
Standing orders are set up by you to send a fixed amount of money to someone regularly.
- Via the Banking App:
- Log in to your Nationwide Banking App.
- Tap on the Payments tab at the bottom.
- Select ***"View & cancel payments"***.
- Find the standing order you wish to cancel and tap on it.
- You should see an option to cancel the payment. Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Via Internet Bank:
- Log in to the Nationwide Internet Bank.
- Navigate to the "Payments" or "Manage Payments" section.
- Locate the standing order you want to stop.
- There will be an option to cancel or amend it.
- By Phone or In Branch: You can also call Nationwide's customer service or visit a branch to request the cancellation of a standing order.
Sub-heading: Cancelling a Direct Debit
Direct Debits are set up by an organisation (e.g., utility company) with your permission to take varying amounts from your account.
- Via the Banking App:
- Log in to your Nationwide Banking App.
- Tap on the Payments tab at the bottom.
- Select ***"View & cancel payments"***.
- Find the Direct Debit you wish to cancel and tap on it.
- You should see an option to cancel the Direct Debit.
- Via Internet Bank:
- Log in to the Nationwide Internet Bank.
- Navigate to the "Payments" or "Manage Payments" section.
- Locate the Direct Debit you want to cancel.
- There will be an option to cancel it.
- Important Note for Direct Debits: While you can cancel a Direct Debit with Nationwide, it's highly recommended to also inform the organisation that set up the Direct Debit. This prevents them from attempting to take the payment again or chasing you for outstanding amounts.
Step 3: Dealing with Pending Transactions and Recurring Card Payments
These require a slightly different approach as they involve a merchant.
Sub-heading: Handling Pending Card Transactions
A pending transaction means the money is reserved, but the merchant hasn't claimed it yet. Nationwide states that merchants have up to 7 days to claim a payment, and sometimes up to 180 days for certain transactions. If a pending transaction isn't taken within 7 days, Nationwide will usually release the reserved funds back to your available balance.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
- Contact the Merchant First: For a pending payment you want to block, your first port of call should always be the merchant. They are usually the only ones who can cancel a pending transaction from their end. Explain the situation and request a cancellation.
- If Merchant Can't/Won't Cancel: If you can't reach the merchant, or they refuse to cancel, contact Nationwide's customer service. While they might not be able to immediately block a pending transaction, they can advise on the next steps, especially if you believe the payment is incorrect or unauthorised.
Sub-heading: Stopping Recurring Card Payments (Continuous Payment Authority)
These differ from Direct Debits as they are linked to your card, not your account number and sort code.
- Contact the Merchant: Always try to cancel the recurring payment directly with the company first. Many offer online portals or customer service lines for this.
- Contact Nationwide: If the merchant is uncooperative or you're unable to contact them, you can instruct Nationwide to stop the recurring card payment.
- Call Nationwide's customer service.
- Clearly state that you want to cancel a continuous payment authority from your debit or credit card.
- Provide all relevant details: company name, amount, and date of the last payment.
- Nationwide is legally obliged to stop these payments if you ask them to. Keep a record of your request, including the date and time, and who you spoke to.
- Citizens Advice Bureau also confirms that your card issuer must stop these payments if you request it. If Nationwide fails to do so and the payment is taken, you are entitled to a refund.
Step 4: Disputing or Reporting Completed Transactions (and Suspected Fraud)
Once a payment has been processed, blocking it becomes a dispute or fraud reporting process.
Sub-heading: Disputing an Unrecognised or Incorrect Payment
If you see a payment you don't recognise, or one that is incorrect (e.g., wrong amount, goods not received), follow these steps:
- Do Quick Checks:
- Check the organisation name: Many companies trade under different names. A quick online search might reveal the actual name behind a cryptic transaction.
- Check with other account holders: If it's a joint account, another holder might have made the payment.
- Old purchases or renewed subscriptions: Some payments can take up to 180 days to appear. Could it be an old purchase or an automatically renewed subscription you forgot about? Contact the company if it's a renewed subscription – you might get a refund.
- Contact Nationwide to Dispute: If, after your checks, you still don't recognise or agree with the payment:
- Report Online: Nationwide offers an online form to report an unrecognised payment.
- Call Them: Their dedicated helpline is often the quickest way to get help.
- Visit a Branch: For in-person assistance.
- For Credit Card Disputes (Section 75 Claims): If you paid with a Nationwide credit card for goods or services costing between £100 and £30,000, and something went wrong (e.g., goods not received, faulty, or misdescribed), you might be eligible for a Section 75 claim. Nationwide has a specific credit card dispute form for this.
Sub-heading: Reporting Fraudulent Transactions – Act Immediately!
If you suspect a payment is the result of fraud, time is of the essence.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
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- Call Nationwide's Fraud Team IMMEDIATELY:
- UK: 0800 055 66 22 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Calling from Abroad (Current Account Fraud): +44 1793 65 67 89
- Calling from Abroad (Credit Card Fraud): +44 2476 43 89 97
- Use their SignVideo service if you're a BSL user.
- Report Online: While calling is recommended for urgency, you can also report fraud online.
- Freeze Your Card: If you suspect your card details have been compromised, you can freeze your card instantly through the Nationwide Banking App. This prevents further transactions while you investigate. If you then find your card, you can unfreeze it. If it's truly lost or stolen, report it as such, and Nationwide will cancel it and send a replacement.
- Provide Details: Have all information ready: date, time, amount, and any other relevant details about the suspicious payment.
- Be Honest: Nationwide states that honesty is crucial for them to help you. If you gave your PIN to a criminal as part of a scam, or they found it due to your negligence, you might not get your money back.
- About APP Scams: From October 7, 2024, new Payment Systems Regulator rules mean banks (including Nationwide) are required to reimburse money lost to Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams where you were tricked into sending money, provided there's no evidence of negligence on your part.
Step 5: Following Up and Escalating Your Case
Blocking a payment isn't always a one-and-done action. You might need to follow up.
Sub-heading: Keeping Records
- Document Everything: Make a note of every conversation: date, time, who you spoke to, what was discussed, and any reference numbers given. Keep copies of any emails or letters you send or receive. This is vital if you need to escalate your complaint.
Sub-heading: What if Nationwide Won't Refund or Block?
- Formal Complaint: If you're dissatisfied with Nationwide's response or their refusal to refund/block a payment, you have the right to make a formal complaint. Nationwide has a complaints procedure you can follow.
- Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS): If you've exhausted Nationwide's internal complaints process and are still unhappy, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. The FOS is an independent body that resolves disputes between consumers and financial businesses. They can be contacted via their helpline or website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to block a payment on Nationwide that's a Direct Debit?
You can block a Direct Debit via the Nationwide Banking App, Internet Bank, by calling customer service, or visiting a branch. It's advisable to also inform the organisation that set up the Direct Debit.
How to block a payment on Nationwide that's a Standing Order?
Standing orders can be cancelled easily through the Nationwide Banking App or Internet Bank under the "Payments" or "Manage Payments" section. You can also call or visit a branch.
How to block a pending payment on Nationwide?
For pending card transactions, first contact the merchant to request cancellation. If they can't or won't, contact Nationwide customer service for advice. Payments usually clear or reverse within 7 days if the merchant doesn't claim them.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
How to report a fraudulent payment on Nationwide?
Immediately call Nationwide's dedicated fraud helpline (0800 055 66 22 in the UK, or international numbers if abroad). You can also report it online or freeze your card in the app.
How to dispute an unrecognised transaction on Nationwide?
First, perform quick checks (merchant name, joint account, old purchase/subscription). If still unrecognised, report it to Nationwide online, by phone, or in a branch.
How to cancel a recurring card payment (continuous payment authority) on Nationwide?
Contact the company first. If unsuccessful, you can instruct Nationwide directly to cancel it. They are legally required to do so. Keep records of your request.
How to make a Section 75 claim with Nationwide?
If you used a Nationwide credit card for purchases between £100 and £30,000 and have issues with the goods/services, you may be eligible. Complete Nationwide's credit card dispute form.
How to freeze my Nationwide card if I can't find it?
You can instantly freeze your card using the Nationwide Banking App. Go to your card details and select the option to "Freeze card." If you find it, you can unfreeze it; otherwise, report it as lost or stolen.
How to contact Nationwide about a payment issue?
You can contact Nationwide via their Banking App, Internet Bank, phone (customer service or fraud helplines), or by visiting a local branch.
How to escalate a complaint about a payment issue with Nationwide?
If you're not satisfied with Nationwide's resolution after making a formal complaint, you can escalate your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
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