You've decided it's time to part ways with your Nationwide account. Perhaps you're consolidating your finances, moving banks, or simply no longer need it. Whatever the reason, closing an account can seem daunting, especially when doing it through a mobile app. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of closing your Nationwide account using their banking app, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.
Ready to take control of your banking? Let's dive in!
Closing Your Nationwide Account on the App: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before you even think about tapping that "close account" button, there are a few crucial preliminary steps you need to take. Skipping these could lead to unexpected issues, like missed payments or funds being held up.
Step 1: Prepare for Account Closure - Your Essential Pre-Checks
This is arguably the most important step. Think of it as preparing the ground before you plant something new (or, in this case, remove something old!).
1.1 Zero Out Your Balance and Clear Overdrafts
- Your account must not be overdrawn. Nationwide will not permit you to close an account that has a negative balance. Make sure any overdraft is fully repaid.
- Withdraw or transfer all funds. Move any money you have in the Nationwide account to another bank account. This could be an account with a different bank, or another Nationwide account if you're only closing one specific type.
- Consider using faster payments for immediate transfers, or set up a standing order if you need to move a larger sum over time.
- If you're transferring to a non-Nationwide account, ensure you have the correct sort code and account number.
1.2 Update Direct Debits and Standing Orders
- This is critical! Any regular payments coming out of your Nationwide account (like utility bills, subscriptions, or loan repayments) need to be updated with your new bank account details.
- Contact each service provider individually to give them your new bank information. Do not rely on the bank to do this for you when closing an account manually.
- Similarly, if you have any standing orders to this Nationwide account from other accounts, make sure to cancel or redirect them.
1.3 Redirect Incoming Payments
- If you receive regular payments into this Nationwide account (e.g., salary, benefits, or rent), notify the senders of your new account details.
- Any payments sent to your Nationwide account after it's closed will be returned to the sender, which could cause delays or issues with your income.
1.4 Consider Linked Accounts
- Do you have any savings accounts or ISAs linked to this current account? Nationwide often requires these to be closed before you can close the primary current account. Check the terms and conditions for each of your linked accounts.
- If you have a Nationwide credit card, this is usually a separate product and won't be automatically closed with your current account.
1.5 Download and Save Statements
- Once your account is closed, accessing past statements might be more difficult. It's a good practice to download and save copies of your statements for at least the past 6-7 years for your records, especially for tax purposes or proof of income/expenditure.
- You can usually do this within the app or Internet Bank.
Step 2: Accessing the Nationwide Banking App
Now that your groundwork is complete, it's time to log in and initiate the closure.
2.1 Open the Nationwide Banking App
- Locate the Nationwide Banking App icon on your smartphone or tablet and tap to open it. Ensure you have the latest version of the app installed to access all features and for optimal security.
2.2 Log In Securely
- Enter your passnumber, or use fingerprint/face recognition if your device supports it and you have enabled these features.
- If you have forgotten your login details, you'll need to go through the recovery process before you can proceed.
Step 3: Navigating to the Account Closure Option
Once you're logged in, finding the specific option to close your account is the next step. The exact wording and location may vary slightly with app updates, but the general pathway remains consistent.
3.1 Select the Account You Wish to Close
- On the main dashboard of the app, you'll typically see a list of your Nationwide accounts. Tap on the specific account you intend to close. This will take you to the account's details page.
3.2 Find "Other Account Services" or Similar
- Look for an option that says something like ***"Other Account Services"***, ***"Manage Account"***, or similar. This is usually located within the account's detailed view. It might be a small icon (like three dots or lines), or a clearly labelled button.
3.3 Locate "Close Account"
- Within the "Other Account Services" menu, you should find the option to ***"Close Account"***. This is your target!
Step 4: Confirming and Finalizing the Account Closure
This is the final stage where you confirm your decision and Nationwide processes your request.
4.1 Review Important Information
- Before proceeding, Nationwide will likely display a summary or important information regarding account closure. This might reiterate the need for a zero balance, the cancellation of Direct Debits, and what happens to any remaining funds. Read this carefully to ensure you haven't missed anything.
4.2 Follow On-Screen Instructions
- The app will guide you through the remaining steps. This may include:
- Confirming your identity again for security purposes.
- Specifying what you want to happen to any small residual balance (though ideally, you've already cleared this). It might offer to transfer it to another Nationwide account, or send a cheque to your registered address.
- A final confirmation of your decision to close the account.
4.3 Receive Confirmation
- Once you've successfully completed the process, you should receive an in-app confirmation message. Nationwide will also likely send you a secure message within the app or an email to your registered address confirming the account closure. Keep this for your records.
Step 5: Post-Closure Actions
Even after you've clicked "close," there are a few things to keep in mind.
5.1 Monitor Your New Account
- For a few weeks, keep a close eye on your new bank account to ensure all expected Direct Debits and incoming payments are successfully redirected.
- If anything is missed, contact the relevant organization immediately to rectify it.
5.2 Destroy Old Cards and Chequebooks
- Once you're certain the account is fully closed and all transactions have ceased, securely destroy your Nationwide debit card and any unused chequebooks. Cut up the card through the chip and magnetic strip.
5.3 Keep Records
- Retain the confirmation of closure and your downloaded statements in a safe place.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about closing your Nationwide account:
How to ensure my Nationwide account balance is zero before closing?
You can transfer all funds out of your Nationwide account to another account via faster payment or standing order through the app or Internet Bank. If it's a very small amount, the app might offer to send you a cheque or transfer it to another Nationwide account you hold during the closure process.
How to stop Direct Debits and Standing Orders before closing my Nationwide account?
You must contact each service provider (e.g., utility companies, subscription services) directly and provide them with your new bank account details. You can also cancel Direct Debits within the Nationwide app, but updating the payee is essential to avoid missed payments. Standing orders also need to be cancelled or amended from their source.
How to access my Nationwide statements after I've closed my account?
It's highly recommended to download and save all necessary statements before you close your account. While Nationwide may have a process to request past statements after closure, it's generally more difficult and might incur a fee.
How to close a joint Nationwide account on the app?
For joint accounts, both account holders typically need to agree to the closure. While one person might initiate the process on the app, the other account holder might need to confirm or provide their consent, often requiring both parties to be present in a branch or a written instruction with both signatures if closing by post. Nationwide's website indicates joint accounts can be closed via the Internet Bank, which implies the app might also support this for joint accounts.
How to close a Nationwide savings account on the app?
The process for closing a savings account is generally similar to a current account. You'll need to transfer out the balance first, and then navigate to "Other Account Services" for that specific savings account within the app to find the "Close Account" option. Some specific savings products might have different closure methods (e.g., fixed-rate bonds maturing), so always check the product's terms.
How to ensure no outstanding charges are due before closing my Nationwide account?
Check your account statements and pending transactions within the Nationwide app. Ensure no fees, interest, or other charges are due. If you have an arranged overdraft, make sure it's fully repaid.
How to deal with any remaining money in my Nationwide account during closure?
Ideally, you should transfer all funds out beforehand. If a small amount remains, Nationwide will usually give you options during the app closure process, such as transferring it to another Nationwide account you hold or sending a cheque to your registered address.
How to confirm my Nationwide account has been successfully closed?
Nationwide will usually provide an in-app confirmation message immediately after the process is completed. They will also typically send a secure message within the app or an email to your registered address confirming the account closure. Keep these notifications for your records.
How to reopen a Nationwide account after it has been closed?
Once a Nationwide account is officially closed, it generally cannot be reopened. If you need banking services from Nationwide again, you would typically need to apply for a new account.
How to find my nearest Nationwide branch if I can't close my account on the app?
If you encounter issues or prefer to close your account in person, you can use the branch finder tool on the Nationwide website or within the app to locate your nearest branch. Remember to bring your ID, account card, and any chequebooks if you go in person.
