Are you trying to track down that elusive building society roll number? Whether you're setting up a payment, verifying your account, or just trying to make sense of old financial documents, finding your roll number can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. But don't worry, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to find your building society roll number, especially for Nationwide, and shed light on why it's so important.
The Mystery of the Building Society Roll Number Unveiled
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly clarify what a building society roll number is. Unlike traditional banks that primarily use an 8-digit account number and a 6-digit sort code, some building societies, particularly for older accounts or certain savings products, also utilise a "roll number" or "reference number."
Think of it as an additional unique identifier for your account within the building society's system. While the sort code directs the money to the correct branch and the account number identifies your specific account, the roll number ensures the funds are allocated to your individual membership within that account. This is particularly relevant if a building society uses a shared sort code and account number for multiple members.
Step 1: Engage with Your Existing Documentation – Your First Port of Call!
Alright, let's get started! Before you even think about calling customer service or delving into online portals, take a deep breath and gather your existing paperwork. This is often the quickest and easiest way to unearth your roll number.
Sub-heading 1.1: The Power of Your Passbook
If you have a traditional passbook for your building society account (especially common for older savings accounts), this is often the first place your roll number will be printed.
- Action: Open your passbook and carefully examine the inner pages. Look for a series of numbers and potentially letters, often labelled "Roll Number," "Reference Number," or sometimes just an unlabeled unique identifier near your account name and sort code. It might be on the inside front cover or one of the initial transaction pages.
Sub-heading 1.2: Statements – A Historical Record
Your account statements are a goldmine of information, and your roll number is usually prominently displayed on them.
- Action: Dig out your most recent (or any available) statements. Scan the top section, usually where your name, address, account number, and sort code are listed. The roll number will typically be there, clearly labelled. Don't overlook older statements, as the format might have changed over time.
Sub-heading 1.3: Paying-in Books and Correspondence
Some building societies provide paying-in books for deposits, and these can also contain your roll number. Additionally, any official correspondence from Nationwide regarding your account might have this detail.
- Action: Check any paying-in books you have. Also, look through letters or documents you received when you opened the account or any annual statements.
Sub-heading 1.4: The Back of Your Debit Card (for Nationwide)
For Nationwide members, here's a convenient tip: your roll number can even be printed on the back of your debit card!
- Action: Flip over your Nationwide debit card and look for a series of numbers, often distinct from the long 16-digit card number. This might be your roll number.
Step 2: Navigate the Digital Landscape – Online Banking and Apps
In today's digital age, your building society's online platforms are incredibly helpful resources.
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging into Online Banking
Most building societies, including Nationwide, offer comprehensive online banking portals where you can view your account details.
- Action:
- Go to the official Nationwide website (or your specific building society's website).
- Log in to your online banking account using your credentials (customer number, passnumber, memorable information, etc.).
- Once logged in, navigate to your account details. This might be under a section like "Account Summary," "My Accounts," "Details & Settings," or similar.
- Carefully look for your roll number listed alongside your sort code and account number. It might be labelled explicitly as "Roll Number" or "Reference."
Sub-heading 2.2: Utilising the Mobile Banking App
If you use your building society's mobile banking app, it's another convenient way to find your roll number on the go.
- Action:
- Open the Nationwide Banking App (or your specific building society's app) on your smartphone or tablet.
- Log in securely.
- Similar to online banking, navigate to your account details. This is often found by tapping on the specific account you want to view, or by going to a "Menu" or "Settings" section, then "Your details" or "Account Information."
- Scan the information displayed for your roll number.
Step 3: Direct Contact – When All Else Fails (or for Quick Confirmation)
If you've exhausted the documentation and digital options, or if you simply prefer speaking to someone, directly contacting your building society is the next logical step.
Sub-heading 3.1: Calling Customer Service
This is often the most straightforward way to get your roll number if you can't find it elsewhere.
- Action:
- Find the official customer service number for Nationwide (or your building society). You can usually find this on their website under "Contact Us" or on your statements.
- Prepare for security questions. The representative will need to verify your identity to protect your account. Have your account number, sort code, and any other security information (like your address, date of birth, or memorable information) ready.
- Clearly explain that you need your building society roll number for a specific account.
Sub-heading 3.2: Visiting a Branch
If you prefer face-to-face interaction or have complex queries, visiting a local branch can be helpful.
- **Action:
- Locate your nearest Nationwide branch (or your building society's branch) using their online branch finder.
- Bring identification. You will need valid photo ID (like a passport or driving license) and possibly proof of address to confirm your identity.
- Speak to a customer service advisor and explain your need for your roll number.
Step 4: Understanding Where to Use Your Roll Number
Once you've successfully located your roll number, it's crucial to understand when and how to use it.
- When sending money to a building society account: When making payments to a building society account from an external bank or another building society, you'll typically enter the recipient's name, sort code, account number, and their roll number.
- In the reference field: Crucially, the building society roll number often goes into the "reference" field of the payment form or app, instead of a personal message like "shopping" or "holiday money." This is because the building society's automated systems use this specific number to correctly allocate the funds to the intended member's account. Do not put anything else in the reference field if you are using the roll number, as this could cause the payment to fail.
- For setting up Direct Debits or Standing Orders: Sometimes, for certain types of payments, your roll number may be required in addition to your account number and sort code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about building society roll numbers, starting with "How to," along with their quick answers:
How to distinguish a roll number from an account number?
A roll number is an additional identifier, often a mix of letters and numbers, used by some building societies to identify a specific member's account, especially when multiple members might share a sort code and account number. A bank account number is generally an 8-digit numerical code unique to your account.
How to know if my building society uses roll numbers?
Most building societies will explicitly state if they require a roll number for transactions. Check your account statements, online banking portal, or contact their customer service. Nationwide, for example, is known to use roll numbers for many of its accounts.
How to use a roll number when making an online payment?
When making an online payment to a building society account that requires a roll number, you typically enter it in the "reference" field of the payment screen. Do not add any other text to this field.
How to find my Nationwide Building Society roll number if I've lost all my documents?
If you've lost all documents, the best course of action is to contact Nationwide's customer service directly by phone or visit a branch. They will verify your identity and provide you with the number.
How to find an old Nationwide Building Society roll number for a dormant account?
For dormant or old accounts, first try checking any historical statements or passbooks you might still have. If unsuccessful, contact Nationwide's customer service. They have procedures in place to help you trace old account details after identity verification.
How to make sure my payment reaches the correct building society account using a roll number?
Always double-check that you've entered the correct roll number exactly as provided. Placing it in the designated "reference" field, without additional text, is crucial for automated systems to process the payment correctly.
How to get a building society roll number if I'm setting up an account for the first time?
When you open a new account with a building society that uses roll numbers, they will provide it to you as part of your account opening documents.
How to confirm if a roll number is the same as a reference number?
Yes, "roll number" and "reference number" are often used interchangeably by building societies to refer to the same unique identifier for your account.
How to handle a situation where a payment to a building society account is rejected due to a missing roll number?
If a payment is rejected due to a missing roll number, the funds will usually be returned to your originating account. You will then need to re-attempt the payment, ensuring you include the correct roll number in the reference field.
How to get help if I'm still struggling to find my building society roll number?
If you've tried all the methods and are still having trouble, do not hesitate to contact your building society's customer service. They are best equipped to assist you and provide the necessary details after verifying your identity.
