A Nationwide Passnumber is a crucial security feature for accessing your Nationwide accounts, particularly for online and telephone banking. It's a six-digit number that helps authenticate your identity, providing a secure way to manage your finances. Unlike a traditional passbook, which is a physical record, the passnumber is a digital security credential.
If you're looking to get a Nationwide Passnumber, or perhaps you've forgotten yours, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can access your accounts with ease and security.
Step 1: Are you already a Nationwide Customer? Let's Find Out!
Before we dive into how to get a passnumber, let's establish your current relationship with Nationwide. Are you an existing Nationwide customer with an account already set up?
- Yes, I'm an existing customer! Great! This means you likely have a Customer Number, and the process will focus on either retrieving or resetting your Passnumber, or registering for online/telephone banking if you haven't already.
- No, I'm new to Nationwide. Welcome! You'll first need to open an account with Nationwide. The process of getting a passnumber usually follows your account setup.
Why is this important? The steps vary slightly depending on whether you're new or existing. Don't worry, we'll cover both scenarios!
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| How To Get Nationwide Passnumber |
Step 2: Understanding How Nationwide Passnumbers Work
A Nationwide Passnumber is a key part of your security for accessing their digital and telephone services. It's a six-digit number, and you'll often be asked for specific digits from it (e.g., the 2nd, 4th, and 6th digits) for security verification.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
Key Points to Remember about your Passnumber:
- It's a six-digit number.
- It's used for Internet Banking and Telephone Banking.
- You'll often be asked for random digits from your passnumber, not the whole thing at once.
- It's different from any other PINs or passwords you might have for your debit card or other services.
- Keep it secure! Never share it with anyone, and don't write it down where others can find it.
Step 3: Getting Your First Nationwide Passnumber (New Customers)
If you're a new Nationwide customer, your passnumber journey typically begins after you've opened an account.
Sub-heading: Registering for Online Banking
- Open a Nationwide Account: This is the first and most crucial step. You can do this online, in a branch, or over the phone. Once your account is open, Nationwide will send you important security details.
- Wait for Your Security Details: Nationwide will usually send your Customer Number and Passnumber in separate letters for security reasons. Be patient, as this can take a few working days.
- Receive Your Passnumber Letter: Once you receive the letter containing your Passnumber, memorize it and then destroy the letter securely. This prevents anyone else from finding it.
- Register for Internet Banking:
- Go to the Nationwide website and find the "Register for online banking" section.
- You'll typically need your Customer Number, your name, address, email address, and mobile number, along with your account details.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. During this process, you may be asked to set up your "memorable data" (three pieces of information like a place, name, and date that are meaningful to you).
- You'll then be able to use your Passnumber to log in to the Internet Bank or the Banking app.
Sub-heading: Registering for Telephone Banking
- Call Nationwide: To register for telephone banking, you'll generally need to call Nationwide's dedicated telephone banking number (03457 30 20 11 in the UK).
- Visit a Branch: Alternatively, you can visit your local Nationwide branch to register for telephone banking.
- Receive Your Telephone Banking Passnumber: Once registered, Nationwide will send your telephone banking passnumber in the post. This passnumber might be different from your online banking passnumber.
- Memorize and Securely Destroy: As with the online passnumber, memorize this number and destroy the letter it arrived on. You'll need it, along with your customer number, account number, or debit card number, to access telephone banking services.
Step 4: Managing Your Existing Nationwide Passnumber (Existing Customers)
If you're an existing customer, you'll likely be looking to either reset a forgotten passnumber or change an existing one.
Sub-heading: Resetting a Forgotten Passnumber
It happens to the best of us! If you've forgotten your Nationwide Passnumber, don't panic. You have a few convenient options:
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
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Through the Nationwide Banking App:
- Open the Banking App on your mobile device.
- Look for a "Forgotten Passnumber" or similar link on the login screen.
- You will likely be prompted to use your Visa debit card and a card reader to verify your identity. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
- Once verified, you'll be able to set a new Passnumber.
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Through the Internet Bank (Online Banking):
- Go to the Nationwide Internet Bank login page.
- If you're locked out due to incorrect attempts or have forgotten your Passnumber, you'll need to log in using an alternative method, typically your Visa debit card and a card reader.
- Once logged in, navigate to "Manage my details and settings" or "My security."
- Look for "My Passnumber" and choose "Change" or "Reset."
- Follow the prompts to set up a new Passnumber.
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By Calling Nationwide:
- You can call Nationwide's contact centre (e.g., 03457 30 20 11 in the UK).
- Be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.
- They may be able to help you reset your Passnumber or guide you through the process of getting a new one sent to you.
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Visiting a Nationwide Branch:
- If you prefer in-person assistance, visit your nearest Nationwide branch.
- Bring valid identification with you, as the staff will need to verify who you are before assisting with your Passnumber.
- They can help you reset or obtain a new Passnumber.
Sub-heading: Changing Your Existing Passnumber
If you simply want to change your Passnumber for security reasons or because you prefer a new one, follow these steps:
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Through the Nationwide Banking App:
- Log in to the Banking App using your current login method (e.g., existing passnumber digits, fingerprint, or Face ID).
- Navigate to "Details & Settings" or "Manage."
- Find the option related to "Your details" or "Security settings."
- You should see an option to "Change Passnumber."
- Follow the prompts to create your new six-digit Passnumber. You may need to confirm it with your existing security details or a card reader.
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Through the Internet Bank (Online Banking):
- Log in to the Internet Bank using your current login method (e.g., customer number, date of birth, and passnumber digits, or card reader).
- Once logged in, go to "Manage" at the top of the screen.
- Find "My security" and then choose "View or change my security settings."
- Locate "My Passnumber" and select "Change."
- You'll be guided through the process of setting a new Passnumber, likely requiring you to enter your old one for verification.
Step 5: Important Security Considerations
Your Passnumber is a vital part of keeping your Nationwide accounts secure. Always adhere to these best practices:
- Memorize it: Do not write your Passnumber down or store it insecurely (e.g., in your phone's notes app without encryption).
- Keep it Private: Never share your Passnumber with anyone, even if they claim to be from Nationwide. Nationwide will never ask for your full Passnumber over the phone or by email. They will only ask for specific digits.
- Be Wary of Phishing: Be suspicious of any emails or texts asking for your Passnumber or other security details. Always go directly to the Nationwide website or app.
- Use a Card Reader When Prompted: While biometrics (fingerprint/Face ID) are making things easier, a card reader provides an extra layer of security for certain transactions, especially when making payments to new recipients.
- Regularly Review Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your account statements and transaction history for any unusual activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Nationwide Passnumbers, answered quickly:
How to find my Nationwide Customer Number?
You can find your Customer Number in the banking app (under "Details & Settings" -> "Your details"), on your online banking registration welcome letter, or, if you're a current account customer, using your Visa debit card and a card reader with the customer number lookup tool on their website.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
How to get a new card reader from Nationwide?
You can usually order a new card reader online through the Nationwide website, request one in a branch, or sometimes even through telephone banking.
How to use a Nationwide Passnumber for online banking?
When logging into Nationwide's Internet Bank or Banking App, you'll typically enter your Customer Number and date of birth, and then be prompted to enter specific digits from your six-digit Passnumber (e.g., the 1st, 3rd, and 5th digits).
How to reset my Nationwide Passnumber if I'm locked out?
If you're locked out of online banking due to incorrect Passnumber attempts, you can reset it via the banking app using your debit card and card reader, or by logging into the Internet Bank with your card reader and navigating to the security settings. You can also call Nationwide or visit a branch.
How to distinguish between online and telephone banking Passnumbers?
Nationwide specifies that your telephone banking passnumber may be different from your online banking passnumber. Ensure you use the correct one for the respective service.
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
How to know if I need a Passnumber or a Passbook?
Nationwide has been phasing out physical passbooks. While some existing passbooks are still in use, the Passnumber is a digital security credential essential for online and telephone banking. For physical branch transactions, they are moving towards a "savings wallet" and card.
How to improve the security of my Nationwide Passnumber?
Memorize your Passnumber, never write it down, don't share it, and be cautious of phishing attempts. Regularly change it if you feel it might be compromised.
How to use biometrics (fingerprint/Face ID) instead of my Passnumber?
Nationwide's banking app allows current account holders to set up biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) for easier and quicker login and payment verification, reducing the need to enter Passnumber digits frequently. This is set up within the app's settings.
How to contact Nationwide if I have Passnumber issues?
You can contact Nationwide's customer service by phone (e.g., 03457 30 20 11 in the UK), visit a local branch, or use the secure messaging facility within your online banking if you can still log in.
How to get help if the Nationwide Banking App isn't working for Passnumber reset?
If you encounter technical errors with the app, try clearing the app's cache (in your phone settings), force-stopping and restarting the app, or reinstalling it. If issues persist, contact Nationwide customer support or use the Internet Bank for Passnumber reset.
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