Hey there! Ever had that moment of panic when you're at the checkout, card in hand, and your mind goes completely blank on your PIN? Or perhaps you've just received a new Nationwide card and can't recall if you ever set a PIN, or where that letter might be. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us!
Losing track of your Nationwide PIN can be a bit frustrating, but thankfully, Nationwide offers several straightforward ways to get a reminder or even a new one. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can regain access to your funds and confidently use your card again.
Let's dive in and get that PIN sorted!
How to Get a PIN Reminder Nationwide: Your Complete Guide
Getting a PIN reminder from Nationwide is a relatively simple process, though it primarily relies on postal delivery for security reasons. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Assess Your Situation – Forgotten or Locked?
Before you proceed, it's important to differentiate between a forgotten PIN and a locked PIN. The steps vary slightly depending on your situation.
Sub-heading: Forgotten PIN
This means you simply cannot recall your PIN at all. You haven't tried it multiple times and caused your card to lock. If this is your scenario, you'll need to request a PIN reminder or a brand new PIN.
Sub-heading: Locked PIN
This happens when you've entered your PIN incorrectly three times. Your card will be temporarily unusable for Chip and PIN transactions, and contactless payments might be limited. If your PIN is locked, but you do remember it, you can often unlock it at an ATM (see FAQ section below). If you don't remember it and it's locked, you'll need a new PIN or a reminder.
Once you've identified your situation, you can proceed to the appropriate method.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Method for a PIN Reminder
Nationwide offers a few ways to request a PIN reminder or a new PIN. Pick the one that's most convenient for you:
Sub-heading: Option A: Request via Nationwide Internet Bank (Recommended for speed and convenience)
This is often the quickest and easiest way if you have access to Nationwide's Internet Bank.
- Log In to the Internet Bank: Go to the Nationwide website and log in to your Internet Bank account using your customer number, passnumber, and memorable information.
- Navigate to Account Services: Once logged in, from the accounts overview page, choose the relevant account for which you need the PIN reminder (e.g., your current account, credit card, etc.).
- Find 'Other Account Services': Look for a menu option or link titled "Other account services" or similar within the chosen account's details. This might be under a "View accounts" menu.
- Select 'Request a PIN reminder': From the "Account services" menu, you should find an option specifically for "Request a PIN reminder."
- Enter Card Details: You will likely be prompted to enter the last 8 digits of your 16-digit card number associated with the forgotten PIN.
- Confirm Request: Select "Request PIN." Nationwide will then send a PIN reminder to your registered address.
Important Note: Your PIN reminder will arrive by post within 3 to 5 working days. For security reasons, Nationwide does not provide PINs over the phone or via email.
Sub-heading: Option B: Request Over the Phone
If you prefer speaking to someone or don't have immediate access to the Internet Bank, you can call Nationwide's customer service.
- Prepare Your Details: Before calling, have your account details ready. This might include your customer number, account number, or the 16-digit debit/credit card number for which you need the PIN. You may also need to answer some security questions.
- Call Nationwide: Dial Nationwide's customer service number.
- UK: 03457 30 20 11 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
- Abroad: +44 1793 65 67 89
- Follow the Prompts: Navigate the automated system to reach the section for forgotten PINs or speaking to a representative about your card.
- Verify Your Identity: The customer service representative will ask you a series of security questions to verify your identity.
- Request PIN Reminder/New PIN: Clearly state that you have forgotten your PIN and would like to request a PIN reminder or a new PIN to be sent to your registered address.
Important Note: Similar to the online method, the PIN reminder will be sent to your registered address and typically arrives within 3 to 5 working days.
Sub-heading: Option C: Visit a Nationwide Branch
For those who prefer face-to-face assistance, visiting a Nationwide branch is another viable option.
- Locate Your Nearest Branch: Use the Nationwide branch finder tool on their website or app to find the branch closest to you.
- Gather Your ID: Crucially, remember to bring some form of identification with you. This could be your passport or driving licence. Without valid ID, the branch may not be able to assist you.
- Speak to a Member of Staff: Explain to a staff member that you have forgotten your PIN and wish to request a reminder.
- Verification: The staff member will verify your identity using your provided ID and possibly ask some security questions.
- Request Processing: They will process your request to have a PIN reminder sent to your registered address.
Important Note: Even when requesting in branch, the PIN reminder will be sent via post and will arrive within 3 to 5 working days. They cannot provide the PIN directly over the counter for security reasons.
Step 3: What to Expect While You Wait
Once you've requested your PIN reminder, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Sub-heading: Delivery Timeframe
Your PIN reminder will be delivered to the address registered on your Nationwide account within 3 to 5 working days. Make sure your registered address is up to date with Nationwide to avoid any delays. If you've recently moved, update your address before requesting a PIN.
Sub-heading: Security of the Reminder
The PIN reminder will arrive in a plain, unmarked envelope, typically separate from your card, for added security. It will contain your PIN in a format that ensures only you can easily access it.
Sub-heading: Banking Without Your PIN (Interim Solutions)
While you wait for your PIN to arrive, you're not completely stuck!
- In-branch withdrawals/payments: If you need to withdraw cash or make a payment urgently, you can visit a Nationwide branch with a valid form of ID (passport or driving licence). A member of staff can assist you with transactions over the counter.
- Online/App Banking: You can continue to manage your account, make payments, and view statements through the Internet Bank or Mobile Banking App (if your login details are separate from your card PIN).
- Contactless Payments (if PIN not locked): If your PIN isn't locked, your contactless payments might still work for transactions under the limit. However, note that after a certain number of contactless transactions, you may be prompted to use Chip and PIN as a security measure.
Step 4: What to Do When Your PIN Reminder Arrives
Once that crucial letter lands on your doormat:
- Retrieve Your PIN: Carefully open the letter and retrieve your PIN.
- Memorise It: Commit your PIN to memory! Try not to write it down or store it anywhere easily accessible to others.
- Destroy the Letter: Once you've memorised your PIN, shred the letter immediately. This prevents anyone else from finding it.
- Activate/Unlock Your Card (if necessary):
- If you received a new PIN (not a reminder of your old one), you may need to make a Chip and PIN transaction or use an ATM to activate it.
- If your PIN was locked and you've received a reminder of your existing PIN, you'll need to use an ATM to unlock it by inputting the correct PIN and selecting account services (often "PIN services" then "PIN unlock").
Step 5: Consider Future PIN Management (Coming Soon!)
Nationwide is continuously improving its services. They have announced that later this year (2025), customers will also be able to view their existing PIN directly via the Mobile Banking App. This will be a significant game-changer for quick PIN retrieval, removing the need to wait for a postal reminder. Keep an eye on Nationwide's announcements and app updates for this exciting new feature!
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Nationwide PINs:
How to unlock my Nationwide PIN at an ATM?
If you remember your PIN but it's locked (due to incorrect attempts), you can unlock it at any UK ATM with the LINK symbol. Insert your card, enter your correct PIN, select "Other" then "PIN services," and finally "PIN unlock." The screen should display "successful."
How to change my Nationwide PIN if I know it?
You can easily change your PIN at any cash machine. Insert your card, enter your existing PIN, select "PIN services," then "PIN change," and follow the prompts to choose your new PIN.
How to get a new Nationwide card if my old one is lost or damaged?
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it immediately. You can do this by calling Nationwide's lost and stolen cards helpline (available 24/7), or via the Mobile Banking App. They will cancel your old card and send you a new one, which will come with a new PIN.
How to update my registered address with Nationwide?
You can update your registered address via the Internet Bank, the Mobile Banking App, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch. It's crucial to ensure your address is up-to-date, especially when requesting a PIN reminder.
How to contact Nationwide customer service for PIN issues?
You can call Nationwide's customer service on 03457 30 20 11 (within the UK) or +44 1793 65 67 89 (from abroad). Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to access cash if I don't have my PIN?
You can visit any Nationwide branch with a valid form of photo identification (such as a passport or driving licence) and a staff member will be able to assist you with cash withdrawals or other transactions.
How to avoid forgetting my PIN in the future?
While it's important not to write your PIN down, you can try associating it with something memorable to you. Some people use patterns on a keypad, relate it to a significant date, or use a mnemonic device (a memorable phrase where each word's length corresponds to a digit).
How to use my Nationwide card without a PIN (e.g., online purchases)?
Many online purchases only require your 16-digit card number, expiry date, and the 3-digit CVV (security code) from the back of the card, not your PIN. However, some online merchants might use 3D Secure (Verified by Visa/Mastercard SecureCode) which may require you to authenticate with a passnumber or via your banking app, not your card PIN.
How to get help if I'm abroad and forgot my Nationwide PIN?
If you're abroad and need a PIN reminder, you can still follow the steps for requesting via the Internet Bank or by calling the international customer service number (+44 1793 65 67 89). Remember, the PIN will be mailed to your registered UK address, so this might not be an immediate solution if you need cash urgently. Consider using your online banking for transfers or a branch visit with ID if available.
How to know when the "view PIN in app" feature will be available?
Nationwide has stated this feature will be available "later this year" (2025). Keep an eye on the news section of their website, their social media channels, or update announcements within the Nationwide Mobile Banking App itself for the exact launch date.
