Have you ever wished you could declutter your financial view, especially when you're diligently saving and don't want to be tempted by other funds? Or perhaps you have an old account you rarely use, and it just takes up space on your Nationwide banking app home screen. Well, you're in luck! While Nationwide's app doesn't have a direct "hide account" button in the same way some other banks do, there are ways to manage your account visibility and achieve a cleaner, more focused view.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps and options available to you, helping you optimize your Nationwide app experience. Let's dive in!
Understanding Account Visibility on the Nationwide App
It's important to clarify that Nationwide's approach to account visibility isn't about completely removing an account from your banking profile. Instead, it focuses on customizing your view and managing how accounts are displayed. For some specific accounts, especially older ones, you might find that closing them is the only way to remove them from your active online banking view. However, for most active accounts, we can aim to make them less prominent.
How To Hide Accounts On Nationwide App |
Step 1: Assess Your Accounts and Your Goal
Before you start clicking around, let's take a moment to understand what you want to achieve.
- What accounts do you want to "hide"? Is it a savings account you're trying to keep out of sight, a rarely used current account, or perhaps an old ISA?
- Why do you want to hide them? Are you trying to avoid temptation, simplify your view, or something else?
Knowing your objective will help you choose the most effective strategy.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
Sub-heading: Identifying "Hideable" vs. "Closable" Accounts
Generally, accounts that you actively use for transactions (like your main current account) are designed to be prominently displayed. Savings accounts, especially those with specific goals, might have more flexibility in how they appear. Old or dormant accounts might be best suited for closure if you no longer need them.
Step 2: Customizing Your App's Home Screen (If Available)
Nationwide's app has undergone various updates, and the level of customization for the home screen can vary. Some versions do allow for a degree of control over what tiles or accounts are immediately visible.
Sub-heading: Exploring "Customize and Edit Options"
- Open your Nationwide Banking App: Log in securely using your passnumber, fingerprint, or Face ID.
- Look for a "Customize" or "Edit" option: On your main accounts screen, try to find an icon or text that suggests customization. This might be a cogwheel icon, three dots, or simply the word "Edit" or "Customize." It's often located near the top of the screen or within a general "Settings" menu.
- Explore Account Display Settings: If you find a customization option, tap on it. You might see a list of your accounts with checkboxes or toggles next to them. This is where you might be able to deselect accounts you don't want to see on your primary view.
- If you see this option, untick the accounts you wish to make less prominent.
- Confirm your changes: Don't forget to save any modifications you make.
Important Note: Not all versions or layouts of the Nationwide app may offer this direct "hide" functionality on the home screen. If you don't find it here, don't worry, proceed to the next steps.
Step 3: Leveraging the Internet Bank for Account Preferences
While the mobile app is convenient, sometimes the full online banking portal (accessible via a web browser on your computer or phone) offers more comprehensive settings.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
- Log in to Nationwide Internet Bank: Go to the official Nationwide website and log in to your Internet Bank account. This often provides a wider array of settings compared to the mobile app.
- ***Navigate to "Settings" or "Preferences"***: Once logged in, look for a section like "Settings," "Account Preferences," "My Profile," or "Manage Accounts." These are usually found in the main menu or a sidebar.
- Search for Account Visibility or Display Options: Within the settings, specifically look for options related to account visibility, display preferences, or what accounts are shown on your dashboard. Some banks, for example, have options to untick accounts you want to hide from the main view.
- If you find options to hide accounts, carefully review what happens when you hide them. It usually means they won't appear on your main dashboard but can still be accessed through a separate list of "hidden" or "all accounts."
- Save your changes: Make sure to save any new preferences.
Why this might be more effective: Some users have reported that certain account visibility settings are only configurable through the full Internet Bank, and these changes then reflect in the mobile app.
Step 4: Renaming Accounts for Better Organization (Alternative Strategy)
While not strictly "hiding," renaming your accounts can significantly improve your mental organization and make certain accounts less distracting. If you can't outright hide an account, giving it a less prominent name can help.
Sub-heading: How to Rename Your Nationwide Accounts
- Access Account Details in the App or Internet Bank:
- In the Nationwide app, tap on the account you wish to rename. Look for an "Account details" or "Settings" option within that specific account's view.
- In the Internet Bank, navigate to the account you want to rename. There should be an option to "Edit" or "Manage" the account details.
- Find the "Nickname" or "Rename Account" Option: Look for a field where you can enter a custom name or nickname for your account.
- Choose a Discreet Name: Instead of "My Savings Account," you could rename it to something like "_Future Fund" or "_Long Term Goal."* The underscore at the beginning often pushes it lower in alphabetical lists, making it less immediately visible.
- Example: If you have a rainy day fund you don't want to check constantly, rename it to "Emergency Buffer (Do Not Touch)".
- Save the Changes: Confirm the new name. This will update how the account is displayed across your Nationwide banking platforms.
Step 5: Considering Account Closure for Truly Unneeded Accounts
If an account is truly dormant, holds no funds, and you have no intention of using it again, closing it is the most definitive way to remove it from your view.
Sub-heading: The Process of Closing a Nationwide Account
- Check Account Balance and Outstanding Charges: Ensure the account has a zero balance and no outstanding charges. Nationwide will not allow you to close an overdrawn account.
- ***Transfer Funds (if any)***: If there are funds, transfer them to another active account.
- Cancel Direct Debits and Standing Orders: Make sure no recurring payments are linked to the account you wish to close.
- Choose Your Closure Method: Nationwide offers a few ways to close accounts:
- Internet Bank: This is often the quickest method for current and savings accounts. Log in, select the account, look for "Other Account Services" or "Close Account," and follow the instructions.
- In Branch: Visit your nearest Nationwide branch. Bring your account card, identification (passport/driving license), and chequebook (if applicable).
- By Post: You can send a letter to any Nationwide branch including your full name, address, sort code, account number, and signature.
- Confirm Closure: Nationwide will usually send you confirmation once the account is closed. It might take a few working days for the account to disappear from your online and app view.
Caution: Only close accounts you are absolutely certain you no longer need, as reactivating a closed account can be complicated or impossible.
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
Additional Tips for Managing Your Nationwide App Experience
- Regularly Review Your Accounts: Periodically check your Nationwide app and Internet Bank to ensure your account visibility settings are still as you want them.
- Utilize Savings Goals (If Available): If your goal is to reduce temptation for savings, explore Nationwide's features for setting savings goals. While not hiding the account, it frames the money within a specific objective, which can be helpful.
- Keep Your App Updated: Ensure your Nationwide app is always the latest version. New features and improvements, including potential visibility options, are often rolled out with updates.
- Contact Nationwide Support: If you've tried all the steps and are still unable to manage account visibility to your satisfaction, don't hesitate to contact Nationwide customer service directly. They can provide personalized assistance and explain any limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further assist you:
How to Check if My Nationwide App is Updated?
To check if your Nationwide app is updated, simply go to your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS). Search for "Nationwide Banking app" and see if there's an "Update" button instead of "Open." If there is, tap it to update.
How to Find My Account Settings in the Nationwide App?
Log into your Nationwide app. Account settings are usually found by tapping on an individual account, or by looking for a "Settings" or "Profile" icon (often a cogwheel or a person's silhouette) usually located in the main menu or at the top/bottom of the home screen.
How to Rename an Account on the Nationwide Internet Bank?
Log in to the Nationwide Internet Bank. Navigate to the account you wish to rename. Look for options like "Manage account," "Edit details," or a pencil icon next to the account name. You should find a field to enter a custom "nickname" for the account.
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
How to See Hidden Accounts on the Nationwide App?
If you've managed to hide accounts using customization options, there should be a way to view "All Accounts" or "Hidden Accounts" within the app's settings or a specific menu. Alternatively, logging into the full Nationwide Internet Bank usually displays all your accounts.
How to Close a Nationwide Savings Account Online?
Log in to the Nationwide Internet Bank. Select the savings account you wish to close. Look for options like "Other Account Services" or "Close Account." Ensure the balance is zero and follow the on-screen instructions.
How to Set Up Savings Goals in the Nationwide App?
Within the Nationwide app, explore the sections related to your savings accounts. Many banks offer dedicated features for setting and tracking savings goals, often under a "Savings" or "Goals" tab.
How to Report a Lost or Stolen Card in the Nationwide App?
In the Nationwide app, there's usually a clear option to report a lost or stolen card, often found under "Manage Cards" or "Security." You can also freeze your card temporarily.
How to Manage Direct Debits and Standing Orders in the Nationwide App?
Log in to the app and navigate to your current account. Look for "Payments," "Direct Debits," or "Standing Orders" in the menu to view, set up, or cancel them.
How to Contact Nationwide Customer Service for App Issues?
You can find contact details for Nationwide customer service within the app itself, usually under "Help & Support" or "Contact Us." Alternatively, visit the "Contact Us" section on the official Nationwide website.
How to Improve My Nationwide App Security?
Enable biometrics (fingerprint/Face ID) for login and payments. Use a strong passnumber. Regularly update your app. Be cautious of phishing attempts and never share your login details with anyone. Nationwide's app has strong security features, but your practices are key.