Transferring large sums of money can be a daunting task, but thankfully, systems like CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) exist to make it secure and efficient. If you're a Nationwide customer and need to send a significant amount, a CHAPS payment is likely your best option. It's a guaranteed same-day transfer for sterling payments within the UK, perfect for things like property deposits, car purchases, or large business transactions.
Are you ready to navigate the world of high-value payments with Nationwide? Let's get started and make that CHAPS payment a breeze!
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making a CHAPS Payment with Nationwide
Making a CHAPS payment requires attention to detail, as these are generally for substantial amounts of money. Nationwide offers a few ways to initiate these payments.
Step 1: Understand When a CHAPS Payment is Necessary
Before you even think about the "how," ask yourself: Is a CHAPS payment truly what I need?
- What it's for: CHAPS is primarily for high-value, time-critical sterling payments within the UK. Think house deposits, large vehicle purchases, or significant business transactions where the money needs to clear on the same working day.
- Limits: While Nationwide's Faster Payments service can handle transfers up to £100,000 per transaction (with a daily limit of £100,000), CHAPS payments have no maximum limit. If your payment exceeds what Faster Payments can handle, or if you need the absolute guarantee of same-day clearing, CHAPS is the way to go.
- Cost: Unlike Faster Payments, CHAPS payments typically incur a fee. As of May 2025, Nationwide charges a £15 fee for sending a CHAPS payment.
Step 2: Gather All Necessary Information
This is a crucial step. Any error in the details could cause significant delays or even send your money to the wrong account, which can be very difficult to retrieve. Double and triple-check everything!
- Recipient's Full Name: This must be the exact name as it appears on their bank account. For business accounts, use the full legal business name. Nationwide's "Confirmation of Payee" service will help verify this.
- Recipient's Bank Name and Address: While not always explicitly asked for online, it's good practice to have this on hand, especially if you're making the payment in branch.
- Recipient's Account Number: This is typically an 8-digit number.
- Recipient's Sort Code: This is a 6-digit number that identifies the recipient's bank branch.
- Payment Reference: This is vital for the recipient to identify the payment. Make sure it's clear and concise (e.g., "House Deposit for [Your Name]", "Invoice [Invoice Number]").
- The Exact Amount you wish to transfer.
- Purpose of Payment: Nationwide may ask for the reason for the payment, especially for property-related transfers.
Step 3: Choose Your Method for Making the Payment
Nationwide offers a couple of convenient ways to make a CHAPS payment.
Sub-heading 3.1: Making a CHAPS Payment Online (Internet Bank)
This is often the most convenient method if you're registered for Nationwide's Internet Bank.
- Log In: Go to the Nationwide Internet Bank website and securely log in using your credentials.
- Navigate to Payments: Look for a "Move money" or "Payments & Transfers" tab or section at the top of the page.
- Find CHAPS Option: Scroll down or look within the payment options for a section titled "Other Payments" or similar, and specifically "Make a payment using CHAPS" or "Same-day payment (CHAPS)".
- Select Account: Choose the Nationwide account you wish to make the payment from.
- Enter Recipient Details: Carefully input all the information you gathered in Step 2:
- Recipient's full name (or business name)
- Recipient's 8-digit account number
- Recipient's 6-digit sort code
- Payment reference
- The exact amount
- If prompted, the recipient's bank name and address.
- If it's property related, you'll likely need to select "Yes" for "Is this payment property related?" and then choose the specific reason from a dropdown menu.
- Card Reader Code: You will likely need your Nationwide card reader to generate a code for verification, especially for new payees or large sums. Have it ready!
- Review and Confirm: Thoroughly review all the entered details before proceeding. Mistakes here are costly.
- Submit Payment: Confirm the payment. You'll usually receive a confirmation message or email.
- Online Cut-off Time: For same-day arrival, online CHAPS payments must be requested before 3:00 PM (UK time) on a working day. Payments requested after this time, on weekends, or on public holidays will usually arrive the next working day.
Sub-heading 3.2: Making a CHAPS Payment In-Branch
If you prefer face-to-face assistance or your online access is limited, you can visit a Nationwide branch.
- Locate Your Nearest Branch: Use the Nationwide branch finder on their website to find a convenient branch.
- Gather Required Documents: When visiting a branch for a CHAPS payment, you'll need:
- Valid Photo ID: Such as a UK passport or full driving licence.
- Proof of Address: A recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Your Nationwide Debit Card.
- All Recipient Details (as listed in Step 2) written down clearly.
- Speak to Staff: Inform a member of staff that you wish to make a CHAPS payment.
- Provide Information: They will guide you through the process, taking down all the necessary recipient and payment details. They will also verify your identity.
- Sign and Confirm: You will likely need to sign a form to authorise the payment. Carefully check all details on the form before signing.
- Pay the Fee: The £15 CHAPS fee will be deducted from your account.
- In-Branch Cut-off Time: Similar to online, CHAPS payments requested in-branch before 3:00 PM (UK time) on a working day should arrive the same day. Requests made after 3:00 PM will be processed the next working day.
Step 4: Confirmation and Tracking
Once you've submitted your CHAPS payment request, whether online or in-branch, you'll receive some form of confirmation.
- Online: You'll typically get an on-screen confirmation, and the payment should appear in your transaction history. You may also be able to "Manage international and same-day payments" under the "Move money" menu to track its status.
- In-Branch: You'll receive a receipt for the transaction.
It's a good idea to inform the recipient that the payment has been made and, if possible, provide them with the payment reference so they can look out for it.
Step 5: What to Do if There's a Problem
Even with all precautions, sometimes issues arise.
- Payment Not Arrived: If the payment hasn't arrived by the expected time (same working day if within cut-off, or next working day), first, double-check the recipient's details you provided. Then, contact Nationwide's customer service immediately with your payment reference.
- Sent to Wrong Account: This is a serious issue. Contact Nationwide immediately. While CHAPS payments are generally irrevocable, the sooner you contact your bank, the better the chances they might be able to assist in recovering the funds, though this is not guaranteed.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Nationwide CHAPS payment limit?
There is generally no maximum limit for CHAPS payments with Nationwide. However, for Faster Payments (which are free and suitable for sums up to £100,000), specific daily limits apply, particularly for new payees.
How to find Nationwide's CHAPS payment cut-off times?
For same-day CHAPS payments with Nationwide, the cut-off time is 3:00 PM (UK time) on a working day, whether you make the payment online or in-branch.
How to cancel a CHAPS payment with Nationwide?
Cancelling or changing a CHAPS payment with Nationwide can be difficult and incurs a fee (typically £20). You should contact Nationwide customer service immediately if you need to cancel or amend a payment, but success is not guaranteed as CHAPS payments are usually irrevocable once processed.
How to confirm recipient details for a CHAPS payment?
Nationwide uses a "Confirmation of Payee" service online to help you verify that the recipient's name matches the account details. Always double-check all details manually before confirming the payment.
How to make a CHAPS payment for a property purchase with Nationwide?
When making a CHAPS payment for a property, specifically select "Yes" for "Is this payment property related?" online and choose the relevant purpose from the dropdown menu. Ensure you have all the solicitor's correct bank details.
How to get a receipt for a Nationwide CHAPS payment?
If you make the payment in-branch, you'll receive a physical receipt. If done online, you'll get an on-screen confirmation and the transaction will appear in your Internet Bank statement.
How to contact Nationwide about a CHAPS payment?
You can contact Nationwide's customer service via phone (check their official website for the most up-to-date contact numbers) or visit your local branch.
How to make a CHAPS payment if I'm a Nationwide Business customer?
Nationwide Business customers can typically make CHAPS payments online via their Internet Bank or by calling their Business Telephone Banking service if registered. Fees and cut-off times may vary slightly for business accounts, so it's best to confirm directly with Nationwide Business.
How to ensure my CHAPS payment arrives on the same day?
To ensure same-day arrival, you must initiate the CHAPS payment before Nationwide's 3:00 PM (UK time) cut-off time on a working day. Payments made after this time, on weekends, or bank holidays will be processed the next working day.
How to avoid common CHAPS payment mistakes?
The most crucial step is meticulously checking all recipient details (name, account number, sort code). Always use the Confirmation of Payee service where available. Double-check the amount and reference. If in doubt, contact Nationwide for clarification before authorising the transfer.
