Master Your Money: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Payments with Nationwide
Hey there! Ever found yourself staring at a bill, a transfer form, or just wanting to send some cash to a friend, and wondering, "What's the best way to do this with Nationwide?" You're not alone! Navigating banking options can sometimes feel like a maze, but Nationwide offers a fantastic array of convenient and secure ways to manage your money. This lengthy guide will break down every common payment method, giving you the confidence to move your money exactly how and when you need to.
Ready to become a Nationwide payment pro? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Identify Your Nationwide Account and Payment Need
Before you even think about tapping buttons or visiting a branch, the very first step is to know your accounts and what you're trying to achieve. Are you paying a bill from your current account? Sending money to a friend's savings account? Paying off your Nationwide credit card or mortgage? The type of payment and the account it's coming from will often dictate the best method.
- What kind of Nationwide account are you using? (e.g., Current Account, Savings Account, Credit Card)
- What are you paying? (e.g., a bill, a person, your own Nationwide product like a mortgage or credit card)
- How quickly does it need to go through? (e.g., instant transfer, regular payment, a few days is fine)
Once you have a clear picture, you can choose the most suitable method from the options below.
Step 2: Mastering Online Payments via Nationwide's Internet Bank
The Internet Bank is often your most powerful tool for managing payments. It's secure, accessible 24/7, and offers a wide range of functionalities.
Sub-heading: Registering and Logging In
If you're not already registered for Nationwide's Internet Bank, you'll need your account number and sort code (or credit card/mortgage number) to set it up. They'll send you verification codes via email and text.
- Action: Go to the Nationwide website and find the "Log In" or "Register" section for Internet Banking.
- Tip: Keep your personal details (account number, sort code, security details) private and secure. Never share them with anyone you don't trust.
Sub-heading: Making a One-Off Payment to a New Person or Company
This is for when you need to send money to someone you haven't paid before.
- Log In: Access your Nationwide Internet Bank.
- Navigate to Payments: Look for a section like "Payments & Transfers" or "Pay or move money."
- Select "Pay a New Person/Company": You'll typically find an option to add a new payee.
- Enter Payee Details: You'll need:
- The recipient's full name (as it appears on their account).
- Their sort code.
- Their account number.
- A payment reference (this is crucial for the recipient to identify your payment, e.g., an invoice number, your name).
- You might also be asked for the account type (personal or business).
- Enter Payment Amount: Input the exact amount you wish to send.
- Confirm Details: Double-check all the entered information. A small mistake here can send your money to the wrong place!
- Authorise Payment: You may need your card reader or the Banking app for biometric verification to confirm the payment. Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation that your payment has been sent. Faster Payments typically arrive instantly or within two hours.
Sub-heading: Paying an Existing Payee
Once you've set someone up, paying them again is much quicker.
- Log In: Access your Nationwide Internet Bank.
- Navigate to Payments: Go to "Payments & Transfers" or "Pay or move money."
- Select Existing Payee: Choose the person or company from your list of saved payees.
- Enter Amount and Reference: Input the amount and relevant reference.
- Confirm and Authorise: Review and confirm, then authorise the payment.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Standing Orders for Regular Payments
Standing orders are perfect for fixed, recurring payments like rent or a monthly contribution to savings.
- Log In: Access your Nationwide Internet Bank.
- Navigate to Regular Payments: Look for "Standing Orders" or "Manage Regular Payments."
- Choose "Set Up New Standing Order":
- Enter Payee Details: Provide the recipient's sort code, account number, name, and a payment reference (if new, you'll add them as a new payee first).
- Define Payment Schedule:
- Amount: How much will be paid each time.
- Frequency: Weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.
- Start Date: When the first payment should be made.
- End Date (Optional): If the payment is for a limited time.
- Review and Confirm: Carefully check all details, especially the frequency and amount.
- Authorise: Use your card reader or app for authorisation.
Sub-heading: Managing Direct Debits
Direct Debits are set up by the organisation you're paying (e.g., utility companies, subscription services) with your permission. You don't "set them up" directly through your bank, but you can view and cancel them.
- Log In: Access your Nationwide Internet Bank.
- Navigate to Regular Payments: Find "Direct Debits" or "View & Cancel Payments."
- View List: You'll see a list of all active Direct Debits.
- Cancel (If Needed): If you need to cancel a Direct Debit, select it and follow the prompts. It's often a good idea to inform the organisation you're cancelling the Direct Debit with too.
Sub-heading: Internal Transfers (Between Your Own Nationwide Accounts)
Moving money between your own Nationwide current, savings, or credit card accounts is typically instant and straightforward.
- Log In: Access your Nationwide Internet Bank.
- Select "Quick Transfer" or "Transfer Money Between My Accounts":
- Choose Accounts: Select the account you want to transfer from and the account you want to transfer to.
- Enter Amount: Specify the amount.
- Confirm: The transfer is usually instant.
Step 3: Convenient Payments via the Nationwide Banking App
The Nationwide Banking App offers a streamlined experience for payments on the go. It mirrors many Internet Bank functionalities but with a mobile-first design and often includes biometric login (fingerprint/face ID).
Sub-heading: Getting Started with the App
- Download: Search for "Nationwide Banking App" on your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iPhone).
- Install and Enrol: Follow the on-screen instructions to install and set up your account, which may involve entering your card details or customer number.
- Enable Biometrics (Recommended): Set up fingerprint or facial recognition for quick and secure logins.
Sub-heading: Making Payments in the App
The process is very similar to the Internet Bank, but often more intuitive for mobile users.
- Log In: Open the app and log in using your passnumber or biometrics.
- Tap "Payments": This is usually found in the bottom navigation bar.
- Choose Your Payment Type:
- "Pay a new person or company"
- "One of your Nationwide accounts" (for internal transfers)
- "View & cancel payments" (for standing orders and Direct Debits)
- Follow Prompts: Enter recipient details, amount, and reference as required.
- Confirm and Authorise: The app will guide you through confirmation, often using your biometrics for authorisation.
Sub-heading: Managing Cards and Contactless Payments
The app also allows you to manage your debit and credit cards, including freezing/unfreezing them if lost, and setting up mobile payment options.
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay: You can add your Nationwide cards to these mobile wallets through the app or your phone's settings. This allows for contactless payments using your device, often with higher transaction limits than physical card contactless.
Step 4: In-Branch Payments: The Personal Touch
For those who prefer face-to-face assistance or need to deposit cash/cheques, Nationwide branches are a valuable option.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Nearest Branch
- Action: Use the "Branch Finder" on the Nationwide website or in the Banking app to locate your nearest branch and check opening hours.
Sub-heading: Making Cash or Cheque Payments
You can pay bills, credit cards, or deposit into your current account using cash or cheques at a Nationwide branch counter.
- Bring Essentials: Take your debit/credit card, payment slip (if applicable, e.g., for cheques), and a form of identification (passport, driving licence) if you don't have your card.
- Approach the Counter: Inform the staff member what kind of payment you wish to make.
- Provide Details: Give them the cash or cheque, along with the necessary account details (e.g., your credit card number, mortgage account number, or the recipient's details if paying another person).
- Receive Receipt: Always get a receipt for your payment.
Sub-heading: Using In-Branch Cash Machines for Deposits
Many Nationwide branches have self-service cash machines that accept cash and cheque deposits.
- Insert Card: Insert your Nationwide current account card.
- Select Deposit Option: Choose to deposit cash or cheques.
- Feed Notes/Cheques: Follow the on-screen instructions to feed your cash or cheques into the machine.
- Note: There are often daily limits on cash deposits and per-transaction limits on the number of notes.
- Confirm and Receive Receipt: Confirm the amount and take your receipt.
Step 5: Telephone Banking: A Traditional Option
Nationwide offers telephone banking for those who prefer to speak to someone or don't have internet access.
- Find the Right Number: Locate the relevant telephone banking number for your account type on the Nationwide website or your account statements.
- Verify Your Identity: You'll need to go through security questions and potentially use your telephone banking security number or Voice ID if set up.
- State Your Request: Clearly explain what payment you want to make (e.g., "I'd like to make a one-off payment to a new payee," or "I want to pay my credit card bill").
- Provide Details: Have all necessary recipient details (sort code, account number, name, reference) or your Nationwide product details ready.
- Confirm: The agent will confirm the payment details before processing.
Step 6: Direct from Another Bank/Building Society
If you're looking to pay into your Nationwide account from an account held with a different bank or building society, you'll need to use their payment methods.
- Obtain Nationwide Details: You'll need your Nationwide account name, sort code, and account number. You can find these on your Nationwide debit card, statement, or within the Banking app/Internet Bank.
- Use External Bank's Service: Log in to your other bank's online banking, app, or visit their branch.
- Set Up New Payee: Add your Nationwide account as a new payee, providing the details you gathered in step 1.
- Make Payment: Initiate the payment from your external account to your Nationwide account.
Step 7: Specialised Payments: Mortgages and Credit Cards
Nationwide offers specific ways to manage payments for their own products.
Sub-heading: Paying Your Nationwide Mortgage
- Direct Debit (Standard): Most Nationwide mortgages are set up with a Direct Debit for monthly payments. It's usually best not to cancel this yourself.
- One-Off Payments/Overpayments:
- Internet Bank/Banking App: You can make single payments or set up standing orders to your mortgage account from your Nationwide current account. You'll need your mortgage account number as the reference.
- From Another Bank: You'll need Nationwide's mortgage sort code (often 07-00-94) and account number (often 44444445), plus your mortgage account number as the payment reference.
- In Branch: Cash or cheque payments are accepted. Make cheques payable to "Nationwide - Your Name" and include your mortgage account number on the back.
- Paying Off in Full: For a full mortgage redemption, use Mortgage Manager online to get a redemption figure, which is crucial for the exact amount valid for a specific date. Then you can pay online or by cheque.
Sub-heading: Paying Your Nationwide Credit Card
- Direct Debit: Set up a Direct Debit to automatically pay the minimum, full balance, or a set amount each month. You can do this via the Internet Bank or Banking App.
- One-Off Payments:
- Internet Bank/Banking App: You can pay your credit card from your Nationwide current account.
- From Another Bank: You'll need Nationwide's credit card sort code (often 07-30-12) and account number (often 00001604), using your 16-digit credit card number as the payment reference.
- In Branch: Pay by cash or cheque. You'll need your credit card and a payment slip if paying by cheque.
- By Post: Send a cheque payable to "Nationwide Credit Card, [Your Name]" with your 16-digit card number on the back to their Credit Card Services PO Box.
Important Considerations for All Payments:
- Payment Limits: Be aware of daily payment limits, especially for new payees or larger transfers. These can vary depending on the method (online, app, branch). Check Nationwide's website for current limits.
- Security: Always ensure you're on the official Nationwide website or app. Be wary of phishing attempts or suspicious links. Nationwide will never ask you for your full security details or PIN via email or text.
- Payment References: Always include a clear and accurate payment reference. This helps the recipient identify your payment and ensures it's allocated correctly.
- Confirmation: Always check for confirmation after making a payment, whether it's an on-screen message, email, or physical receipt.
- Timing: While Faster Payments are generally instant, sometimes they can take up to 2 hours. Cheques can take up to 5 working days to clear. International payments have varying timescales.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to set up a new payee on Nationwide Internet Bank?
You log in, go to 'Payments & Transfers', select 'Pay a new person or company', enter their name, sort code, account number, and a reference, then confirm and authorise.
How to pay a Nationwide credit card from another bank?
You'll need Nationwide's credit card sort code (07-30-12) and account number (00001604), and you must use your 16-digit credit card number as the payment reference when setting them up as a new payee with your other bank.
How to check my payment limits with Nationwide?
You can typically find current payment limits by logging into your Internet Bank or Banking App, or by checking the "Help" or "Payment and transfer limits" section on the official Nationwide website.
How to cancel a Direct Debit with Nationwide?
Log in to your Internet Bank or Banking App, go to 'View & cancel payments' or 'Direct Debits', select the Direct Debit you wish to cancel, and follow the on-screen instructions. It's often advisable to also notify the organisation you're cancelling with.
How to transfer money between my own Nationwide accounts?
Log in to the Internet Bank or Banking App, select 'Quick transfer' or 'Pay or move money', choose the accounts to transfer from and to, enter the amount, and confirm. Transfers between your own Nationwide accounts are usually instant.
How to make a large payment with Nationwide?
For large payments, online banking (Faster Payments up to £100,000, £25,000 for new payees online/app) or a branch visit is usually required. CHAPS payments are also available for very large sums without a maximum limit, often requiring online or in-branch initiation.
How to set up a standing order with Nationwide?
Via the Internet Bank or Banking App, navigate to 'Regular Payments' or 'Standing Orders', choose to 'Set up new standing order', enter payee details, the amount, frequency, and start/end dates, then confirm.
How to pay my Nationwide mortgage arrears?
You can make a single payment or set up a standing order via the Banking App, Internet Bank, or in a Nationwide branch using your mortgage account number as the reference.
How to deposit cash into my Nationwide current account?
You can deposit cash at any Nationwide branch counter (up to £5,000 per account per day) or use in-branch cash machines (with varying daily limits).
How to use contactless payments with my Nationwide card or phone?
Simply tap your Nationwide debit or credit card on a contactless reader for purchases up to £100. For higher amounts or added convenience, set up Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay with your Nationwide card and use your mobile device for contactless payments, typically without a transaction limit imposed by Nationwide (though retailers may have their own).
