It's fantastic that you're looking into how to qualify for the Nationwide £100 Fairer Share Payment! It's a brilliant way that Nationwide, as a building society, gives back to its members. Let's dive into everything you need to know to potentially bag that bonus.
Demystifying the Nationwide £100 Fairer Share Payment: Your Comprehensive Guide
Have you heard about Nationwide's generous £100 Fairer Share Payment and wondered how you can get your hands on it? You're in the right place! This isn't just a random handout; it's a way for Nationwide, as a mutual organization, to share its profits directly with its loyal members. This payment is becoming an annual tradition, demonstrating Nationwide's commitment to putting its members first. So, let's break down exactly what it takes to qualify for this fantastic benefit.
Step 1: Are You Already a Nationwide Member? - The Crucial First Check!
Before we go any further, let's establish the most fundamental requirement: Are you currently a Nationwide Building Society member? If the answer is yes, fantastic! You're already halfway there. If not, don't worry, we'll touch on how to become one later.
- Understanding the "Member" Status: Unlike traditional banks that have shareholders, Nationwide is a building society, meaning it's owned by its members (the customers). This mutual status is precisely why they can offer schemes like the Fairer Share Payment. Your relationship with Nationwide, whether through a current account, savings, or a mortgage, makes you a member.
Step 2: Key Eligibility Criteria - The Snapshot
To qualify for the Nationwide £100 Fairer Share Payment, you generally need to meet two primary conditions, based on information from previous years' payouts (which often set the precedent for future ones):
- A Qualifying Current Account: You must have held a specific type of Nationwide current account by a particular date.
- A Qualifying Savings or Mortgage Product: In addition to the current account, you need to have either a qualifying savings balance or a qualifying mortgage with Nationwide by the same specified date.
Important Note on Dates: The specific qualifying dates typically relate to the financial year-end or a snapshot taken a few months prior to the payment rollout. For the 2025 payment, the cut-off date for eligibility for having the accounts open and meeting criteria was March 31, 2025. Payments are then made between mid-June and early July (e.g., June 18 to July 4, 2025).
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Step 3: Deep Dive into Qualifying Current Accounts
Not all Nationwide current accounts are created equal when it comes to the Fairer Share Payment. Here's a breakdown of the typical requirements for different account types:
Sub-heading 3.1: For FlexAccount, FlexDirect, or FlexBasic holders:
If you hold one of these popular Nationwide current accounts, you generally need to demonstrate active usage during a specific period, typically the first three months of the year leading up to the payment. You must meet one of the following conditions in at least two out of three months (e.g., January, February, and March 2025):
- Option A: Income and Outgoing Payments:
- Received at least £500 into your account.
- Made at least two outgoing payments from the account. (Note: Transfers between your own Nationwide accounts usually don't count for the incoming or outgoing payments).
- Option B: Frequent Outgoing Payments:
- Made 10 or more outgoing payments from the account.
Sub-heading 3.2: For FlexPlus, FlexOne, FlexStudent, or FlexGraduate holders:
These accounts often have slightly different criteria:
- FlexPlus: You must have been paying the monthly fee for this account.
- FlexOne (Under 18s), FlexStudent, or FlexGraduate: You typically only need to have made at least one incoming or outgoing transaction in March of the qualifying year (e.g., March 2025). This makes it quite straightforward for these younger or student-focused accounts.
Sub-heading 3.3: Current Account Switch Service (CASS) Eligibility:
There's often a special provision for those who have recently switched their current account to Nationwide using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). If you completed a full switch to an eligible Nationwide current account within a specific timeframe (e.g., between January 1 and March 31 of the qualifying year), you may automatically qualify for the current account part of the criteria, without needing to meet the usage requirements mentioned above. However, switches to FlexGraduate accounts might not count for this specific provision.
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Step 4: Meeting the Savings or Mortgage Criteria
Beyond the current account, you need to have a secondary relationship with Nationwide through either savings or a mortgage.
Sub-heading 4.1: Qualifying Savings Accounts:
- You must have had at least £100 in total across one or more personal Nationwide savings accounts or Cash ISAs.
- This balance needs to have been held at the end of any day in March of the qualifying year (e.g., March 2025).
- Important Exclusion: Funds held in investment accounts, business savings accounts, or accounts not in your name typically do not count.
Sub-heading 4.2: Qualifying Mortgage Products:
- If you have a residential mortgage with Nationwide, you must have owed at least £100 on that mortgage on the specified date (e.g., March 31, 2025).
- Exclusions Apply: Mortgages held with Nationwide subsidiaries (like The Mortgage Works or Derbyshire Home Loans) often do not qualify. Similarly, incomplete mortgage applications by the cut-off date are usually excluded.
Step 5: Understanding Joint Accounts and Multiple Payments
This is where it can get a little nuanced!
- Joint Accounts: If you hold a joint current account and/or joint savings/mortgage with someone else, each individual on the account will be assessed for eligibility. This means if both account holders meet the criteria, both can receive the £100 payment. You don't need separate personal accounts for each person if the joint account meets all criteria.
- Multiple Accounts: Even if you have multiple qualifying current accounts or savings accounts that individually meet the criteria, you will typically only receive one £100 payment per person. The payment is generally paid into an open Nationwide current account in your sole name, or a joint account if you only hold joint accounts.
Step 6: What Happens Next? (The Payment Process)
You don't need to apply for the Fairer Share Payment. If you meet the eligibility criteria, Nationwide will automatically process the payment.
- Notification: Eligible members usually receive an email or letter from Nationwide informing them that they will receive the payment.
- Payment Window: The payment will be made directly into your Nationwide current account within a specified window (e.g., between June 18 and July 4, 2025).
- Statement Description: The payment will typically appear on your statement as "Nationwide Fairer Share Payment."
- Keep Your Account Open: It's crucial to keep your qualifying Nationwide current account open until the payment has been received, as they will not make the payment in any other way. If your account is closed when they attempt to make the payment, you will likely lose eligibility.
Step 7: Tax Implications and Other Considerations
- Taxable Income: The Nationwide £100 Fairer Share Payment is generally treated as savings income for tax purposes. This means it counts towards your Personal Savings Allowance (PSA).
- Basic Rate Taxpayers: Can typically earn up to £1,000 in interest tax-free.
- Higher Rate Taxpayers: Can earn up to £500 in interest tax-free.
- Additional Rate Taxpayers: Have no PSA, so the full amount would be taxable.
- It's always wise to consult a tax advisor if you have concerns about how this might affect your individual tax situation.
- No Guarantee for Future Years: While Nationwide has made this payment for several years now, there's no guarantee it will continue every year. It's dependent on Nationwide's financial strength and board approval.
- Beyond the £100: While the £100 Fairer Share payment is a nice bonus, it's also worth remembering Nationwide's other benefits as a mutual, such as competitive rates on savings and mortgages, and generally good customer service reviews.
How To Qualify For Nationwide 100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to qualifying for the Nationwide £100 payment:
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
How to check if I am eligible for the Nationwide £100 payment?
Nationwide usually has an online eligibility checker on its website. You can also review your account activity against the criteria provided in your banking app or internet bank. Nationwide will also contact eligible members directly.
How to ensure my current account activity qualifies?
For FlexAccount, FlexDirect, or FlexBasic, make sure you consistently meet the £500 inflow and two outgoing payments, or 10 outgoing payments, in at least two out of the three months preceding the qualification date (e.g., Jan-Mar 2025). For other accounts, ensure at least one transaction in March.
How to make sure my savings account qualifies?
Ensure your personal Nationwide savings accounts or Cash ISAs hold a combined balance of at least £100 on any day in March of the qualifying year. Regularly check your balance to ensure it doesn't dip below this threshold.
How to know if my Nationwide mortgage is qualifying?
Confirm that your residential Nationwide mortgage has at least £100 outstanding on the eligibility date (e.g., March 31, 2025). Double-check if your mortgage is directly with Nationwide and not a subsidiary.
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
How to receive the payment if I have a joint account?
If both individuals on a joint account meet the full eligibility criteria, then both will receive a separate £100 payment. The payment will typically go into a sole current account first, if you have one, or the joint account.
How to get the payment if I recently switched to Nationwide?
If you used the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) to move a non-Nationwide current account to an eligible Nationwide account within the specified timeframe (e.g., Jan-Mar 2025), you likely qualify for the current account portion without needing to meet usage criteria, provided you also meet the savings/mortgage requirement.
How to ensure I don't miss the payment?
Keep your qualifying Nationwide current account open between the announcement of the payment and the actual payment date (e.g., mid-June to early July 2025). Nationwide will pay it directly into this account.
How to find out the exact qualification dates for the next payment?
Nationwide typically announces the Fairer Share Payment details, including specific qualification dates, around May each year, often coinciding with their financial results. Keep an eye on their official website or financial news.
How to check if the £100 bonus is taxable?
Yes, the £100 Fairer Share payment is treated as savings income and counts towards your Personal Savings Allowance. Whether you pay tax on it depends on your individual income and how much other interest you earn.
How to contact Nationwide if I believe I qualified but didn't receive the payment?
If you think you were eligible and haven't received the payment by the stated end date (e.g., July 4, 2025), you should contact Nationwide directly through their banking app, internet bank chat, or by calling their customer service number. Ensure your contact details with them are up-to-date.