Do you need a new card from Nationwide? Perhaps your current one has seen better days, vanished into thin air, or is simply nearing its expiry date. Whatever the reason, getting a new card from Nationwide is a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you have your new card in hand as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Let's dive in! Are you ready to get your new Nationwide card sorted?
Step 1: Determine the Reason for Your New Card Request
Before you do anything, it's crucial to identify why you need a new card. The reason will often dictate the fastest and most appropriate method for your request.
A. Lost or Stolen Card
This is the most urgent scenario. If your card is lost or stolen, immediate action is required to protect your funds and prevent fraudulent activity. You should report it as soon as possible.
B. Damaged Card
Has your card been bent, cracked, or is the chip no longer working? A damaged card can be frustrating and prevent you from making payments. This usually requires a replacement.
C. Expiring Card
Nationwide typically sends out new cards automatically a few weeks before your current card expires. However, if you haven't received one, or if you haven't used your card in the last 6 months (as this might prevent an automatic re-issue), you'll need to request one.
D. Other Reasons (e.g., forgotten PIN, card not received, or simply wanting a new design)
There might be other reasons you need a new card. For instance, if you've forgotten your PIN and can't retrieve it, or if your new card simply didn't arrive in the post after an initial issuance.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Method of Request
Nationwide offers several convenient ways to request a new card. The best option for you will depend on the urgency of your request and your access to online banking or phone services.
A. Using the Nationwide Banking App (Recommended for Lost/Stolen/Damaged Debit Cards)
The banking app is often the quickest and most efficient way to manage your cards, especially for reporting a lost or stolen debit card or replacing a damaged debit card.
- Log In: Open the Nationwide banking app on your smartphone or tablet and log in securely.
- Navigate to Card Management: Look for a "Menu" option, then select "Manage Cards" or a similar option.
- Select the Relevant Card: Choose the specific card that is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Report or Replace:
- For Lost or Stolen: Select "Report as lost or stolen." Be aware that once reported, the card cannot be reactivated, even if found. A new card will be issued.
- For Damaged: Select "Report as lost, stolen or damaged" and then choose "Damaged."
B. Using Nationwide Internet Banking
If you prefer using a computer or don't have the app, Internet Banking is another excellent option for managing your cards.
- Log In: Go to the Nationwide website and log in to your Internet Bank account. You'll need your customer number, passnumber, and memorable information.
- Navigate to Card Services: Look for a "Manage Cards" or "Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cards" section.
- Follow the Prompts: The online system will guide you through the process, allowing you to report a lost/stolen card or request a replacement for a damaged one. Some sources indicate you can select "Order replacement card" if your card is damaged.
C. Over the Phone (Ideal for All Card Types and Urgent Cases)
Calling Nationwide directly is a reliable method, especially if you're dealing with a lost or stolen card, or if you prefer speaking to someone.
- Find the Right Number: Nationwide has specific numbers for different card types and services.
- For Lost/Stolen Cards (Current Accounts, Credit Cards, Savings Cards): UK: 0800 055 66 22 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). If abroad, call +44 1793 65 67 89 (for current accounts/savings cards) or +44 2476 43 89 96 (for credit cards).
- For Damaged Cards (Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Savings Cards): For general enquiries and damaged cards, you might use the main customer service line. For current accounts, this is often 03457 30 20 11 (UK). Always check the Nationwide website's "Contact Us" section for the most up-to-date numbers.
- Have Your Details Ready: You'll need your account details, and be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity. This might include your customer number, account number, or the 16-digit debit card number (if you still have it).
- Explain Your Situation: Clearly state the reason for your new card request (e.g., "My debit card is damaged and I need a replacement," or "My credit card was stolen").
- Follow Instructions: The customer service representative will guide you through the process, confirm your address, and arrange for a new card to be sent.
D. Visiting a Nationwide Branch
While online and phone options are often quicker, visiting a branch is an alternative, especially if you need in-person assistance or have other banking needs.
- Locate Your Nearest Branch: Use the Nationwide branch finder on their website to find a convenient location.
- Bring ID: Take a valid form of identification (e.g., passport, driving license) and your account details.
- Speak to an Advisor: Explain to the branch staff that you need a new card and the reason for the request. They will assist you in ordering a replacement.
Step 3: Confirmation and Delivery of Your New Card
Once you've made your request, Nationwide will process it. Here's what to expect:
A. Confirmation
- App/Internet Banking: You'll usually receive an on-screen confirmation or a message in your secure inbox acknowledging your request.
- Phone/Branch: The advisor will confirm that your new card has been ordered and provide an estimated delivery timeframe.
B. Delivery Timeframe
- For standard replacements, new cards typically arrive within 3-7 working days in the UK.
- If your card was lost or stolen and you reported it, it will be cancelled immediately, and a new one will be dispatched.
- Nationwide usually sends your new card and PIN in separate envelopes for security reasons. The PIN may arrive a few days before or after the card.
C. What to Do While You Wait
- Lost/Stolen Cards: Your old card will be cancelled immediately. While you wait for your new card, you may still be able to make payments using digital wallet apps (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) if your card details were already linked, and existing Direct Debits and standing orders will continue to work. You can also withdraw cash at a Nationwide branch with ID.
- Damaged/Expired Cards: Your existing card might still work for some transactions until the new one arrives. However, for a damaged card, its functionality might be limited or non-existent.
Step 4: Activating Your New Card
Once your new card arrives, you'll need to activate it before you can start using it for all transactions.
- For Debit Cards:
- Online Payments: You can often use your new debit card for online payments as soon as it arrives.
- In-store/ATM: To use your debit card at cash machines or in shops, you'll usually need to make a transaction that requires your PIN first (e.g., a cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, or a chip and PIN purchase). This activates the card. Contactless payments will then typically work after this first PIN transaction.
- For Credit Cards:
- Nationwide advises that you can activate your credit card via Internet Banking or by phone.
- To activate via Internet Banking: Log in, select the account for the credit card, choose "Manage," then "Activate card," and follow the instructions.
- To activate by phone: Call the activation number provided with your card, or the main credit card helpline.
Important Considerations
- Update Recurring Payments: If you have any recurring payments (subscriptions, online shopping sites, etc.) linked to your old card number, you'll need to update them with your new card details once it arrives. This is crucial as lost/stolen card replacements will have a new card number.
- Safeguard Your PIN: Never write down your PIN or share it with anyone. Memorize it and destroy the PIN mailer once you've received your card.
- Check Your Statement: Always review your bank statements carefully after receiving a new card to ensure all transactions are legitimate.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to report a lost or stolen Nationwide card?
Report a lost or stolen Nationwide card immediately via the Banking App (Manage Cards > Report as lost or stolen), Internet Banking (secure message/chat), or by calling 0800 055 66 22 (UK, 24/7) or +44 1793 65 67 89 (abroad).
How to replace a damaged Nationwide debit card?
You can replace a damaged Nationwide debit card using the Banking App (Manage Cards > Report as lost, stolen or damaged > Damaged) or by calling Nationwide customer services on 03457 30 20 11 (UK).
How to get a new Nationwide card if mine is expiring soon?
Nationwide usually sends a new card automatically about 4 weeks before your current card expires. If you haven't received it, or if you haven't used your card in the last 6 months, you may need to call them directly to request one.
How to activate my new Nationwide debit card?
For online payments, your debit card is often ready to use upon arrival. For in-store or ATM use, make a transaction requiring your PIN (e.g., cash withdrawal or chip and PIN purchase) to activate it.
How to activate my new Nationwide credit card?
Activate your new Nationwide credit card via Internet Banking (log in, select the card, go to "Manage," then "Activate card") or by calling the activation number provided with your card.
How to get an emergency replacement card from Nationwide if I'm abroad?
If your Nationwide card is lost or stolen while abroad, contact them immediately on +44 1793 65 67 89 (for current accounts/savings cards) or +44 2476 43 89 96 (for credit cards). They may be able to arrange an emergency card replacement or cash advance through Visa/Mastercard.
How to update recurring payments after receiving a new Nationwide card?
If your new card has a different number (common after lost/stolen reports), you'll need to manually update your card details with any merchants or services where you have recurring payments set up.
How to find Nationwide's contact number for card services?
You can find Nationwide's contact numbers on their official website under the "Contact Us" or "Help" sections. Different numbers may exist for specific account types (e.g., current accounts, credit cards) and for reporting lost/stolen cards versus general enquiries.
How to check the status of my new Nationwide card request?
While direct online tracking isn't typically available, you can inquire about the status of your card request by logging into Internet Banking and checking your secure messages, or by calling Nationwide's customer service line.
How to freeze my Nationwide card if I've misplaced it?
If you've misplaced your Nationwide debit card but it's not definitely lost or stolen, you can freeze it instantly using the Nationwide Banking App (Menu > Manage Cards > Select card > Freeze Card). You can then unfreeze it if you find it.
