Ever found yourself needing to send money urgently with Nationwide, but your card reader is nowhere to be found? Perhaps it's buried deep in a drawer, or maybe you're just out and about. Don't fret! Nationwide has significantly evolved its online and mobile banking security to make sending money without a physical card reader not just possible, but also incredibly convenient and secure.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to make payments with Nationwide without needing that trusty little device. We'll cover everything from setting up biometric security to understanding daily limits, ensuring you're empowered to manage your money with ease.
Step 1: Engage with Your Nationwide Banking App
Are you ready to unlock a new level of banking convenience? The Nationwide Banking App is your primary tool for making payments without a card reader. If you haven't already, downloading and setting up the app is your first, crucial step.
Sub-heading: Downloading and Installing the App
- For Android users: Head to the Google Play Store.
- For iPhone users: Go to the App Store.
Search for "Nationwide Banking App" and tap to download and install.
Sub-heading: Initial Setup and Enrolment
Once installed, open the app. You'll be prompted to enrol. This typically involves:
- Entering your card details or customer number.
- Creating a passnumber (a personal 5-digit number) for secure login.
- Crucially, this is where you can often set up biometrics!
Step 2: Embrace Biometrics for Seamless Security
Nationwide has heavily invested in biometric security to reduce the reliance on card readers. Biometrics allow you to verify your identity using your device's fingerprint or facial recognition, making transactions quicker and more secure.
Sub-heading: Understanding and Activating Biometrics
There are generally two types of biometrics you can use with Nationwide:
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Device-level biometrics: This uses the fingerprint or face recognition already set up on your phone or tablet.
- How it helps: You can use this to log in to the app and authorise small payments. However, for larger or new payee payments, it might still ask for a card reader if you haven't set up "Account Biometrics."
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Account Biometrics (Nationwide's "Pay without card reader" feature): This is the game-changer! By setting up account biometrics within the Nationwide Banking App, you can use facial recognition to authorise most transactions, often eliminating the need for a card reader entirely.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Account Biometrics
This is the key to truly ditching the card reader for most transactions.
- Log in to your Nationwide Banking App.
- Go to Settings.
- Look for "Pay without card reader" listed under the "Accounts" heading. If you don't see it, it might be rolling out gradually, or you might not be eligible yet (e.g., if you don't have a current account or are awaiting a replacement card).
- Follow the on-screen instructions. You'll likely need:
- A plain background and a well-lit space to take a photo of your face.
- Potentially, for this initial setup, you might need your account card and card reader one last time to verify your identity. This is a one-off security measure to link your biometrics to your account.
- Once set up, you'll be able to use your facial recognition to authorise payments within the app. Nationwide states they may still ask for a card reader occasionally for fraud checks, but for routine payments, this should be your go-to.
Step 3: Making Payments Using the Nationwide Banking App (Without a Card Reader)
With biometrics enabled, sending money becomes a breeze.
Sub-heading: Paying an Existing Payee
- Log in to your Nationwide Banking App using your passnumber, fingerprint, or face recognition.
- Tap the menu in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select Payments & Transfers.
- Choose Pay or move money.
- Select the account you want to pay from.
- Choose an existing payee from your list.
- Enter the amount and a reference.
- Authorise the payment using your biometrics (face or fingerprint recognition) or your passnumber.
Sub-heading: Paying a New Person or Company
Payments to new payees often have lower daily limits for security. If you've set up Account Biometrics, you should be able to do this without a card reader for amounts within the online limits.
- Log in to your Nationwide Banking App.
- Navigate to Payments & Transfers > Pay or move money.
- Select the option to Pay a new person or company.
- You'll need the recipient's:
- Full name (as it appears on their bank account)
- Account number
- Sort code
- A payment reference (optional but recommended)
- Enter the amount.
- Review all details carefully.
- Authorise the payment using your Account Biometrics (face recognition) or potentially your device biometrics/passnumber, depending on the amount and security checks. Nationwide's system will guide you through the required authentication.
Sub-heading: Understanding Payment Limits
Nationwide has daily payment limits that vary depending on whether you're paying a new or existing payee and the method you use.
- General Daily Limit (Faster Payments): Most single payments made online (via the app, Internet Bank, or Open Banking) or in branch have an overall daily limit of up to £100,000. This applies to payments to other banks/building societies and to other Nationwide members (excluding transfers between your own Nationwide accounts).
- Lower Online Limits for New/Infrequent Payees: If you're paying someone you haven't paid before or don't often pay, or setting up a standing order online, the daily limit might be reduced to £25,000.
- International Payments: Nationwide generally does not limit how much you can send internationally, though for very large amounts, they might ask for verification of the payment's purpose.
- Check Your Limit: You can check the specific limit applicable to your payment in the Banking App or Internet Bank when you're setting it up.
Step 4: Leveraging Nationwide Internet Bank (Web Browser)
While the app is preferred for card reader-free payments, you can also initiate transfers through the Internet Bank. For certain transactions, especially larger amounts or new payees, the Internet Bank might still prompt for a card reader code if you haven't set up Account Biometrics in the app, or if it's a specific security check. However, Nationwide is integrating app-based authentication for Internet Bank log-ins and payments.
Sub-heading: Logging In and Initiating Payments
- Open your web browser and go to the official Nationwide website.
- Click on "Log in" to access the Internet Bank.
- You might be able to verify your login using biometrics from your Banking App if you have them set up. This means instead of entering a memorable data or card reader code, a prompt will appear on your phone to approve the login.
- Once logged in, navigate to the "Move money" tab.
- In the "Other payments" section, choose "Make a payment."
- Follow the on-screen instructions, similar to the app, to enter payee details and the amount.
- For authorisation, if you have Account Biometrics set up in your app, you may receive a prompt on your phone to confirm the payment. Otherwise, it might ask for a card reader code, or a one-time passcode via text/email for certain payments.
Step 5: Understanding "Confirm it" and Other Authentication Methods
Nationwide employs various security measures beyond the card reader to ensure your money is safe.
Sub-heading: App-Based Authentication (Confirm it)
When shopping online or sometimes for Internet Bank transactions, Nationwide uses "Visa Secure" (previously "Verified by Visa") or similar protocols. The fastest way to authenticate these is through the Banking App:
- When you reach the checkout for an online purchase, Nationwide can send a secure message to your app.
- You then open the app and use fingerprint or facial recognition, or your passnumber, to confirm it's you making the purchase.
Sub-heading: One-Time Passcodes (OTP)
For situations where app authentication isn't used or feasible, Nationwide can send one-time passcodes (OTP) to your registered mobile number via text message, or to your email.
- How it works: You'll receive a unique code that you enter at the checkout or during the online banking process to confirm the transaction.
- Important: Always ensure your contact details with Nationwide are up to date. You'll know it's a genuine message if it arrives just after you've entered your card details and includes the last 4 digits of your card number.
Step 6: When All Else Fails: Branch Visits or CHAPS Payments
While the goal is to send money without a card reader, there might be rare instances or specific scenarios where alternative methods are needed.
Sub-heading: Visiting a Nationwide Branch
For very large payments exceeding online limits, or if you encounter persistent issues, visiting a branch is always an option.
- What to bring: You'll need your Nationwide current account card, valid photo ID (like a passport or driving licence), and proof of address.
- Branch Limits: Payments in a branch have a limit of up to £25,000 per transaction, up to the £100,000 overall daily limit.
Sub-heading: CHAPS Payments
For payments exceeding the standard Faster Payments daily limits (e.g., over £100,000, though this is rare without a card reader initially being part of the setup for such high-value transactions), a CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) payment can be made.
- CHAPS payments are typically for same-day, high-value transfers.
- There's usually a fee (e.g., £15 with Nationwide, unless you have a FlexBasic account).
- While Nationwide does allow CHAPS payments online, depending on the amount and your specific setup, it might involve additional security verification that could still point towards a card reader or a branch visit for the very highest values. However, you can often arrange for these through Open Banking via a third party or by spreading the payment over multiple days if it's slightly over the limit.
Step 7: Troubleshooting and Tips
- Keep Your App Updated: Ensure your Nationwide Banking App is always on the latest version to benefit from the newest security features and functionalities.
- Strong Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for smooth app performance and authentication processes.
- Check Daily Limits: Before attempting a large transfer, quickly check the current payment limits within the app or on the Nationwide website.
- Contact Nationwide Support: If you encounter persistent issues, the Nationwide customer support team is there to help. You can find their contact details on the Nationwide website or within the app.
- Beware of Scams: Nationwide will never ask you to disclose your full card reader codes, one-time codes, memorable data, or passnumber over the phone, or to log directly into the Internet Bank via a link in an email or text. Always be vigilant!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to set up biometrics in the Nationwide app?
To set up biometrics, log into your Nationwide Banking App, go to "Settings," and look for "Pay without card reader" or "Using biometrics." Follow the prompts to set up facial recognition (Account Biometrics) or link your device's fingerprint/face recognition.
How to send money to a new payee on Nationwide without a card reader?
If you have "Account Biometrics" set up in the Nationwide app, you can usually send money to a new payee by entering their details and authorising the payment with your facial recognition. For certain amounts, a one-time passcode might be sent to your registered phone or email.
How to increase my Nationwide daily transfer limit without a card reader?
Nationwide has specific daily limits (e.g., £100,000 overall daily limit, but sometimes £25,000 for new/infrequent payees online). You cannot "increase" these directly without a card reader if the limits are reached, but using the app with Account Biometrics allows for the highest possible limits without needing the physical device. For amounts exceeding online limits, a branch visit or CHAPS payment might be necessary.
How to verify an online purchase with Nationwide without a card reader?
When shopping online, Nationwide will typically send a "Confirm it" notification to your Banking App. You can then open the app and authenticate the purchase using your fingerprint, facial recognition, or your passnumber. Alternatively, a one-time passcode can be sent to your registered phone or email.
How to transfer money to my own Nationwide accounts without a card reader?
Transferring money between your own Nationwide accounts is generally very straightforward and doesn't usually require a card reader. Simply log into your Banking App or Internet Bank and initiate the transfer between your linked accounts.
How to find my Nationwide IBAN or BIC/SWIFT code?
You can find your International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and Nationwide's Bank Identifier Code (BIC) (which is NAIAGB21) within your Internet Bank when you log in, or on your bank statements.
How to check if my Nationwide app payments are secure?
The Nationwide Banking App employs sophisticated encryption technology, face/fingerprint recognition, and trusted device registration to keep your payments secure. Always ensure you're logging into the official app and not sharing your login details.
How to add a new payee on Nationwide Internet Bank without a card reader?
While the Internet Bank traditionally relied more on card readers for new payees, if you have "Account Biometrics" set up in your Nationwide Banking App, you may receive a push notification to your phone to authorise adding a new payee or a payment to them, using your facial recognition.
How to troubleshoot if Nationwide app isn't sending money?
If your Nationwide app isn't sending money, check your internet connection, ensure the app is updated, verify the recipient's details are correct, and confirm you are within your daily payment limits. If issues persist, contact Nationwide customer support.
How to know if Nationwide requires a card reader for my payment?
Nationwide is moving towards app-based authentication. If you have "Account Biometrics" set up, you should rarely need a card reader for routine payments. However, for very large international transfers, or if you're undertaking a highly unusual transaction, Nationwide may still ask for the card reader as an additional security layer, or prompt for a one-time passcode. The app or Internet Bank will clearly indicate what authentication method is required.