Nationwide, like many modern banks, has significantly evolved its online banking experience to minimize the reliance on physical card readers. While card readers offer an extra layer of security, they can be inconvenient. The good news is that you can absolutely set up and use Nationwide online banking without a card reader for most day-to-day transactions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by engaging step!
Are You Ready to Ditch the Card Reader? Let's Get Started!
Hey there! Tired of fumbling for that little plastic device every time you want to check your balance or make a quick transfer? You're in luck! Nationwide has made it much easier to manage your money digitally without needing a card reader for routine tasks. Let's get you set up for a smoother, more convenient banking experience.
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| How To Set Up Nationwide Online Banking Without Card Reader |
Step 1: Get the Nationwide Banking App (Your New Best Friend)
The Nationwide Banking App is the cornerstone of card-reader-free banking. It leverages modern smartphone security features like biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) to authenticate your identity, making transactions quick and secure.
1.1 Downloading the App
- For Apple Devices (iPhone, iPad): Open the App Store on your device. In the search bar, type "Nationwide Banking App" and hit search. Look for the official Nationwide Building Society app (it will have their distinctive logo). Tap "Get" and then "Install." You might need to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm.
- For Android Devices: Open the Google Play Store on your device. In the search bar, type "Nationwide Banking App" and search. Find the official Nationwide Building Society app. Tap "Install" and wait for it to download and install.
1.2 Initial App Setup and Permissions
Once installed, open the app. It will likely ask for certain permissions, such as access to your camera (for biometrics), notifications, or location. Granting these permissions will enhance your banking experience and enable key security features.
Step 2: Registering for Online Banking (If You Haven't Already)
If you're completely new to Nationwide online banking, you'll need to register. Even if you opened your account online, it's worth checking if your online banking is fully active.
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2.1 What You'll Need to Register
Before you start, gather the following:
- Your Nationwide Account Details: This includes your account number and sort code, or your credit card, personal loan, or mortgage number if that's what you're registering with.
- Your Personal Details: Full name, address, and postcode.
- Your Email Address: Ensure it's one you regularly access.
- Your Mobile Number: This is crucial as Nationwide uses text messages for one-time passcodes and security verification. Make sure it's up-to-date with Nationwide.
2.2 The Registration Process
You can register either through the Banking App or the Nationwide website:
- Via the Banking App: Open the app and look for an option to "Register" or "New User." Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Via the Nationwide Website: Go to the official Nationwide website (nationwide.co.uk) and find the "Register for online banking" section.
During registration, you'll be asked to:
- Verify your identity: This might involve answering security questions or entering an activation code sent to your registered mobile number or postal address.
- Create a Passnumber: This is your personal login number for online banking. Choose something memorable but secure.
- Set up Memorable Data: You'll be asked to choose a few questions and provide answers. Remember these answers exactly as they are often used for security checks.
Important Note: If you've just opened a new account, you might need to wait around 6 working days before you can register for online banking.
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Step 3: Setting Up Biometrics for Card-Reader-Free Payments
This is where the magic happens for ditching the card reader! Nationwide offers "Account Biometrics" within their app, which uses facial recognition (or fingerprint, depending on your device) to approve most transactions without a card reader.
3.1 Eligibility Check
First, ensure you're eligible. Currently, this feature is primarily rolling out to current account customers. You'll see a message in the app when it's available for you. Reasons you might not be eligible include not having a current account, awaiting a replacement card, or being under 13 years old.
3.2 The Biometric Setup Process (Within the App)
- Log in to the Nationwide Banking App.
- Navigate to Settings.
- Look for an option like "Pay without card reader" or "Account Biometrics" listed under the "Accounts" heading. If you don't see it, it might not be available for your account yet.
- Tap on this option and follow the on-screen instructions.
- You'll typically need:
- A plain background and a well-lit space to take a photo of your face (a selfie).
- You may need your account card and card reader just this once to set it up, as an initial security verification. This is a one-time requirement to link your biometrics to your account securely.
- The app will guide you through taking your photo and submitting it.
Once successfully set up, you will be able to use your face or fingerprint to:
- Log in to the banking app.
- Authorise small payments in the banking app.
- Verify your identity when you log in to the internet bank.
- Authorise small payments in the internet bank.
Step 4: Understanding How You'll Log In and Transact Without a Card Reader
With biometrics set up, your online banking experience becomes significantly streamlined.
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4.1 Logging into the Banking App
- Biometric Login: Simply open the app, and if you've enabled Face ID or Touch ID, it will prompt you to use your face or fingerprint to log in. This is the quickest and most convenient method.
- Passnumber Login: Alternatively, you can enter specific digits from your passnumber.
4.2 Logging into the Internet Bank (Website)
- Go to the Nationwide Internet Bank login page.
- Enter your customer number and date of birth.
- You'll then have the option to log in using:
- Your passnumber and a code sent to your mobile by text (this is your primary method without a card reader).
- Or, if you prefer, your debit card and card reader (though this guide is about avoiding it!).
4.3 Making Payments and Transfers
- Within the Banking App (Most Common Use Case):
- For existing payees or transfers between your own eligible Nationwide accounts, you generally won't need a card reader once biometrics are set up. Your biometric authentication will suffice.
- For new payees or larger payments, the app will often ask you to verify the transaction using your set-up biometrics.
- Within the Internet Bank (Website):
- You can view your accounts, and transfer money between your eligible Nationwide accounts without a card reader.
- However, for paying someone new or changing your personal details in the internet bank, Nationwide may still ask you to use a card reader for an additional layer of security. This is less frequent than it used to be, especially with biometrics enabled, but it's important to be aware.
- For online shopping, you'll typically confirm purchases using a one-time passcode sent by text or email, or through the banking app – no card reader needed for these.
Step 5: Keeping Your Details Up-to-Date and Secure
Even without a card reader, security remains paramount.
5.1 Maintaining Up-to-Date Contact Information
- Ensure your mobile phone number and email address registered with Nationwide are always current. These are essential for receiving one-time passcodes and security alerts. You can usually update these within the "Manage my details and settings" section of the Internet Bank or app.
5.2 Strong Passwords and Passnumbers
- Always use a strong, unique passnumber that combines upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid easily guessable information.
- Never share your login details with anyone.
5.3 Be Wary of Scams
- Nationwide will never ask you for your full passnumber, memorable data, or card reader codes via email, text, or phone call.
- Be suspicious of any unexpected calls, texts, or emails asking for personal banking details or to click on suspicious links. If in doubt, contact Nationwide directly using the number on the back of your card or their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to register for Nationwide online banking if I don't have a debit card?
You can still register using your account number and sort code, or other Nationwide product numbers like a credit card, personal loan, or mortgage number. The process is similar, but you may rely more on mobile phone verification or activation codes sent by post.
How to log in to Nationwide online banking without a card reader?
You can log in to the app using biometrics (fingerprint/facial recognition) or your passnumber. For the internet bank, you'll use your customer number, date of birth, passnumber, and a one-time code sent to your registered mobile phone.
How to make payments on Nationwide online banking without a card reader?
Within the banking app, once biometrics are set up, you can approve most payments (especially to existing payees or transfers between your own accounts) using your face or fingerprint. For new payees or larger amounts via the internet bank, you might still occasionally need a card reader, but generally, the app's biometric approval covers most needs.
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How to set up biometric login for Nationwide banking app?
Log into the Nationwide Banking App, go to "Settings," and look for "Pay without card reader" or "Account Biometrics." Follow the on-screen instructions to take a photo of your face or register your fingerprint.
How to get an activation code for Nationwide online banking?
During registration or if you've forgotten details, Nationwide will send an activation code to your registered mobile number via text message or to your postal address.
How to recover forgotten Nationwide online banking details without a card reader?
If you've forgotten your passnumber, you can usually reset it through the Nationwide website or app using your customer number, date of birth, and by receiving a one-time code via text message. For a forgotten PIN, you can request a reminder via the Internet Bank or phone, which will be sent by post.
How to update my mobile number for Nationwide online banking?
Log in to the Internet Bank or Banking App, navigate to "Manage my details and settings," and select "Change your phone number." Follow the instructions to update it. Allow a working day for the update to become active.
How to ensure security when banking online with Nationwide without a card reader?
Always use strong, unique passwords/passnumbers, enable biometric login, keep your contact details updated, and be highly vigilant against phishing scams. Nationwide will never ask for your full security details via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
How to know when Nationwide will ask for a card reader?
Nationwide explicitly states that while you can do some online banking without a card reader (like viewing accounts, transferring between your own Nationwide accounts, and paying existing payees via the app), you may still need it for actions like paying someone new in the internet bank or changing personal details, for enhanced security checks. Keep it safe, just in case.
How to reorder a Nationwide card reader if I lose it but mostly use the app?
Even if you primarily use the app, it's advisable to have a card reader for those occasional, higher-security transactions. You can order a new card reader directly from the Nationwide website or by contacting their customer service.
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