Have you ever found yourself needing to transfer money with Nationwide, only to be met with the prompt for your card reader? It can feel like an extra step, but it's a crucial security measure designed to keep your money safe. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to use your Nationwide card reader to transfer money, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction every time.
Whether you're paying a new bill, sending money to a friend, or managing your own accounts, understanding how your card reader works is key to hassle-free online banking. Let's dive in!
Navigating Nationwide Online Banking with Your Card Reader
Nationwide uses the card reader for enhanced security, particularly when you're making certain types of payments or changing important details. It's part of their Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) process, a regulatory requirement to combat fraud. While the Nationwide Banking App often uses biometrics (like fingerprint or facial recognition) for many transactions, the card reader remains a vital tool for specific actions within the Internet Bank.
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials - Be Prepared!
Before you even log in, ensure you have everything you need to hand. This will make the process much smoother and prevent you from having to scramble mid-transaction.
- Your Nationwide Debit Card: This is essential as it's inserted into the card reader. Make sure it's the correct card for the account you're transacting from.
- Your Nationwide Card Reader: Naturally! If you don't have one, or it's broken/lost, you'll need to order a new one. (We'll cover this in the FAQs).
- Your Debit Card PIN: You'll need to enter this into the card reader to generate a code.
- Your Internet Bank Login Details: This includes your Customer Number, Date of Birth, and either your Passnumber or a text code for initial login.
- Recipient's Bank Details (if applicable): For external transfers, you'll need the recipient's full name, account number, sort code, and potentially a payment reference. For international payments, you'll need their IBAN, SWIFT/BIC code, and their bank's name and address.
Step 2: Logging into the Nationwide Internet Bank
The card reader is primarily used for transactions within Nationwide's Internet Bank (their desktop online banking platform).
Sub-heading 2.1: Accessing the Login Page
- Open your preferred web browser and go to the official Nationwide website.
- Look for the "Log in" or "Internet Bank" option, usually found in the top right corner of the page. Click on it.
Sub-heading 2.2: Initial Login Authentication
- You will be prompted to enter your Customer Number and Date of Birth. Enter these carefully.
- Nationwide will then present you with options for logging in. You might be asked to:
- Enter your Passnumber and receive a code via text message to your registered mobile.
- Use your Debit Card and Card Reader. This is the method we're focusing on. Select this option.
Step 3: Using Your Card Reader for Login
If you chose to log in with your card reader, here's how to proceed:
- Insert your Nationwide Debit Card: Carefully insert your debit card into the card reader. The chip-side of the card should go in first, facing upwards.
- Power On the Card Reader: Most card readers will automatically power on once a card is inserted. If not, press the 'On' or 'OK' button.
- Enter Your Card PIN: The card reader display will prompt you to enter your 4-digit debit card PIN. Enter your PIN directly into the card reader's keypad, not on your computer screen. Press 'OK' or the green tick button after entering your PIN.
- Generate the Login Code: The card reader will process your PIN and then display a unique, one-time code. This code is typically a series of numbers.
- Enter the Code into the Internet Bank: On your computer screen, there will be a field for you to enter the code generated by your card reader. Type this code precisely into the designated field.
- Complete Login: Click 'Continue' or 'Log in' on your computer screen. If the code is correct, you will be granted access to your Nationwide Internet Bank.
Step 4: Initiating a Money Transfer
Once you're logged into the Internet Bank, you can begin the transfer process.
Sub-heading 4.1: Navigating to Payments & Transfers
- On the left-hand side of your Internet Bank dashboard, you'll typically find a menu. Look for options like "Payments & Transfers," "Move money," or simply "Payments." Click on the relevant option.
- You'll then likely see further options such as "Pay a new person," "Pay an existing payee," or "Transfer between my accounts."
Sub-heading 4.2: Choosing Your Transfer Type
- Transferring Between Your Own Nationwide Accounts:
- Select "Transfer between my accounts" or similar.
- Choose the source account (where the money is coming from) and the destination account (where it's going).
- Enter the amount.
- Often, you don't need the card reader for internal transfers, but always follow on-screen prompts.
- Paying a New Person or Company (External Transfer - UK):
- Select "Pay a new person" or "Set up a new payee."
- You will be asked to enter the recipient's details:
- Recipient's Full Name (as it appears on their bank account)
- Sort Code
- Account Number
- A Payment Reference (e.g., "Invoice Payment," "Birthday Gift") – this is important for the recipient to identify the payment.
- Enter the amount you wish to transfer.
- This is where your card reader will almost certainly be required for security.
Step 5: Authorising the Transfer with Your Card Reader
This is the most critical step for external payments, especially to new payees.
- Confirm Details on Screen: Double-check all the payment details on your computer screen. Even a small error can send money to the wrong person.
- Card Reader Prompt: The Internet Bank will now ask you to use your card reader to authorise the payment. The screen will usually display specific information you need to enter into the card reader, such as:
- A unique code (sometimes called a "challenge code").
- The last few digits of the recipient's account number.
- The amount you are sending.
- Insert Card (if not already in): If your card isn't already in the reader from login, insert your Nationwide Debit Card into the card reader, chip-side up.
- Enter PIN: Enter your debit card PIN into the card reader's keypad and press 'OK'.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions on Card Reader: The card reader display will now guide you. It will ask you to input the specific information shown on your computer screen.
- For example, it might say "Enter challenge code" – you'd then type the code from your computer screen into the card reader.
- It might then say "Enter account number digits" – enter the specified digits from the recipient's account.
- Carefully verify the amount displayed on the card reader's screen with the amount you intend to send. This is a vital anti-fraud measure.
- Generate Authorisation Code: Once you've entered all the requested information into the card reader and pressed 'OK', it will generate another unique, one-time authorisation code.
- Enter Code into Internet Bank: Type this newly generated code from your card reader into the corresponding field on your computer screen.
- Final Confirmation: Click 'Confirm' or 'Make Payment' on the Internet Bank.
Step 6: Confirmation and Completion
- Payment Confirmation: You should see a confirmation screen indicating that your payment has been successful. This will usually include a transaction reference number.
- Record Details: It's always a good idea to make a note of the transaction reference number for your records.
- Check Account Balance: You can check your account balance to ensure the money has been debited.
- Log Out Securely: When you're finished, always remember to log out of your Nationwide Internet Bank securely.
Important Considerations and Tips
- Security First: The card reader is a cornerstone of Nationwide's online security. Never share your PIN or the codes generated by your card reader with anyone, even if they claim to be from Nationwide. Nationwide will never ask you for these over the phone or by email.
- Payment Limits: Nationwide has daily payment limits for online transfers. These can vary depending on whether you're paying a new payee or an existing one, and the method of payment (Faster Payments, CHAPS). Check Nationwide's website for the most up-to-date limits. For very large payments, you might need to make a CHAPS payment, which often requires a branch visit or specific online process.
- Payment Timescales: Most UK payments made via Faster Payments (which covers most online transfers) arrive instantly or within two hours. International payments can take longer, depending on the destination and currency.
- Keep Your Card Reader Safe: Treat your card reader like you would your debit card – keep it in a secure place.
- Battery Life: Card readers run on batteries (typically CR2032). If your reader isn't working, check if the batteries need replacing.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a Nationwide card reader if I don't have one?
You can order a new card reader by logging into your Nationwide Internet Bank and looking for the "Security" section, or by contacting Nationwide directly via phone or by visiting a branch. Many branches also keep card readers available for immediate collection.
How to use a Nationwide card reader for international money transfers?
To make an international payment through the Nationwide Internet Bank, you'll follow a similar process to UK transfers, but you'll need the recipient's International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and their bank's SWIFT/BIC code. The card reader will be used for authentication during the setup or confirmation of the international payment.
How to troubleshoot a Nationwide card reader that isn't working?
First, check the batteries (they typically use CR2032). If the reader still doesn't work or displays an error message, try re-inserting your card correctly (chip-side up). If issues persist, refer to Nationwide's online help section for common error messages or order a new card reader.
How to know when I need to use my Nationwide card reader?
You will typically need your card reader when setting up a new payee in the Internet Bank, making a payment to a new recipient for the first time, changing your personal or security details, or for certain high-value transactions. The Internet Bank will always prompt you if it's required.
How to make payments without a Nationwide card reader?
While the card reader offers enhanced security, for many everyday transactions, especially within the Nationwide Banking App, you might not need it. The app often uses biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) or a passnumber for authentication. For payments to existing payees, you often won't need the card reader in the Internet Bank either.
How to increase my Nationwide daily payment limit?
Nationwide has set payment limits for security reasons. For most online transfers, the daily limit is £25,000 for new or infrequently paid payees. For higher value payments, you might need to spread the payment over several days or arrange a CHAPS payment, which often has higher limits but may incur a fee and usually requires a branch visit or specific online setup. Check Nationwide's official limits page for details.
How to ensure my Nationwide card reader is secure?
Always obtain your card reader directly from Nationwide. Do not accept unsolicited card readers. Keep your card reader in a safe place, and never share your debit card PIN with anyone, nor the codes generated by the reader, especially if someone contacts you claiming to be from Nationwide.
How to confirm if a Nationwide payment has gone through?
After completing a payment, you'll receive a confirmation message on the Internet Bank. You can also check your account transactions and current balance to verify the money has left your account. Most Faster Payments are instant.
How to reset my Nationwide card reader PIN?
Your card reader doesn't have its own separate PIN; it uses your debit card PIN. If you've forgotten or locked your debit card PIN, you'll need to follow Nationwide's process for PIN reminders or unlocking your card, which is separate from the card reader itself.
How to identify a scam when using a Nationwide card reader?
Be wary of any unexpected requests to use your card reader, especially if you haven't initiated a transaction. Nationwide will never ask you to generate codes or enter your PIN into the card reader over the phone, via email, or through an unsolicited link. Always initiate your login and transactions directly through the official Nationwide website. If in doubt, contact Nationwide using a trusted phone number from their official website or statements.
