Feeling that moment of panic when you can't remember your PIN? We've all been there! Whether you're at the checkout, an ATM, or trying to manage your finances online, a forgotten Personal Identification Number can be incredibly frustrating. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to view or retrieve your PIN with Nationwide Building Society, ensuring you're back in control of your money as quickly and securely as possible.
How to View or Retrieve Your PIN with Nationwide Building Society: A Step-by-Step Guide
Nationwide understands that forgetting a PIN happens. They offer various secure methods to help you get access to your funds. While direct online viewing of your existing PIN wasn't always available, Nationwide has been working on enhancing their services, with a new feature to view your existing PIN in the Mobile Banking App being rolled out "later this year" (2025). For now, the primary method involves requesting a PIN reminder or a new PIN via post.
Let's dive into the current methods available:
Step 1: Identify Your Situation – Have You Forgotten or Locked Your PIN?
Before we proceed, let's clarify your specific situation. Are you trying to:
- Retrieve a forgotten PIN because you simply can't remember it?
- Unlock a locked PIN because you entered it incorrectly multiple times?
The steps differ slightly for each scenario.
Step 2: Requesting a PIN Reminder (If You've Forgotten Your PIN)
If you've simply forgotten your PIN and your card isn't locked, you can request a PIN reminder. This is often the quickest way to get back on track without needing a new card. Nationwide will send you your existing PIN via post.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
Sub-heading 2.1: Via Nationwide Internet Bank (Online Banking)
This is one of the most convenient ways to request a PIN reminder.
- Log in to the Internet Bank: Open your web browser and navigate to the Nationwide Building Society website. Log in to your Internet Bank account. You'll need your customer number, date of birth, and likely your passnumber or a code sent to your phone/card reader.
- Navigate to Account Services: Once logged in, go to the "accounts overview" page. You should see a menu or option related to your accounts.
- Select the Relevant Account: Choose the specific account associated with the card for which you need the PIN.
- Find "Other Account Services": Look for a menu option like "Other account services" or "View accounts menu."
- Choose "Request a PIN reminder": Within the "Account services" menu, you should find an option to "Request a PIN reminder."
- Enter Card Details: You will be prompted to enter the last 8 digits of your 16-digit card number.
- Confirm Request: Select "Request PIN" to confirm.
What happens next? Nationwide will send a PIN reminder to your registered address within 3 to 5 working days.
Sub-heading 2.2: Via Phone (Customer Service)
If you prefer to speak to someone or don't have immediate access to online banking, you can call Nationwide's customer service.
- Prepare Your Details: Have your account details handy, and be prepared to go through security questions to verify your identity.
- Call Nationwide: Dial the appropriate Nationwide contact number for your account type (e.g., current accounts, credit cards). These numbers are usually available on their website or the back of your card.
- Request a PIN Reminder: Explain to the representative that you have forgotten your PIN and wish to request a PIN reminder.
- Follow Instructions: The representative will guide you through the process and confirm that a PIN reminder will be sent to your registered address.
What happens next? Similar to the online method, your PIN reminder will arrive by post within 3 to 5 working days.
Sub-heading 2.3: In Branch
For those who prefer a face-to-face interaction or need to access funds immediately, visiting a Nationwide branch is an option.
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
- Locate Your Nearest Branch: Use the Nationwide branch finder tool on their website to find a branch near you.
- Bring ID: Crucially, remember to bring some form of identification with you, such as your passport or driving licence. This is essential for security purposes.
- Speak to Staff: Inform a member of staff that you need a PIN reminder. They will assist you in requesting it.
What happens next? The PIN reminder will be posted to your registered address and arrive within 3 to 5 working days. While you wait, the branch staff may be able to help you withdraw cash or make a payment with proper ID.
Step 3: Requesting a Brand New PIN (Alternative for Forgotten PIN)
If you'd prefer a completely new PIN instead of a reminder of your old one, Nationwide can also arrange this. The process is similar to requesting a reminder, and the new PIN will also arrive by post within 3 to 5 working days. You can request a new PIN via the Internet Bank, over the phone, or in branch, following the steps outlined in Step 2, but choosing the option to request a new PIN.
Step 4: Unlocking a Locked PIN (If You Know Your PIN but It's Locked)
If you've entered your PIN incorrectly three times, your card's PIN will be locked for security reasons. You cannot unlock it online or over the counter in a branch. The only way to unlock a locked PIN is at a cash machine (ATM).
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- Find a LINK ATM: Go to any cash machine in the UK that displays the LINK sign.
- Insert Your Card: Insert your Nationwide card into the ATM.
- Enter Your Correct PIN: Carefully enter your correct PIN. Even though it's locked, you still need to enter the right one.
- Select "Other" then "PIN services": Navigate through the ATM menu. You'll typically find an option like "Other" and then "PIN services."
- Choose "PIN unlock": Select the "PIN unlock" option.
- Confirmation: The screen should then display the word "successful" to confirm that your PIN has been unlocked.
Important Note: Once unlocked, you may need to make a transaction that requires your PIN (like a Chip and PIN purchase or a cash withdrawal) to fully reactivate all card functionalities, especially contactless payments.
Step 5: Looking Ahead - Viewing Your PIN in the Mobile Banking App (Coming Soon!)
Nationwide has announced that later this year (2025), customers will be able to view their existing PIN directly via the Mobile Banking App. This will be a significant improvement, offering instant access to your PIN without waiting for post.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
- Keep Your App Updated: Ensure your Nationwide Mobile Banking App is always updated to the latest version to gain access to new features as they are rolled out.
- Security Measures: Expect strong security protocols for this feature, likely involving biometric authentication (fingerprint/Face ID) or your passnumber to ensure only you can view your PIN.
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| How To View Pin Nationwide |
Important Considerations and Tips:
- Security First: Nationwide prioritizes the security of your accounts. This is why PINs are typically sent by post, separate from your card, and why unlocking requires a physical ATM visit.
- Registered Address: PIN reminders and new PINs will only be sent to the address registered on your Nationwide account. Ensure your address details are up to date.
- No Email/SMS PINs: For security reasons, Nationwide will never send your PIN via email or text message. Be wary of any such requests, as they are likely scams.
- Temporary Access: While waiting for a PIN reminder, if you need to access cash, you can visit a Nationwide branch with valid ID. They may be able to assist with withdrawals or payments.
- Contactless Payments: If your PIN is locked, contactless payments might still work for a limited number of transactions. However, to fully restore contactless functionality, you must unlock your PIN at an ATM and then make a Chip and PIN transaction.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions starting with "How to" with their quick answers:
How to request a PIN reminder for my Nationwide debit card?
You can request a PIN reminder via the Nationwide Internet Bank, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch. Your existing PIN will be sent to your registered address by post within 3-5 working days.
How to unlock my Nationwide PIN if it's locked?
You can only unlock a locked PIN at a cash machine (ATM). Insert your card, enter your correct PIN, select "Other" then "PIN services," and finally "PIN unlock."
How to change my Nationwide PIN?
If you know your current PIN, you can change it at any cash machine (ATM). Insert your card, enter your existing PIN, select "PIN services," then "PIN change," and follow the prompts to choose your new PIN.
How to get a new PIN for my Nationwide credit card?
If you've forgotten your credit card PIN, you can request a new one (or a reminder of your existing one) through the Nationwide Internet Bank, by phone, or in a branch. It will be posted to your registered address in 3-5 working days.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
How to access my Nationwide account if I don't know my PIN?
If you don't know your PIN, you can still withdraw cash or make payments by visiting a Nationwide branch with a valid form of identification (e.g., passport, driving licence).
How to find my Nationwide customer number?
Your customer number can be found in the Nationwide banking app (under Details & Settings > Your details), on your online banking registration welcome letter, or for current account customers, using your Visa debit card and a card reader via their customer number look-up tool online.
How to activate my new Nationwide debit card?
You don't typically need to "activate" a new Nationwide debit card for online payments. However, to use it at ATMs or for Chip and PIN purchases, you'll need your PIN. For new accounts, the PIN is sent separately. Once you've used your PIN for the first time, contactless payments will also work.
How to register for Nationwide online banking?
You can register for Nationwide online banking on their website or via the banking app. You'll need your name, address, email, mobile number, and account details. If you opened your account online, you're usually automatically registered.
How to get a new card reader from Nationwide?
You can usually obtain a new card reader for free from most Nationwide branches, or you can order one online, and it will be posted to you (typically arriving within 5 days).
How to report a lost or stolen Nationwide card?
Report a lost or stolen Nationwide card immediately via their banking app (Manage Cards > Report as lost or stolen), through the Internet Bank, or by calling their dedicated lost and stolen cards helpline (available 24/7).
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