The building society has over 16 million customers
Nationwide has warned customers that some payments could fail unless they follow the building society’s latest guidance.
The bank said there is a specific process for switching accounts to Nationwide and is urging customers to follow a few simple steps. It notes that some people may need to take action to avoid issues with payments.
Talking about “what’s included when you switch to Nationwide”, it says that “in a full switch, your account balance will be brought over to your new account. It also says that you can get “updates on the progress of your account switch” if you supply them with your contact details when you apply. But not everything is included.
What is not included in a full switch?
Nationwide warns people with popular subscriptions like Netflix that they will need to take action. It explains: “Regular bills and subscriptions you pay with your debit card, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. (You’ll need to give them your new debit card number.)”
The 2025 Which? Banking Brand of the Year also notes that if you use “mobile payments like Apple Pay, you’ll need to set these up again using your new debit card”.
It also says that the following is not included in a full switch:
- Any arranged overdraft you have. You can apply for an arranged overdraft with us when you switch, and Nationwide will look at your circumstances to see if it can offer you one. Nationwide “cannot guarantee you’ll get the same arranged overdraft as with your old provider.”
- Your transaction history. It’s best to request or download copies from your old provider.
- Sweeping payment arrangements. These are services set up with third-party providers to make payments for you. These are different to Direct Debits.
- Access to your financial data. If you’ve allowed third-party providers to access your financial data, you’ll need to set these up again after you switch
What else is included in a full switch?
- Closing your old account once the switch is complete. This means your old debit card will stop working.
- Your list of payees (everyone you’ve sent payments to), so you won’t need to ask for their details again.
- Any new payments you’ve set up a week or more before your switch date. Once you’re within 7 days of your switch date, it’s best to set them up on your new account.
- Regular income like your salary, pension or benefits payments.
- Regular outgoings such as utility bills.
- A safety redirect to catch payments sent to your old account in case someone doesn’t use your new account details. Nationwide can also contact the sender and give them your new account details. If you don’t want the bank to do this, just let them know.
It adds: “There are other ways you can switch to Nationwide, like partial and manual switches.”
You can find out everything you need to know about switching your bank account via the Nationwide website here.
