The team behind Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com has issued timely guidance for Nationwide Building Society customers hoping to secure a potential windfall later this year.
For the past three years, Nationwide has rewarded millions of its members with a £100 'Fairer Share' bonus payment. While the mutual has not yet confirmed if a fourth round of payments will happen in 2026, a decision is expected to be announced alongside its full-year results in May 2026.
How to qualify for the Nationwide payment
Historically, eligibility for the £100 bonus has been based on account activity during the first three months of the year. With this in mind, MSE advises customers to take specific actions now to maximise their chances should the scheme be renewed.
For holders of a FlexAccount, FlexBasic, or FlexDirect account, the advice is to pay in at least £500 in two of the first three months of 2026 and make two payments out. Alternatively, making at least ten payments out in two of those three months could also secure qualification.
Customers with a FlexOne, FlexGraduate, or FlexStudent account simply need to make at least one payment in or out during March 2026. Those who switch to one of these accounts in the first quarter may qualify without meeting the spending requirements.
For the packaged FlexPlus account, paying the monthly fee should be sufficient. Crucially, all potential recipients must also have at least £100 in a Nationwide savings account or owe £100 on a Nationwide mortgage in March 2026.
Smart savings strategy for eligibility
MSE suggests a savvy way to meet the savings criterion is through Nationwide's Flex Regular Saver, which it highlights as a top pick. "This account pays 6.5%, more than standard easy-access accounts," the site notes.
While designed for monthly deposits of up to £200, the account allows for flexibility. "You could just make one deposit and withdraw it later, as the account permits up to three penalty-free withdrawals a year," MSE explains, making it a low-effort route to hitting the £100 savings threshold.
Not a Nationwide customer? A switching offer awaits
For those not currently with the building society, there's another lucrative opportunity. MSE points out that you can get £175 by switching to Nationwide using the current account switch service by 31 March 2026.
The recommended FlexDirect account comes with 5% interest on balances up to £1,500 and offers up to £5 monthly cashback on debit card spending for the first year, providing additional value beyond the switching incentive.
With over four million members receiving the £100 bonus in 2025, and payments typically made between June and July, taking proactive steps in the early months of the year could prove highly rewarding for Nationwide's loyal customers.
