Nationwide Building Society has issued a clear four-week warning to its members regarding the dispatch of replacement debit and credit cards, following a customer query on social media. The society moved to clarify its policy after a member raised concerns about an expiring card at the end of January.
When to Expect Your New Card
Responding directly to a customer on January 2, Nationwide stated that replacement debit cards are normally sent out in the last week of the month before they are due to expire. The society advised customers to call 03457 302011 if they wished to confirm a card was on its way.
However, official guidance on the Nationwide website presents a slightly different timeframe, stating that new cards are sent approximately four weeks before the current card expires. When asked to clarify, a Nationwide spokesperson confirmed the four-week rule applies to both debit and credit cards.
The spokesperson said: "Debit and credit cards are dispatched to customers approximately four weeks before their current card expires. If a customer has any concerns about their card being delivered to them within this timeframe, they can contact us to request a new replacement card to be sent to them."
Activating Your Card and Important Exceptions
Nationwide has also detailed the process for using a new card once it arrives. Customers do not need to activate their new debit card and can begin making online payments immediately. For new accounts, a PIN will arrive separately in the post.
To use the card for in-store purchases, you must first complete one transaction using your PIN. Only after this can contactless payments be enabled. The building society also highlights a key exception: you will not automatically receive a new card if your existing one hasn't been used in the last six months. In such cases, you must proactively request a replacement.
Don't Miss the £175 Switch Incentive
Alongside the card policy update, Nationwide is reminding customers of a lucrative £175 cash bonus available for those switching their current account. The offer is valid for switches from a non-Nationwide account to a new or existing FlexDirect, FlexAccount, or FlexPlus account.
To qualify, you must complete a full switch via the Current Account Switch Service within 28 days of requesting it. Furthermore, you need to pay in at least £1,000 and make one debit card payment within 31 days of opening the account or applying to switch to an existing one.
This clarification from Nationwide ensures customers are fully informed about managing their expiring cards and can take advantage of potential financial incentives offered by the mutual.
