Nationwide Building Society has clarified its online banking setup rules after a frustrated customer reported being unable to access their account. The member took to social media for help after opening a current account on August 31 but was still unable to log in by Sunday, September 6.
The customer feared their account details were stuck in limbo, writing: "My direct debit switch over should be done tomorrow and I'm none the wiser as to whether the account is open." They shared a screenshot of an onscreen error message.
Error message details
The message read: "Sorry we can't set up your online banking at the moment. We're still checking a few details of the account you opened with us recently. Please try again in a few days." The prompt offered no immediate fix, giving only an option to 'Return to homepage'.
In response, Nationwide outlined the standard rules that apply. The savings provider said: "It can take up to 5 working days for your account to show on your online banking. So we can look into this further for you, please give us a call on 03457 302011, start a secure chat, or pop into your local branch."
Impact on £175 switching bonus
Knowing these setup timelines is especially important for customers looking to claim Nationwide's £175 account switching bonus. To secure the payment, applicants need to complete several steps.
Eligibility requires switching from a non-Nationwide or non-Virgin Money account into a new or existing FlexDirect, FlexAccount, or FlexPlus account. The full switch—including closing the old account—must be completed through the Current Account Switch Service within 28 days of opening the new account, or of telling Nationwide about the switch to an existing account.
Additionally, customers must deposit at least £1,000 and make at least one debit card payment within 31 days of opening the account, or of applying to switch to an existing one.
