Nationwide has issued a warning to its 16 million customers that certain payments could fail unless they follow the building society's latest guidance regarding account switching. The bank, named the 2025 Which? Banking Brand of the Year, is urging customers to take specific steps to avoid disruptions.
What Is Included in a Full Switch?
According to Nationwide, a full switch transfers your account balance to the new account. Customers can receive updates on the progress of their switch by providing contact details during the application process. However, not everything is automatically transferred.
What Is Not Included?
Nationwide warns that popular subscriptions like Netflix and Amazon Prime, paid via debit card, require customers to provide their new debit card number. Additionally, mobile payment services such as Apple Pay must be set up again using the new card.
Other exclusions include:
- Any arranged overdraft from the old provider. Customers can apply for a new overdraft with Nationwide, but approval is not guaranteed.
- Transaction history. It is recommended to download or request copies from the old provider.
- Sweeping payment arrangements set up with third-party providers.
- Access to financial data by third-party providers; these must be reauthorised after the switch.
What Is Included?
The following are included in a full switch:
- Closure of the old account once the switch is complete, rendering the old debit card inactive.
- A list of payees, so customers do not need to re-enter recipient details.
- New payments set up at least a week before the switch date. Payments set up within seven days should be made on the new account.
- Regular income such as salary, pension, or benefits.
- Regular outgoings like utility bills.
- A safety redirect for payments sent to the old account, with Nationwide optionally contacting the sender to provide new account details unless the customer opts out.
Nationwide notes that partial and manual switches are also available. For full details, customers can visit the Nationwide website.
