Check out the savings accounts on offer from the world’s largest building society
Nationwide is the word’s largest building society and one of the UK’s largest savings providers. As a “mutual” it’s owned by and run for the benefit of its members.
Nationwide uses the money deposited by savers to help members get mortgages.
It offers a broad range of savings accounts, so whether you’re looking to save your money for a rainy day, or you’re willing to let your money mature over a longer period of time, Nationwide has options.
Read on to find out what Nationwide offers.
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What savings accounts does Nationwide offer?
- Cash ISAs
- Regular savings accounts
- Children’s savings accounts
Personal savings accounts
Flex Regular Online Saver. With a really decent return on your money and instant access, this saver is a great option for anyone. The two catches? You have to have a main current account with Nationwide. Plus the deal is only for 12 months.
Instant Access Saver. Probably Nationwide’s most basic account. The interest rate is pretty low, but you can deposit or withdraw whenever you like and you don’t need to have a current account with Nationwide.
Fixed-rate bonds. Get better interest rates than with instant or easy-access accounts. If you want to take money out before the term ends, you’ll be charged. Terms are between 1 and 5 years.
Limited Access Saver. You get up to 5 instant withdrawals a year. Further withdrawals are allowed at a lower interest rate.
Future Saver. For parents or guardians trying to save for child’s future. Available for children from birth to 15 years old. It has a decent interest rate but you have to have a main account with Nationwide. If you make more than 1 withdrawal, the interest rate sharply drops.
Nationwide’s cash ISAs explained
An individual savings account (ISA) lets you earn interest tax-free, although there is a limit on how much you can put into an ISA each year. The various cash ISAs on offer from Nationwide are explained below.
Help to buy ISA
- Only eligible for first-time buyers
- This ISA gives the best interest rate (although it is variable)
- Holders also could qualify for a government bonus of up to £3,000 on qualifying purchases
Fixed-rate ISA
- Lock your money away for an agreed length of time
- Interest rates are higher and fixed
- No withdrawals or additions during the term
Flexclusive ISA
- Must have a main current account with Nationwide
- The interest rate is variable but you can make withdrawals at any time
- Save up to the maximum ISA allowance for the year (£20,000 for 2018-2019)
Loyalty ISA
- Exclusively for members who have had continuous membership for 1 year or more
- The longer your loyalty, the better your interest rate
- Make withdrawals at any time
Instant ISA
- Lowest interest rate out of the ISAs on offer (variable, too)
- If you’re on a tight budget and haven’t got a main account with Nationwide then this might be for you
- Unlike a fixed-rate ISA, this instant access ISA lets you withdraw at any time
What is a building society?
A building society is a financial institution owned by its members. Whereas banks are normally listed on the stock market and run for their shareholders, building societies aren’t.
Because they don’t have shareholders to pay, building societies have historically claimed to offer better interest and cheaper mortgage rates than banks offer.
How to set up a Nationwide savings account
This depends on whether or not you’re already registered with Nationwide. Current members can open an account online, and may be able to do so without showing any proof of identity. Nationwide will let current customers know if they need physical proof.
New customers will have to go into a branch and will need to bring UK photo identification – either a passport or driving licence – plus proof of name and proof of address. Examples include:
- A bank statement from within the past 3 months
- A valid full EEA passport
- A benefits letter from the last year
- A valid student ID from a UK university
- UK gas or electricity bill (less than 3 months)
- UK phone bill (not mobile, less than 3 months)
- A benefits letter from the last year (last 12 months)
There’s a full list of eligible documents, which explains those that are specifically for name or address, on the Nationwide website. If you’re setting up a savings account as a child then you’ll need to provide your passport or birth certificate along with proof of where you live.
Does Nationwide offer online or mobile banking?
Yes, it offers both. Here are some of the basic features:
Online banking
- Check balances. For any type of account.
- Transfer money between accounts. In a matter of seconds.
- Pay bills and people. All within the online portal.
Mobile banking
- All of those features. On the go.
- Secure Login. Log in to your account by simply using your fingerprint.
- Filter and compare. View up to 15 months’ transactions and compare your income and expenses.
My wife is a pensioner who is looking for a savings account that pays a good interest rate. She is thinking of putting in about £10000 pounds. She doesn’t mind tying up her money for 2 or 3 years.
Hi Norma,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
One of your options would be Nationwide Saving Accounts. If after checking its features and you could see that it’s the right account for you, then you can directly get in touch with them to start your application.
Moreover, you can also check other options here. On that page, you will see a table that allows you to conveniently compare savings accounts based on account type, interest rate, and protection scheme, to name a few. Once you found the right one for you, click on the “Go to site” green button to learn more or initiate your application.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Does Nationwide Bank accept other form of photo ID apart from the standard items?
Hi Manideepa,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
Nationwide only has two acceptable UK photo IDs on their list- a valid full UK passport and a valid full UK photocard driving licence. However, if you cannot produce any of the documents on their list, you can contact your local branch as there may be other forms of identification they can take.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse