You do need a bank account.
You don't need a bank.
With great customer satisfaction, access to fantastic product offers and with no shareholders to spoil the party, see why a Nationwide current account could be for you.
Instant account opening
Apply online and in most cases we’ll be able to open up your current account straight away.

FlexDirect
Access to in-credit interest if you're happy to bank online or by telephone
- 5.00% AER (4.89% gross p.a.) fixed in-credit interest on balances up to £2,500, if you pay in £1000 each month1
- No monthly fee
- 12 month fee-free overdraft available2
- Flexclusive product offers and rewards (conditions apply)
Apply or upgrade to FlexDirect Or find out more first FlexPlus
Our premium account gives you access to in-credit interest and some great benefits for £10 a month
- 3.00% AER (2.96% gross p.a.) variable in-credit interest on balances up to £2,500
- Worldwide travel insurance, mobile phone insurance, breakdown cover and extended warranty
- Identity theft and emergency card assistance
- 3 month fee-free overdraft and a £100 fee-free limit after that2
- Commission-free cash withdrawals abroad
- Flexclusive product offers and rewards (conditions apply)
Apply or upgrade to FlexPlus Or find out more first Important information
1 FlexDirect gives you access to 5.00% AER (4.89% gross p.a.) interest on your in-credit balance up to £2,500. This rate is fixed for first 12 months and then reverts to 1.00% gross p.a./ AER variable afterwards. You must pay £1,000 or more (excluding internal transfers) into your account each month to receive in-credit interest with FlexDirect. Rates may be withdrawn without notice. Under the terms and conditions of this account, customers are only guaranteed the 5% AER promotional credit interest rate on one FlexDirect account.
2 Overdrafts are only open to customers aged 18 or over and are subject to approval.
3 To be eligible for the 3 month interest-free overdraft on our FlexAccount, all we ask is that you use our Account Transfer Service to switch your existing Direct Debits and standing orders when you open your new account. Switching to us is easy, and we can manage it for you. More on switching.
How we pay interest: On the last day of each month we calculate the interest you've earned each day of that month and then pay you this interest on the 1st day of the next month. We normally pay you this interest 'net' of any tax, which means we deduct any tax due and pass it to the government for you.
What does AER mean?
AER stands for 'annual equivalent rate' and illustrates what the interest rate would be if interest were paid and compounded each year.
What does gross mean?
The gross rate of interest is the interest rate payable before any income tax is deducted (if you do pay tax).
Current accounts for 16-18s
If you're between 16 and 18, you can apply for a FlexAccount and get access to a Visa debit card.
Other accounts
If you're looking for a very basic account, we also have our Cash Card Account. This account does not pay interest and it does not offer an overdraft or the ability to be used abroad to withdraw cash.
Looking to open a bank account?
Find out how on our open a bank account online page
Nationwide subscribes to the Lending Code. For more information on the Lending Code please visit http://www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk/. You need to be 16 or over to apply for a FlexAccount and 18 or over to apply for a FlexDirect or FlexPlus account.
FlexAccount European Travel Insurance and FlexPlus Annual Worldwide Travel Insurance are provided for Nationwide by U K Insurance Limited.
U K Insurance Limited (UKI) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA registered number is 202810. Address – The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds, LS1 4AZ.
U K Insurance Limited is registered in England. Registration number – 1179980.
Worldwide Mobile Phone Insurance is arranged and administered for FlexPlus by Lifestyle Services Group Limited and underwritten by London General Insurance Company Limited.
FlexPlus Breakdown cover is provided by Britannia Rescue and is underwritten by Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited.
Extended Warranty Protection is arranged and administered for FlexPlus by Lifestyle Services Group Limited and underwritten by London General Insurance Company Limited.
Identity Theft and Worldwide Emergency Card Assistance are provided for FlexPlus by Lifestyle Services Group Limited.
Customer Satisfaction Scores
We're listening and working hard to minimise waiting, especially at peak times, by managing our queues better.
Overall satisfaction
93% of customers are satisfied with our service
Extremely Satisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 70%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 72%
Quite Satisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 23%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 22%
Neither/nor
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 4%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 4%
Quite Dissatisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 2%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 1%
Extremely Dissatisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 1%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 1%
We're listening and have introduced new systems and automation that make calling Nationwide both simpler and quicker.
Overall satisfaction
89% of customers are satisfied with our service
Extremely Satisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 65%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 66%
Quite Satisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 24%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 24%
Neither/nor
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 6%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 5%
Quite Dissatisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 2%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 3%
Extremely Dissatisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 3%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 2%
We're listening and have upgraded the Internet Bank to make it easier to manage your money and we have introduced new functionality.
Overall satisfaction
86% of customers are satisfied with our service
Extremely Satisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 60%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 60%
Quite Satisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 26%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 27%
Neither/nor
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 6%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 6%
Quite Dissatisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 4%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 3%
Extremely Dissatisfied
Nationwide - Q4 2012: 4%
Nationwide - Q3 2012: 4%
FSCS - Protecting your money. Find out more
FSCS - Protecting your money
Your eligible deposits with Nationwide Building Society are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK's deposit protection scheme. This limit is applied to the total of any deposits you have with the following: Nationwide Building Society, Cheshire Building Society, Derbyshire Building Society, Dunfermline Building Society and Nationwide UK (Ireland). Any total deposits you hold above the £85,000 limit between these brands are not covered.
Please click here for further information or visit www.fscs.org.uk