Frequently asked questions
Using your card & Card Reader
Do I need to activate my Card Reader before I use it for the first time?
Do I need to connect my Card Reader to a PC?
How does my Card Reader work?
Where can I use my Card Reader?
Does my Card Reader hold personal information?
What do I do if I can't use the standard Card Reader issued to me, due to a disability?
Why do I have to use my FlexAccount Visa debit card when making some payments and not others?
Which Nationwide cards can I use in my Card Reader?
Why can't I use all of my cards in my card reader?
How do I enter an amount into my Card Reader?
Can I use a Card Reader from another Bank or Building Society?
What do I need to do if I need a replacement Card Reader?
If my Card Reader is replaced, can I throw the old one away?
Can I have more than one Card Reader?
What PIN do I use?
Do I need to activate my Card Reader before I use it for the first time?
No, but you need to pull out the plastic battery insulation on your Card Reader before you use it.
Find out more about how to use your Card Reader.
Do I need to connect my Card Reader to a PC?
No. Your Card Reader is battery powered and works independently of the PC. The batteries should last 2 to 3 years.
Your Card Reader will warn you when your battery is running low. You can then either replace the batteries or order a replacement Card Reader on the Internet Bank.
How does my Card Reader work?
The Card Reader is a small hand-held device which is battery powered and works independently of the PC. It uses the chip on your FlexAccount Visa Debit card and your card PIN number to generate a unique eight digit passcode for you to use when online banking.
Where can I use my Card Reader?
Your Card Reader doesn't need to be connected to a PC, so you can use it anywhere you choose to do your online banking.
Does my Card Reader hold personal information?
No. Your Card Reader doesn't hold any personal information so no one will be able to access your accounts if your Card Reader is lost or stolen.
If your Card Reader is ever lost or stolen you don't need to tell us. You can use any Nationwide Card Reader, or one from any other UK Bank or Building Society. If you need a replacement you can order one online using our Internet Banking service.
What do I do if I can't use the standard Card Reader issued to me, due to a disability?
Don't worry, Accessibility Card Readers are available if you're having difficulty using the buttons or reading the display on the standard Card Reader you've been issued.
To order one call us on 08457 30 20 10 (International number +441793 656789). We'll need to validate you so please have your account number ready.
Why do I have to use my FlexAccount Visa debit card when making some payments and not others?
There's a number of factors that determine when you need to use your card and Card Reader to make a third party payment, so please be prepared to use it at any time. However you won't need to use your Card Reader to transfer money between your own Nationwide accounts.
Which Nationwide cards can I use in my Card Reader?
When you need to use your card and Card Reader we'll tell you on the screen which FlexAccount Visa debit card(s) you can use. If you have more than one you can choose from the list we show you on the screen. Remember to check that the card you're using in the Card Reader matches the one you select on the screen.
Why can't I use all of my cards in my card reader?
Not all of your cards contain the chip which enables your card reader to work. The Internet Bank screen will tell you on the screen which Visa debit card(s) you can use. If any of your Visa debit card(s) are not yet displayed, they don't contain the chip required by the card reader.
How do I enter an amount into my Card Reader?
The Card Reader will automatically insert the decimal point. For example, if you were requested on the Internet Bank screen to enter £132.00, then you must key "13200" into the Card Reader.
Can I use a Card Reader from another Bank or Building Society?
You can use any Nationwide Card Reader, or one from any other UK Bank or Building Society.
What do I need to do if I need a replacement Card Reader?
You can order a new Card Reader via the Internet Bank 'Other Services' page.
If my Card Reader is replaced, can I throw the old one away?
Please don't throw your old reader in the bin. Your Card Reader is marked with a symbol which indicates it should be disposed of separately to normal household waste. Return the Card Reader to your local Nationwide branch and we'll make sure it's recycled.
Can I have more than one Card Reader?
Yes, you can order an additional Card Reader online, but we reserve the right to make a charge for this in future.
What PIN do I use?
The PIN you use in your Card Reader is the same PIN you use at an ATM or in a shop, for the card you're using.
