Instant Access ISA

Managing your account

If you have any questions about managing your ISA, check the frequently asked questions below to see if we can help (just click the question and the answer will appear underneath):

How do I pay money into my ISA?

There are three ways to pay into your cash ISA. You can:

• pay in by cash or cheque at any of our branches
• set up a regular payment from a FlexAccount or any other current account
• use our Internet Banking service to transfer money from another Nationwide account

How do I take money out of my ISA?

You can withdraw your money at any time – just take your passbook to any Nationwide branch. Remember, if you've already paid your full annual allowance into your ISA during the year, you cannot replace the funds withdrawn during that tax year. So for example, if you have paid in £5,340 and then withdraw £1,000, you are unable to replace the withdrawn funds.

When is the interest paid?

Interest is paid annually on 31 March. You can withdraw it or you can choose to have your interest paid into your ISA, your current account or another Nationwide savings account. Leave it in your ISA and it will earn you more tax-free interest which won't count against your ISA cash allowance in following years.

How do I keep track of my money?

We'll send you an annual statement in April. Your statement will show you how much you've saved and how much interest you've earned. With an Instant Access ISA you'll find an up-to-date record of every payment and withdrawal in your passbook. You can also keep track of your ISA on the internet. Simply register for Internet Banking.

Can I transfer my Nationwide ISA to another provider?

To transfer your Nationwide cash ISA to another provider you'll need to contact your new provider and complete an application form. Your new provider will then get in touch with us.

Can I transfer my ISA to Nationwide?

In order to transfer your existing cash ISA to Nationwide, you are required to obtain an ISA transfer application pack from your local Nationwide branch and complete the relevant forms. This pack contains details of how the transfer process works and how to complete the necessary forms.

Please allow approximately 4 weeks for the full process to be completed. Please note, you are not required to contact your current provider to let them know that you wish to transfer your ISA to us, we'll do this for you.

Once we receive your forms, we’ll write to your current provider to request they transfer your funds to us. We will write to acknowledge receipt of your application and will contact you if we require any additional information or have any queries. We’ll also write to you to let you know your new account number if applicable. If we haven’t received your funds after 10 days, we’ll chase your current provider.

If you are transferring in funds from another provider from more than one account and/or adding personal funds to a Members' ISA Bond, Champion ISA, Fixed Rate ISA or Tracker ISA, these funds will be held in a Nationwide holding account until the day after the last cheque has been credited to the holding account. On this day, your account will be opened and the account interest will be backdated to the date we received your ISA transfer application.

If you have any queries about the process, you can read the British Banking Association’s (BBA) consumer guide to ISA Transfers, or alternatively visit your local Nationwide branch where one of our advisors will be able to help.

When you transfer a Cash ISA to us you will start earning interest as soon as we receive your application. *

* Provided that your funds are free to move and not subject to any notice period.

How do I close my ISA?

ISAs can be closed at any branch. Identification in the form of a passport, birth certificate or drivers licence (paper version or card with green paper counterpart) will be required.

How do I change my name or address?

There are forms available online to change your name or address. These can be found within "Other Services" on the Internet Bank. Alternatively you can pop into your local branch.