Skip to main content of page

Welcome to our new website:

explore how we've made it better and simpler for you. Read about the changes to our website

FlexDirect current account

Our online account with access to 2% in-credit interest and an interest free arranged overdraft for the first 12 months.

Features and benefits

  • 2% AER (1.98% gross a year) fixed for 12 months on balances up to £1,500

    After the first 12 months, it’s 0.25% AER (0.24% gross a year) variable. You’ll need to pay in at least £1,000 a month, not counting transfers from other Nationwide accounts or Visa credits. Find out more about in-credit interest rates.

  • Interest-free arranged overdraft for 12 months

    Pay no interest on your arranged overdraft for 12 months from the date you open your first FlexDirect account. After the first 12 months, an interest rate of 39.9% APR Representative (variable) will apply. Before we can offer you an arranged overdraft, we’ll need to look at your circumstances first.

  • Online account

    FlexDirect is designed to be managed online and not in branch. Everyday banking can be done on your phone, computer, tablet or smart watch, using our Banking app or Internet Bank.

  • Fee-free

    We don’t charge a monthly fee for maintaining the account.

  • Access to other Nationwide products

    Opening a FlexDirect is one way to become a member of Nationwide. Members get access to exclusive products such as credit cards and loans. Find out more about membership.

  • Available as a joint account
    This can be with your partner, a family member or a friend.

FlexDirect comes with everything you’d expect from a Nationwide current account, including:

  • Contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Paym
  • Paperless statements
  • Text alerts — set your preferences to help you manage your money
  • Chequebook available on request
Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay are available on selected devices and operating systems. Apple Pay and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Pay and Android are trademarks of Google LLC. Samsung and Samsung Pay are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Important:

Have you had a FlexDirect account before?

If you’ve had a FlexDirect account before, you won’t receive the 12 month credit interest offer or the interest-free overdraft offer again. However, you will get the offer on a new joint account, as long as you have not shared a FlexDirect account with that person before.

To apply for FlexDirect

You need to:

  • be 18 or over
  • be a UK resident
  • agree the account is for personal use only
  • hold no more than 4 existing sole or joint Nationwide current accounts.

Ready to apply?

If you've already researched FlexDirect and know it’s the right account for you.

Make banking easier with our secure app

  • Manage all your Nationwide accounts in one place
  • View and search your transactions
  • Freeze and unfreeze your Visa debit card
  • Report your card lost or stolen and order a new card

Take a tour of our Banking app

Arranged overdrafts

You can apply for an arranged overdraft at any time. When you do, we’ll look at your circumstances to see if we can offer you one. You’ll need to be 18 or over and a UK resident.

Find out more about overdrafts using our:

Overdrafts page – to understand how they work

Overdraft calculator – to see how much one might cost

Arranged overdraft eligibility tool for FlexDirect – to find out much we might be able to offer you, without affecting your credit score. If you do choose to continue, we’ll carry out a full credit check.

The representative example shows you the rate of interest we charge for arranged overdrafts. For FlexDirect, this example shows the cost once any interest-free period has ended.

If you’re in the first 12 months of opening your first FlexDirect account, we don’t charge interest on arranged overdraft use. It’s interest free.

FlexDirect arranged overdraft representative example:

39.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed arranged limit of £1,200 and an interest rate of 39.9% a year (variable).

How does our arranged overdraft compare?

A good way to compare the cost of our arranged overdraft with other overdrafts or ways of borrowing, is to look at the representative APR.

APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It includes all the costs of borrowing including certain account fees and promotional rates.

Note:

Staying in your arranged overdraft over a long period can be an expensive way to borrow.

In-credit interest rates

FlexDirect offers in-credit interest on every penny in your account up to £1,500.

FlexDirect offers in-credit interest on every penny in your account up to £1,500.

Table showing rates of in-credit interest for FlexDirect.
Type of rate Interest on every penny up to £1,500 Interest on every penny over £1,500

Offer rate

Fixed for the first 12 months from when you open your account

2% AER
(1.98% gross a year)

0% AER (0% gross a year)

Standard rate

Ongoing variable rate once any offer period has ended

0.25% AER
(0.24% gross a year).

0% AER (0% gross a year)

These interest rates will only be paid if you are paying in at least £1,000 per month, not counting transfers from other Nationwide accounts or Visa credits.

Interest is calculated on the last day of each month and is paid on the first day of the next month. We pay interest without tax deducted.

If the account balance that we calculated interest on changes, then we may need to debit your account with an interest adjustment.

Switching to Nationwide

Fast — switch in just 7 working days. You choose the date, and we’ll let you know when it’s done.

Seamless — a dedicated team does it all for you. They’ll switch your payments, balance and even your list of payees.

Guaranteed — there shouldn't be any problems but if there are, you won't lose a penny.

Fees, charges and important documents

Before you apply, make sure you read the:

We don’t charge a monthly fee for maintaining the account, but charges can apply for:

Apply for FlexDirect

When you apply for FlexDirect you can:

  • apply for a brand new account
  • switch your current account from another bank or building society to us, or
  • change your existing Nationwide current account to a FlexDirect.
Apply for FlexDirect 

Quick comparison of our everyday bank accounts

We offer a few different current accounts. Check that you’re applying for the right account for you.

You can also see a full comparison of our everyday bank accounts.

If you can't view the whole table, swipe or scroll to show more > > >

Loading...

Note:

If you don’t qualify for a FlexAccount, FlexPlus or FlexDirect current account, you may be offered a FlexBasic account.

Related links

I need help with my account

Our current account help section has the answers to our most commonly asked questions.

Protecting your money

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (opens in a new window) (FSCS) is a free, independent service that protects up to £85,000 of your eligible money at Nationwide.

Find out more about the FSCS (PDF, 936KB)

Nationwide adheres to The Standards of Lending Practice which are monitored and enforced by the LSB: www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk (opens in a new window)