The UK's number 1 banking provider for customer satisfaction
Being a mutual enables us to put our members' needs before our profits. And invest our profits in what you need. We are constantly listening, learning, and looking to improve - to ensure we're helping you manage your money as easily and seamlessly as possible.
Best customer satisfaction in the building society and banking sector: as reported by The UK Customer Satisfaction Index (July 2024) published by The Institute of Customer Service.
Bank your way
Our banking app
Our banking app makes it easy to securely bank how you want, when you want.
Chat with us 24/7
Chat with a real person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using the chat service in our internet bank and banking app.
Keep track of your money
You can set your text alert preferences to help you manage your money. And you can go paperless to help keep track digitally.
Pay contactless
Make contactless payments up to £100 with your Visa debit card, or pay with your phone using Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
UK call centres
We believe you’re best served by people living and working in your communities. At times to suit you.
Come into a branch
We have over 600 branches up and down the UK, for when you want to talk to someone face to face. Find your nearest branch
Our top student money management tips
Starting university is an exciting time. But it's normal to feel worried about managing your money by yourself.
Before your studies begin, read our top tips so you can feel more prepared.
We've got a guide on how to get ready before you go and how to budget while you study.
How it works while you’re at university
The maximum available limit you can ask us for increases in steady steps each year you’re studying, to help you manage your budget throughout your studies.
You can apply for an interest-free arranged overdraft up to:
- £1,000 in your first year
- £2,000 in your second year
- £3,000 in your third year
Your limit will stay at £3,000 if your course is longer than 3 years.
Not sure what you’ll need?
Don't worry. You can apply for and change the limit of your arranged overdraft at any time.
We'll just need to look at your circumstances to see what we can offer you.
Planning on studying abroad?
You cannot increase your arranged overdraft limit if you live outside the UK, but you can usually keep the arranged overdraft you already have.
How it works after you graduate
Unless you make other arrangements, we'll move your FlexStudent to a FlexGraduate.
With a FlexGraduate:
- you'll get a new Visa Debit card
- you'll still get access to an interest-free arranged overdraft, but the limit you can ask for will reduce in steady steps each year
- you can have the account for 3 years if your course was 3 years long or more or 2 years if your course was 2 years long. After that, we'll move you to a FlexDirect or FlexAccount.
You should reduce your overdraft each year to match the new limits. If you don't, your credit rating may be impacted.
Apply for FlexStudent
When you apply for a FlexStudent current account, you can:
- apply for a brand new bank account
- switch your existing student current account with another building society or a bank to us, or
- change your existing FlexOne to a FlexStudent.
Need help with your account?
Our current account help section has the answers to our most commonly asked questions
We also have a quick guide to using your current account covering your everyday banking.
If you took up our £100 cashback and Just Eat vouchers offer, you can find help on our FlexStudent offer help page.
Are you an international student?
You need to have been a UK resident for 3 years or more to apply for a FlexStudent account.
If you live in the UK, we have other current accounts that might be right for you.
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.
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).