How to open a bank account online

Each current account we offer has its own page here on our website where you can find out whether you can have that account. For example, you need to be 18 or over for our adult current accounts.

We’ll need some documents to prove your identity and address. If you’re a UK or European Economic Area (EEA) (opens in a new window) national, a valid UK passport or a full UK driving licence are perfect. If you don't have these, you may need to visit a Nationwide branch with proof of your name and address.

Some bank accounts have a cost for maintaining them or require you to pay in a certain amount of money each month to make the most of them. We’re always clear and transparent about any fees before you apply.

You can share most of our current accounts with another person.

Opening a joint bank account means you can both spend the money in the account using different cards. You’ll also share responsibility for any arranged overdrafts and be able to pay your bills from one place. Both your names will be on the account. And you both become members of Nationwide.

You can add someone to an existing current account either when applying for it or at any time after it’s open.

You can always change your current account from one type to another or switch away from Nationwide to another building society or a bank. You’re in control.

You might open one account, like a FlexDirect, and later decide a FlexPlus might be useful for your holidays.

You just need to apply for your new bank account and let us know you already have an account with us. You can do that here on our website or in our internet bank.

Most of our bank accounts can be opened online, in our app, the internet bank or on our website. But if you’re under 13 and looking to open our children’s bank account, FlexOne, you’ll need to apply in person at your local branch.

You can apply for any of our current accounts online.

If we can't verify your identity or address online, you'll need to visit a Nationwide branch to finish your application. But we’ll let you know how to avoid this in your online application.