What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney is a legal document that lets someone you trust support you with managing your finances or make decisions on your behalf. It can help if an illness, injury, mental health condition, or age-related condition affects your ability to make decisions for yourself. It can also provide reassurance that decisions can continue to be made if you lose mental capacity.
Depending on the type of power of attorney, you can make decisions about:
- your money, property and finances
- your health, welfare and care.
Understand how power of attorney works by reading our guide What is power of attorney
How to set up and register a power of attorney
You first need to set up a power of attorney document through the Government website. Or you can get a solicitor to do this for you. When you’ve set up your document, register it with us. Follow our step-by-step guidance on what to do.
If you’re already an attorney
Once you've registered a power of attorney with us, you can start managing the donor's accounts. Find out how to access their accounts and use your authority as an attorney.
Information for lawyers:
If you've been appointed as an attorney for one of our customers, please visit our information for lawyers page.
Request a debit card
As the attorney, you can request a debit card for the donor’s account to help manage their finances.
Register for our internet bank
As the attorney, you might be able to access the donor's accounts using our internet bank. You will then be able to manage their money using your own login details.
Download our power of attorney guide
Our guide explains:
- what power of attorney is
- why it’s important
- how to register at Nationwide
- how to get support if you need it.
Jargon explained
There are many legal terms used for power of attorney. Use our power of attorney jargon guide to help understand what they mean.
Contact us for help and support
Over the phone
If you need to talk through your situation, our specialist team are here to help.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Saturday, 9am to 12pm.
Closed Sundays and bank holidays.
Visit us in branch
Our Branch finder helps you plan your visit by giving important info around the specific services and facilities offered.
This will also tell you which of our branches offer safe spaces.
Other ways we can help
Third Party Mandate
Get temporary support from someone you trust to access one of your accounts on your behalf.
Dementia UK support
Get help and support if you are living with, or supporting someone affected by dementia.
Working with our charity partner Dementia UK, we host dementia clinics in over 200 of our branches. You can meet with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse in a private space at your chosen Nationwide branch. You don’t need to be a Nationwide customer and they are free and confidential.
Supporting your needs
If you, or someone you are caring for, needs additional support to make banking easier, we can help. Tell us the support you need and we’ll help wherever we can.
This might include help with:
- letters with larger print
- getting our staff to speak slowly and clearly
- understanding information