What's on this page
- What attorneys can do
- What attorneys can't do
- How to access the donor's accounts
- Keeping the donor's account safe
- Frequently asked questions
- Contact us for help and support
What attorneys can do
Check the power of attorney document for any restrictions. If you're eligible and the power of attorney allows it, you can:
Manage money and accounts
You can manage money on behalf of the donor. Including: checking statements, making payments and open and close accounts.Speak to us directly about the accounts
You can call us or visit us in branch if you have questions about the donor’s accounts. As an attorney, you can speak to us on behalf of the donor so decisions can be made quickly and easily.Choose how to access the accounts
If you’re eligible, and the power of attorney allows it, you can:
Request a debit card in your name to help you manage the donor's account.
Request internet bank access. Where you can make payments and transfers, and view transactions and statements without visiting a branch.Choose where Nationwide letters and statements are sent
Tell us whether you’d like Nationwide letters and statements sent to the attorney or donor. We can only send them to one person.Make cash withdrawals in branch
We may ask you some questions and request to see supporting documents, for example an invoice or receipt.Pay off existing debts and mortgage payments
You can pay off existing debts and manage mortgage payments.
What attorneys can't do
Apply for credit
You cannot apply for credit cards, overdrafts and loans or increase existing credit limits.Use the donor’s cards, chequebooks or login details
You can’t use the donor’s cards, chequebooks or login details to access or manage their accounts. You need to have your own set up as the attorney.Use telephone banking for payments or transfers
Attorneys may call us to ask questions about the donor’s account, but can’t make payments or transfers over the phoneUse our app
You can use our internet bank instead, but only if you’re eligible. Visit our Request internet bank access to find out how.Have cheques written in your own name
Cheques can only be made out to either the receiver or the donor.Access certain account types
You can only access Future Saver or Smart Accounts if it is outlined in your power of attorney document. Or if the relevant legal requirements are met. You do not have access to Child Trust Funds and Junior ISA Accounts. If you need help with accessing these accounts, visit our page Support managing a Child Trust Fund or Junior ISA
Note:
It’s important to tell us if your contact information has changed. If your details aren't up to date, there may be delays when accessing or managing the donor's accounts.
How to access the donor's accounts
How you can access the donor's accounts depends on the terms in the power of attorney document. There are three ways to access the donor’s Nationwide account - in our branches, with a debit card or using our internet bank.
Before visiting a branch, or requesting access to a debit card or our internet bank check:
- The power of attorney document for any restrictions on what you’re allowed to do.
- If there is more than one attorney, whether you can act jointly, or jointly and severally. This means whether attorneys can act independently or together.
In our branches
Visit us in branch to:
- make payments and transfers
- manage regular payments, like standing orders
- request statements.
Request a debit card
If you are eligible, you can request a debit card. With a debit card you can:
- use a cash machine to make withdrawals
- make purchases online or in shops.
Using our internet bank
If you are eligible, you can manage the donor's accounts using our internet bank.
You'll need your own Nationwide account and internet bank login.
Keeping the donor's account safe
When you agree to act as an attorney, you agree to make decisions in the donor’s best interest and only in the ways set out in the power of attorney document.
At Nationwide, we have safeguarding and fraud prevention measures in place to help keep the donor's money safe. These measures help us identify potential concerns, including financial abuse, and take action when needed. It means we may ask you:
- For proof of identity.
- What the money is for when you’re making a payment or transfer.
- Proof of invoices or receipts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us for help and support
Over the phone
If you need to talk through your situation, our Specialist Service 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
Supporting someone with their finances
If you’d like to get help managing your or someone else's money – but a power of attorney isn’t quite right, find out other ways you can get support.
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