Why register a power of attorney?

If you’re acting as an attorney on behalf of someone else, you need to register the power of attorney with us to access their accounts.   

As long as you’re acting in line with the power of attorney document, you can: 

  • Manage money and accounts
    An attorney can manage money in the same way the account holder would. This includes checking statements, making payments and setting up standing orders. They can also open a new FlexPlus, FlexDirect or FlexAccount with us. Or switch an existing current account to us. They just need to call us or visit their local branch.

  • Speak to us directly
    If you have a question about the accounts, you can speak to us on behalf of the account holder. So, you can make decisions quickly and easily.

  • Choose account access options  
    To help you manage an account, you can select where we send statements, who has a card and who may have online access.

Either the attorney or the account holder can register the power of attorney with us. 

To get started, you’ll need: 

  • a power of attorney document giving the attorney permission to act on the account holder’s behalf
  • a registration stamp from the Office of the Public Guardian (for lasting power of attorney documents)
  • an Office of the Public Guardian access code, if you’re using one
  • proof of ID and address.

What we can give attorneys

When you register as an attorney with us, you can request:

  • A card
    We may be able to give you a card, if we cancel the account holder’s card.

  • A chequebook
    We may be able to give you and the account holder, or just one of you, chequebooks.

  • Account statements
    Current accounts: both you and the account holder can choose to receive statements.
    Savings accounts: only 1 person can receive statements.

  • Online access 
    If you’re also a member of Nationwide, we may be able to give you access to someone else’s accounts using the Internet Bank. You can then make payments and transfers without coming into branch. 

Information:

If you’re registering a lasting power of attorney and the account holder has lost mental capacity, there are a few things we can do for an attorney. But it depends on what is permitted in the power of attorney document and whether you're acting ‘Jointly’ with another attorney.

Unless there are limits or restrictions in the power of attorney document, we can cancel the account holder’s cards, chequebooks and online access if an attorney requests this. We can also send statements to the attorney.


What attorneys cannot do

When acting as an attorney with us, you cannot:

  • Apply for credit
    Attorneys cannot apply for credit cards, overdrafts and loans or increase existing credit limits on behalf of someone else. But you can pay off existing debt and manage mortgage payments.

  • Access some types of accounts
    We generally cannot register a deputy on e-loans or certain savings accounts such as Smart Accounts, Portfolio, Investor, Treasurers’ Trust, Junior ISA and Child Trust Funds.

  • Use telephone banking for payments or transfers
    You can call us to ask questions about the account, but attorneys cannot transact over the phone.

  • Use the Nationwide Banking app
    Attorneys cannot use our Banking app, but you may be able to use our Internet Bank.

  • Use the Internet Bank if:   

    • the power of attorney document limits what you can do on behalf of the account holder
    • you’re not a member of Nationwide with your own account that can be managed online  
    • you’re not personally named as an attorney in the document   
    • you’re acting ‘Jointly’ with one or more attorneys. Acting 'jointly' means you must make all decisions together
    • the person you’re acting on behalf of has a joint account with someone other than you. If they have a joint account with someone else, you will need to manage all of their accounts in branch instead of online
    • the person you're acting on behalf of does not have a UK address.

How to register a power of attorney

You can register a power of attorney in branch or by post. 

Remember, a lasting power of attorney document must be stamped by the Office of the Public Guardian before you register it with us. 

Note:

We're receiving more requests than usual, so our processing times are longer than expected. Please allow extra time for us to complete your registration.

  1. Complete the registration form

    Use our form to let us know you’d like to register. You can also use the form to request things like a card and online access.

    Registration of power of attorney form - PDF 1MB (opens in a new window)

    Whether you register in branch or by post, you’ll need to show us the original power of attorney document or a copy certified by a professional (like a solicitor). You’ll also need to show us proof of ID and address if you’re not already a Nationwide member. 

    For lasting power of attorney documents, you could provide us with your access code for the GOV.UK online service (opens in a new window). We can use this code to view the lasting power of attorney online. This means you won’t need to show us paper documents.

  2. Our specialist team will get you set up

    It takes between 10 to 15 working days to register you as an attorney with us. If you sent any documents by post, we'll return these to you once you're registered.  

    If you would like Internet Bank access and cannot receive text messages, we may ask you to visit us in branch to set up your online access.    

  3. That’s it – all done

    We’ll send confirmation of your registration by post. We'll also send any other items you’ve requested, like a chequebook or debit card. 


Ready to register?

Make sure you have proof of the power of attorney, ID and proof of address. 

Register in branch

Bring your completed form and documents to branch. Or we can help you complete the registration form when you visit us.

Register by post

If you choose to register by post, send your completed registration form and copies of all documents to: 

POA Administration Team  
Specialist Customer Support 
   Nationwide Building Society 
   Swindon SN38 3FN 

If you register by post, we may still ask you to visit us in branch to check your documents in person.


Looking for help?

Already acting as an attorney?

We’ve put together a guide to help you manage someone else’s money as simply as possible.

Understanding power of attorney

Learn more about the types of power of attorney and how they could help. 


Contact us

Over the phone

Our specialist team are here to help.

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.  
Saturday, 9am to 12pm. 
Closed Sundays and bank holidays.

0800 464 30 18



Loading...