News

• 36% of 11 to 16-year-olds have accidentally spent real money online, in apps or games
• 73% feel confident managing money, but just 33% understand budgeting and 11% interest
• 66% don’t believe they’re being taught enough financial education at school, with 55% ranking it ahead of science and computing
• Nationwide in partnership with Visa expands its Teacher Accreditation Programme into secondary schools to help teachers deliver practical money lessons

• Visa and Nationwide announce the shortlist for the fourth year of Let’s Celebrate Towns. 
• The initiative is designed to recognise towns building thriving local communities around the UK.
• Over 30 towns from across the UK have been shortlisted for their innovative projects.

• Brits expect to spend £103 on each of their closest loved ones this Christmas
• 36% plan to cut gift spending, while 14% worry about affording Christmas
• Early November, around two paycheques before Christmas is the most popular time to buy the bulk of presents (25%)
• 42% won't shop Black Friday this year
• Nationwide predicts customers will make 12.8 million transactions on Black Friday, around 8% higher than last year
• Live Black Friday spending data available throughout Friday 27 November

In response to today’s Bank Rate rise, Nationwide is announcing increases of up to 0.25% across its variable rate savings accounts. The changes are effective from 1 December 2026.

• Over 38,000 potentially abusive payment references hidden since Nationwide launched in-app safety feature in May
• Online Safe Spaces receives nearly 3000 visits in its first month, with over 600 progressing to information on contacting Nationwide for further support
• Nationwide also highlights action on accessible communications, disability and third-party support
• New figures highlight significant consumer demand for inclusive banking features, with Nationwide sharing proven solutions through UK Finance’s Inclusive Design Challenge to champion good practice across the industry

The Mortgage Works is expanding its limited company buy-to-let range with the introduction of new fixed and tracker products for new and existing customers.

• Reductions of up to 0.15 percentage points for new and existing customers across first-time buyer, home mover and remortgage fixed rate ranges
• Nationwide’s lowest fixed rate now 4.89% for new and existing customers looking to move home

• New market-leading 5.30% 30-month fixed-rate savings account available exclusively to Nationwide members
• Someone saving the full £10k would receive £1,381.92 in interest after the full 30 months
• Poll shows 85% of banking customers say existing customers should be rewarded at least the same as new ones
• Nearly three quarters (73%) of savers have felt overlooked despite being a long-term customer or member
• 6 in 10 (59%) believe new customers get better savings rates, rising to 72% of 25 to 34-year-olds
• Around two thirds (63%) find an exclusive savings account for existing customers or members appealing

Nationwide has today (Friday 23 October) launched new Fixed Rate Cash ISAs and Fixed Rate Bonds, increasing the rates available to savers.

The Mortgage Works is today (Thursday 22 October) broadening its support for limited company landlords by allowing directors and shareholders to have more than one Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) financed through The Mortgage Works.

• Expansion of Digital Lessons into local groups aimed at building online confidence and safety
• Over eight million adults lack basic digital skills and 40% are worried about being left behind
• Comes as the cost of living remains high, with digital confidence key to helping manage money
• Nationwide has held more than 2,000 Digital Lessons in branches since launching in 2025