Last updated: 9 May 2022


Building society, worldwide

Our Society was founded for a social purpose, grounded in the idea that we can do more together than we can apart.

We’re run for our members' benefit and to help the communities around us. And at this time more than ever, those communities include those struggling overseas.

That’s why we’re supporting people in Ukraine who have been forced to flee their homes. Those who are becoming separated from their families and loved ones, leaving everything they’ve built behind.


What are we doing to help?

We’re partnering with the British Red Cross

We want to have the greatest impact possible on those in need. So, we’re using our partnership with the British Red Cross to support their emergency appeal for Ukraine.

The British Red Cross is already established and doing excellent work in the area. They work with the Disasters Emergency Committee, a group of 15 member charities that are experts in humanitarian aid and specialists in different areas of disaster response.

We’re making it easier to send international payments

If you wish to help those in need, we want to make it easier.

That’s why we’re temporarily suspending our £20 payment charge for making SWIFT payments to those countries most directly impacted by the war. This includes payments to Ukraine, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

We’re welcoming refugees to open a UK bank account

Opening a new bank account after moving overseas is a really important step in feeling established. The easiest way to apply for a new Nationwide account is online.

When you apply for a new Nationwide account, you’ll need to confirm your name and new UK residential address. This helps us prove your identity.

We welcome Ukrainian passports, Application Registration Cards and Biometric Residency Cards or Permits to confirm your name. And you can use a Home Office letter to show your new UK address. We'll also ask for 3 years’ address history. You can enter your previous Ukrainian addresses here.


We’ve already donated over £1 million together

Our extraordinary members and colleagues have already donated over £750,000 to the British Red Cross’ campaign. And we’ve donated an extra £250,000, bringing the total so far to over £1 million.

We would like to thank everyone for their generous donations.

If you would also like to contribute, please use the link at the end of this article.


How will your donations help those affected by the crisis?

The British Red Cross are using your donations to:

  • support hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • support fire fighters and civil protection units
  • train people up in life-saving first aid
  • help families stay in contact with each other
  • educate people on the risks of explosives
  • repair vital infrastructure
  • help to repair homes, healthcare centres, schools and community centres.

How to donate

We know that not everyone will be able to send money at this time. But, if you can, please donate today.

Use the following link to support the British Red Cross’ emergency appeal for Ukraine.


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Photo @ Maksym Trebukhov for LB.ua/Ukrainian Red Cross