Those who bank with Nationwide...

[AwfulButTrue]

I switched from Lloyds to Nationwide recently because of a switching offer and I am regretting it 😅

Firstly I was send a card reader in the post (?!) Last time I saw one of those my 20yr old was a toddler! Had to use that several times to add a payee and do some other bits.

I tried to look at my new PIN via the app in a shop but couldn't without the card reader.

I figured out how to switch to biometrics so hopefully have seen the end of the card reader.

But I am constantly having to verify payments online when making purchases. Even to places I buy from regularly, like amazon.

And in the shops it seems like every 3rd contactless purchase I need to insert my card and enter my PIN.

I swear I have verified myself more in the last 4 weeks than I did the whole year before with Lloyds.

Is this a thing with them?!

I switched from Barclays to nationwide and have never had any issues. I think it’s great that they always have staff on hand in the shops to help and the online app is easy. Used my card abroad and never had to verify…..hopefully it’s just teething problems and you will be sorted soon .

I e given up with nationwide. Sometimes if I tried to use my card in a shop it would say it was texting me a code. But would text my landline which is no good. Couldn’t work out how to change my number so just use Barclays now.

I also once had my card blocked on holiday and couldn’t pass security to get it unblocked! Apparently what I told them was my first school wasn’t my first school! 🤷‍♀️😂. They also wanted me to know how much my water bill direct debit was and I had no clue. Nor could I tell them to the nearest thousand how much money was in the account. Barclays never ask me such bonkers questions!

Nationwide are really clued up about security. All those verifications are designed to protect your money. I’ve been with them for 40 years, best bank ever.

I don't particularly like the banking app so I just use them for my pension and DDs and Isa's. I transfer into Monzo and use them for day to day stuff. The profit sharing is great so will stick with them.

The bit that annoys me is you have to verify to change the reference when paying something online.
So say you have a weekly service like a cleaner and they want you to put the date they came on the transfer then you have to change the ref as a separate thing before paying every time.
Natwest Just let you change it as you pay, much easier.

I’ve been with them a long time and Im very happy with their service. The verifying process can be irritating but it IS a good thing. I always use my phone when I’m out now and don’t have any issues with contactless payments.
I have the Flex Plus account which means I pay a monthly fee and get family travel, breakdown and mobile phone insurance. The breakdown cover alone is worth it. It also means that I’m always covered for holidays so if I book I sing need to think about getting insurance straight away. Lots of people end up is sticky situations because they decided they’d get their insurance just before their departure date, but something hsppens earlier and they aren’t covered.

I've banked with them for decades, never any problems.
I still have a card reader but have to use it very rarely. Normally I get a choice between a code to phone or card reader - and usually to new payees.
Quite happy to have verifications for good security

I'm happy with Nationwide but I've been with them 20 years so the verification is just something I'm used to. My son set up a student account and got a card reader and I thought the same- who uses a card reader?! I would say I love the app but it's always crashing. and having to be reinstalled

We switched to them recently, and they were terrible. The stupid PIN thing was so inconvenient, then we couldn't make payments, then they cancelled my husband's card by mistake and he could've access any money for weeks. Endless hours on the phone, nothing done. Quickly switched to Monzo and they've been lush, everything so convenient

Yes, open a savings account too and stick £100 in it, and you will probably qualify for the £100 Fairer Share payment next summer.

I don't ever need to use the card reader, you can just authenticate payments in the app. I don't have to do that very often though, my credit card with another provider is the one that frequently asks for me. Maybe it needs to get to know your pattern of usage?

It looks like the general banking rules are that you have to put your PIN in after 5 consecutive contactless uses, or after you've spent a cumulative total of £300. I use my phone rather than my card though, so much easier and no limits.

I haven’t had to use the card reader for a couple of years, it was a pita, but I seem to be able to do everything through the app now. Ive been with them over 20 years and wouldn’t switch, I really like the flex plus account with travel insurance and zero foreign transaction fees. Plus the £100 bonus payments. I also like that they aren’t a private bank.

Agree re the card reader. Even had to use it to transfer money back to account that has a standing order into my N/W account 🤦‍♀️

I've been with them for years. I don't see the problem with a card reader - there is an app, but I don't want banking on my phone.
The security is good, and they give out £100 to customers every year!

I changed A few months ago and bemused by the card reader , but sm
nit asked to use it do
much now . Presumably they are getting used ti
my spending transactions. I’m

I like Nationwide. I just use the app and haven’t used the card reader in years. I thought it had been discontinued.

I switched from NatWest to Nationwide earlier this year and haven’t had any issues. I received the card reader and I think I had to use it once but that was it - it was all very smooth and they gave me £175 for switching. Plus better savings rates. And £5 each month if I use my debit card enough and interest on my current account too (I wasn’t expecting some of that).

I have a joint account with them. The card reader is still a thing but I tend to use my other bank for new payees as it's easier - I also find it annoying you can't pay cheques in on the app but we have a branch in my town (I get the occasional cheque).

I don't use the card online so I can't say how the verification works but I usually have to verify my online purchases with my other bank, unless they are very low value, so I don't think that's unusual at all.

Been with them about 35 years and still very happy. I was abroad for a long time and they were one of the few not to close accounts. Normally get a text to approve an online purchase and only use card reader to log in to home banking. But that's mainly as i haven't yet de-forrined my mobile and can't download the app at the moment. I have no issue at all using pin after several contactless transactions. Surely that's a good thing?

Have the same problem OP, every time I try in the app to transfer money, it asks
for the card reader. Mine hasn’t worked because of a flat battery for months and you can’t request a new one online, you have to go into a branch, which is not convenient when you are several miles away and work when they are open.

I also have an account with Monzo so much less hassle with them.

Nationwide intervened when we were being scammed abroad (scam involved a QR code and luggage lockers), it wasn't a huge amount but I'm glad they did.

https://www.nationwide.co.uk/help/online-banking-help/order-a-card-reader

I think you can?