Sammie Ellard-King
I’m Sammie, a money expert and business owner passionate about helping you take control of your wallet. My mission with Up the Gains is to create a safe space to help improve your finances, cut your costs and make you feel good while doing it.
Nationwide Building Society has issued a warning to customers about the rules around a £175 bonus payment.
The issue came to light after a customer raised an urgent query about their account switch.
The person contacted Nationwide over social media as they had made a current account switch which was soon to be completed, but their account details hadn’t yet arrived in the post due to postal delays.
They said: “I have no Nationwide debit card yet or other account details in the post. I am told Royal Mail delays in my area. I need to have this switch delayed until I get this.”
Hello Marie, thanks for reaching out. It takes 7 to 10 working days for you to receive your debit card, PIN, and online banking details by post when you open a new account. If you would like to change your switch date, please give us a call and our team will assist you on 03457…
— Nationwide (@AskNationwide) February 14, 2026
How Long Does a Bank Switch Take?
When moving your account through the Current Account Switch Service, all your direct debits and standing orders are automatically moved to your new account.
The whole process usually takes seven working days.
When everything is moved over and completed, your old account is closed, so you need to be ready to use your new one.
It takes 7 to 10 working days to receive your debit card, PIN, and online banking details by post when you open a new account with Nationwide.
More news:
What About the £175 Bonus Payment?
Nationwide is currently offering a £175 payment if you switch into a new or existing FlexDirect, FlexAccount or FlexPlus account.
This is one of several bank switch offers available right now.
But there are strict qualifying conditions to bag the bonus.
What Are the Rules to Get £175?
You need to do two things within 31 days of either opening the account or requesting the switch:
- Make one debit card payment from the switched-into account
- Pay in £1,000 into the account
You also have to:
- Request a full switch through the Current Account Switch Service
- Complete the switch within 28 days, including closing your old account
This is why getting your debit card quickly is important.
Without it, you can’t make the debit card payment needed to qualify for the £175.
What Happens on the Final Day of Your Switch?
Guidance on the Nationwide website explains what happens when your switch is completed:
“We’ll have moved all your direct debits, standing orders and remaining money from your old bank account to your new bank account. Your old provider will cancel your card and close your old bank account. It’s time to use your new Nationwide card.”
What If You Need to Delay Your Switch?
Nationwide told the customer: “If you would like to change your switch date, please give us a call and our team will assist you on 03457 30 20 11 (or +44 1793 65 67 89 if you’re calling from abroad).”
The line is available:
- Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm
- Sunday: 9am to 5pm
- Bank holidays: 8am to 8pm
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Disclaimer: Content on this page is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making a financially related decision.
