Our current accounts

Choosing a current account

As a building society, we’re run for the benefit of our members. That is why we're free to reinvest more of our profits to improve our products and service. Our range of bank accounts aims to suit most needs - from those who like a few extra benefits to those who like to keep it simple.

When you choose a current account from us, you become a member of Nationwide.

Not in the UK? You might still be able to open one of our current accounts if you live in a country that’s part of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) - find out more about opening a current account from outside the UK.

Do you have any questions? Need some help?

Need more information, got a question or need to call us regarding your account? You can find everything you need to know at the link below. 

Current Accounts product support
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Not living in the UK?

If you live in a country that's part of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you can apply for one of our current accounts.

Find out more

Things you need to know

Our current accounts

Important information about our current accounts

You need to be 18 or over to apply for a FlexAccount, FlexDirect, FlexPlus, FlexStudent or FlexBasic account.

You need to be 11 to 17 to apply for a FlexOne account. Once you have one, you can keep it until you're 23.

*To open a FlexStudent account you must be 18+ and accepted on a full-time UCAS course of at least 2 years. You must be within 2 months either side of your course start date** and this must be your only student account. Overdrafts are subject to status and at least £500 per term being paid in from the date the account is opened. **If you’re already a Nationwide member, of 12+ months, with a mortgage, current or savings account, you can apply up to 18 months after your course starts. To do this, you’ll need to visit one of our branches or call us.

Advertised rates correct at 29 October 2014 and these rates can be changed at any time.

†Available on selected Apple devices only.

1 FlexDirect gives you access to 5% AER (4.89% gross p.a.) interest on your in-credit balance up to £2,500. This rate is fixed for first 12 months and then reverts to 1% gross p.a./ AER variable afterwards. You must pay £1,000 or more (excluding transfers from any Nationwide account held by you or anyone else) into your account each calendar month to receive in-credit interest with FlexDirect.

Under the terms and conditions of this account customers are only entitled to one promotional credit interest rate of 5% AER (4.89% gross pa.). The only permitted exception to receive more than one promotional rate is if the additional account is held in joint names.

Any additional FlexDirect accounts held or more than one joint account held by you and another customer will result in the credit interest rate being reduced from 5% (4.89% gross p.a.) to 1% gross p.a/ AER (variable) within 7 working days of the account being opened. If you have previously held a FlexDirect account you will not be entitled to the introductory rate or offer under a new agreement and therefore you will receive the standard 1% gross p.a /AER (variable) interest rate.

2 Overdrafts are only open to customers aged 18 or over and are subject to approval.

3 To be eligible for the 3 month interest-free overdraft on our FlexAccount, all we ask is that you use our Current Account Switch Team to switch your existing standing orders, Direct Debits and other regular payments to your new Nationwide current account. We’ll make sure your salary’s paid in on the same dates as before. And we’ll take care of closing your old account. More on switching.

4There are some limitations and exclusions to the insurance policies and benefits that come with our FlexPlus account. Please make sure you read the Insurance policies and account benefits information before you decide if this account is right for you.

5 To open a FlexOne Regular Saver account you must hold a FlexOne current account and be 11 - 17 years of age. On your 23rd birthday your FlexOne Regular Saver account will be closed and any balance transferred to a Instant Access savings account or nearest equivalent. You can only hold one FlexOne Regular Saver account.

How interest is paid

How we pay interest on current accounts

We pay interest without tax deducted. Find out more about the changes to the Personal Savings Allowance.

Under the terms and conditions of FlexDirect, customers are only entitled to one promotional credit interest rate of 5% AER (4.89% gross p.a.) fixed. The only permitted exception to receive more than one promotional rate is if the additional account is held in joint names.

Any additional FlexDirect accounts held or more than one joint account held by you and another customer will result in the credit interest rate being reduced from 5% AER (4.89% gross p.a.) fixed to 1% gross p.a/ AER (variable) within 3 working days of the account being opened.

AER and Gross explained

What does AER and Gross mean? 

What does AER mean? 

AER stands for 'annual equivalent rate' and illustrates what the interest rate would be if interest were paid and compounded each year.

What does gross mean?

Gross p.a. is the interest rate without tax deducted.

Our insurance providers

Our current account insurance providers

FlexPlus Worldwide Family Travel Insurance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered Office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England & Wales No:1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Calls may be recorded.

FlexPlus Worldwide Family Mobile Phone Insurance has been arranged for Nationwide by Lifestyle Services Group Limited (Financial Services Register No.315245) with a single provider Assurant General Insurance Limited (Financial Services Register No. 202735). Assurant General Insurance Limited, Registered in England No. 2341082. Registered Office: Assurant House, 6-12 Victoria Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1EN. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Lifestyle Services Group Limited is registered in England, No.5114385. Registered Office: Assurant House, 6-12 Victoria Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of insurance mediation activity only.

FlexPlus UK & European Breakdown and Recovery Assistance is underwritten by Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited. Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited, registered in England and Wales Number 3232514 is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority register number 202965. Registered address: County Gates, Bournemouth, BH1 2NF. Tel: 01202 292333.

Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple Inc.

Nationwide adheres to The Standards of Lending Practice which are monitored and enforced by the LSB: www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk

Tools and calculators

What makes us different

Switching to Nationwide

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