Nationwide announces £100 bonus for 4,000,000 members

In a welcome move for UK banking customers, Nationwide Building Society has announced that more than 4 million members will receive a £100 payment in summer 2025 under its Fairer Share initiative. This marks the third year in a row that Nationwide has shared its profits directly with members, with payments totalling hundreds of millions of pounds annually.

But who exactly is eligible for this bonus? How can you ensure you get your payment? And are there any steps you need to take to qualify or avoid missing out?

In this comprehensive guide, you'll find all the answers, including key dates, account types that qualify, savings and mortgage rules, and what to do if you're unsure about your eligibility.

Nationwide Fairer Share: Free £100 bonus confirmed for 2025 – here's who will get it
Nationwide Fairer Share: Free £100 bonus confirmed for 2025 – here's who will get it

What Is the Nationwide Fairer Share Payment?

The Fairer Share Payment is a cash reward paid out to eligible Nationwide members who actively use the society for everyday banking, saving, or borrowing.

Nationwide, unlike traditional banks, is a mutual institution. That means it's owned by its members, not shareholders. Instead of paying dividends to investors, Nationwide distributes a portion of its profits to customers who meet certain criteria.

In 2023 and 2024, this payout was warmly welcomed by members. In 2025, the society is continuing this tradition with another round of £100 payments, reaffirming its mutual ethos.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies for the £100 Payment in 2025?

To receive the payment, you need to meet two key requirements:

  1. Have a qualifying Nationwide current account.

  2. Hold either a savings account with at least £100 or a mortgage with a minimum balance of £100.

Let’s break each of these down:

1. Qualifying Nationwide Current Account

You must have had a qualifying current account open on 31 March 2025, and it must have been actively used. Nationwide checks for meaningful use to determine eligibility:

a. FlexPlus Account

  • You qualify if you paid the monthly fee.

b. FlexAccount, FlexDirect, or FlexBasic Accounts

  • You must have met either of the following:

    • Paid in £500+ and made 2+ payments out in two of the three months (January, February, March 2025), or

    • Made 10+ payments out in two of the three months (January to March 2025).

c. FlexOne, FlexStudent, or FlexGraduate Accounts

  • You only need one incoming or outgoing transaction during March 2025.

d. New Switchers

  • If you switched to a Nationwide account using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) between 1 Jan and 31 Mar 2025, you may qualify.

2. Savings or Mortgage Qualification

You must also have either:

a. Savings

  • A balance of £100 or more in a personal savings account or cash ISA on any day in March 2025.

b. Mortgage

  • Owed £100 or more on a Nationwide residential mortgage as of 31 March 2025.

When Will the Payment Be Made?

If you're eligible, the £100 payment will be deposited automatically into your Nationwide current account between 18 June and 4 July 2025.

You don’t need to apply. If you qualify, it happens automatically. Look out for a transaction labeled "Nationwide Fairer Share Payment" in your statement.

What If You Don’t Want the Payment?

If you prefer not to receive the £100, perhaps for tax or ethical reasons, you can opt out by contacting Nationwide by 16 June 2025.

  • Call: 0330 123 9734 (Mon-Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–2pm)

  • Visit a Nationwide branch

Tax Implications: Do You Need to Declare the Payment?

Yes. The payment is classed as savings income. While many members won’t owe tax on it, higher-rate taxpayers or those who exceed the Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers, £500 for higher-rate) may need to declare it.

Nationwide will report this to HMRC. If you file a self-assessment tax return, include it under savings income.

Additional Nationwide Offers to Know About

Nationwide is also offering other incentives to members:

1. £200 Switch Bonus

If you switch your current account to Nationwide via CASS, you can get a £200 bonus. Requirements:

  • Switch to FlexPlus, FlexDirect, or FlexAccount

  • Transfer 2+ Direct Debits

  • Pay in £1,000 within 31 days

2. 5% Member Exclusive Bond

This fixed-rate savings bond offers:

  • 5% AER/gross p.a. for 18 months

  • Max deposit: £10,000

  • Available to existing members only

These offers can be used in tandem with the Fairer Share Payment to significantly boost your annual returns from Nationwide.

What If You're Not Eligible This Year?

If you missed out this time, you can prepare now to qualify for next year. Here’s how:

  • Open a current account and start using it regularly

  • Set up regular payments in and out

  • Maintain a savings balance over £100

  • Ensure your mortgage remains active if applicable

Being an active customer gives you access to exclusive member rewards, making it worthwhile even beyond the £100 payout.

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table

Nationwide's £100 Fairer Share Payment is a rare example of a financial institution sharing profits directly with customers. If you meet the criteria, you don’t need to do anything except watch your account around late June.

For others, it’s a chance to reassess how you use your banking services. With simple steps like setting up regular payments and maintaining a savings balance, you can unlock hundreds of pounds in future benefits.

So, check your eligibility today, take action if needed, and make the most of what your bank has to offer.

FAQs

Q: Is the payment taxed at source?

A: No, it's not deducted at source. But it counts as savings income.

Q: Can joint account holders both get the payment?

A: Yes, if both meet the criteria individually.

Q: Do business accounts count?

A: No, only personal current, savings, and mortgage accounts are considered.

Q: How do I check if I’m eligible?

A: Use Nationwide’s online eligibility checker or contact customer service.

Q: Will there be a payment in 2026?

A: Not guaranteed, but if profits allow, it’s likely the scheme will continue.