Customers may want to call up Nationwide about the issue
Nationwide Building Society has clarified its policies around issuing bank cards to customers. The update comes after a customer contacted the group with a question about their bank card. In a message on social media on January 2, they explained that their debit card was “due to expire are the end of this month”.
They asked how they could get a replacement card arranged. Your debit card is linked to your current account, meaning when you make a payment, the funds are deducted from your account balance. This is different from a credit card, where you are effectively borrowing the funds from your provider. You have to then repay the amount at a later date.
Responding to the customer, Nationwide said: “Replacement debit cards normally get sent out the last week of the month before they’re due to expire. If you give us a ring on 03457 302011, we can check that one is on the way for you.”
However, this is slightly different from the guidance on the Nationwide website about when you should get your replacement debit card. The information states: “We’ll send you a new card about four weeks before your current card expires. You can use this new card as soon as you’ve received it.”
When does Nationwide send out new debit cards and credit cards?
In light of the two different timeframes, Nationwide was asked to clarify how the rules work. The provider said: “Debit and credit cards are dispatched to customers approximately four weeks before their current card expires. If a customer has any concerns about their card being delivered to them within this timeframe, they can contact us to request a new replacement card to be sent to them.”
The advice for those getting a new debit card on the Nationwide website also says: “We suggest destroying your old card. We won’t automatically send you a new card if you haven’t used your card in the last six months. You’ll have to request a new card by giving us a call.”
You do not have to activate your debit card and you can start to use your card details to make online payment as soon as it arrives in the post. If you have opened a new account, you will also be sent a your PIN in the post.
You won’t be able to pay for anything with your card in a shop before you have your PIN. You need to pay for something using your PIN with the new card, before you can make contactless payments.
Extra £175 payments for Nationwide customers
You may also want to check if they can cash in on a £175 payment from Nationwide. The provider is offering the cash bonus if you’ll switch your current account over to them.
The cash incentive is on offer if you move over from a non-Nationwide bank account to a new or existing FlexDirect, FlexAccount or FlexPlus account. You must complete a full switch through the Current Account Switch Service and complete this within 28 days of requesting it.
Another stipulation is you must pay in at least £1,000 into the new account and make at least one debit card payment. You have to complete these two steps within 31 days of opening your account, or of applying to switch over to an existing account.
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