Nationwide customers are being advised to act swiftly to “maximise chances” of securing the £100 Fairer Share bonus payment. While the building society has not yet confirmed the continuation of the scheme for the current year, historical patterns suggest early action is crucial. In previous years, Nationwide announced the Fairer Share scheme after eligibility cut-off dates had passed, often revealing the program in May with payments distributed in June. However, to qualify, customers were required to meet specific eligibility criteria by March 31st of that year. Over four million members successfully received the £100 Fairer Share payment in the past year, a testament to the scheme’s popularity. MoneySavingExpert has highlighted that “now’s the perfect time” for customers to position themselves to receive this bonus. By adhering to the eligibility requirements from the previous year, customers can proactively ensure they meet the likely criteria for the upcoming payout. This proactive approach is recommended as Nationwide is expected to maintain similar conditions and potentially the March 31st cut-off date for eligibility. Those considering switching to Nationwide could also benefit from an additional £175 switch bonus, potentially bringing the total free cash received to £275. This makes the current period an opportune moment for both existing and new customers to explore the benefits offered by Nationwide. To be eligible for the £100 Fairer Share bonus, Nationwide customers typically needed to hold a qualifying current account alongside a qualifying savings account, or a qualifying current account with a qualifying mortgage. Furthermore, active use of the current account before the eligibility deadline was a key requirement, with the specifics varying based on account type. For instance, FlexPlus account holders needed to pay their monthly fee, while FlexOne, FlexStudent, or FlexGraduate account holders were required to make or receive at least one payment during the qualifying month. It is important to note that charges, interest, or balance adjustments did not count as qualifying transactions. Detailed information regarding qualifying usage can be found on the Nationwide website. To ensure they met the savings requirement, account holders were expected to maintain a minimum of £100 in their savings or owe at least £100 on their Nationwide mortgage until the March 31st deadline. MoneySavingExpert suggests depositing £200 in savings as a precautionary measure to enhance the likelihood of qualifying for the bonus. For individuals not yet banking with Nationwide, there’s an attractive opportunity to receive an extra £175 through the building society’s switching incentive. This combined with the potential £100 bonus offers a significant financial advantage. To qualify for both the £100 bonus and the £175 switch incentive, savers must initiate a current account transfer to Nationwide’s FlexDirect account by March 31, 2026, utilizing the official Current Account Switch Service. The FlexDirect account itself offers further advantages, including the £175 switching reward, 5% interest on balances up to £1,500, and cashback of up to £5 monthly on debit card purchases for the first 12 months. What is the Nationwide Fairer Share scheme? The Nationwide Fairer Share scheme is an initiative by the building society to reward eligible customers with a bonus payment, typically £100, for their loyalty and for meeting specific account criteria. Understanding these eligibility criteria in advance is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on this valuable bonus. The building society encourages customers to check their account details and take necessary actions well before the deadline. The proactive approach recommended by financial experts like Martin Lewis underscores the importance of staying informed and acting promptly when such opportunities arise. By following these guidelines, Nationwide customers can significantly improve their chances of receiving the £100 bonus. The potential for additional savings and cashback further sweetens the deal for those considering a switch or maximizing their existing accounts.
