In recent years, Nationwide Building Society has introduced an enticing reward scheme for its customers, offering a £100 bonus through its Fairer Share initiative.
This bonus has become a valuable incentive for existing customers and those considering switching to Nationwide, but what exactly is the £100 bonus, who qualifies, and how can you increase your chances of receiving it in 2025?
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll explore the key details of Nationwide’s bonus scheme, the advice shared by personal finance expert Martin Lewis, and provide actionable tips to maximize your chances of receiving the £100 reward.
What Is Nationwide’s £100 Bonus?
The £100 Fairer Share bonus is part of Nationwide’s broader initiative to reward its members for their loyalty. The bonus is designed to benefit customers who meet specific eligibility criteria, which typically include having an active Nationwide current account, maintaining a minimum level of savings, and meeting transaction and deposit requirements. Since the scheme’s launch in 2023, Nationwide has offered this bonus annually, and it’s expected to continue in 2025.
In the past, customers who qualified received their £100 payment directly into their Nationwide account, usually between June 13 and June 28. While the eligibility criteria may evolve slightly in 2025, the general conditions are expected to remain the same, with a few tweaks possibly introduced.
Who Is Eligible for the Bonus?
To qualify for Nationwide’s £100 bonus, customers need to meet specific requirements, including the following:
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Having a Qualifying Nationwide Current Account
Nationwide offers several types of current accounts, and each has its own set of eligibility conditions. Some of the most popular accounts eligible for the bonus include:
- FlexPlus
- FlexDirect
- FlexAccount
- FlexOne (for younger customers)
- FlexGraduate (for students)
Customers who hold any of these accounts, or a similar qualifying account, will be eligible to earn the £100 bonus, provided they meet the other requirements.
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Maintaining Active Account Usage
To demonstrate an active account, customers typically need to meet the following criteria:
- A minimum monthly deposit into the account, usually around £500 (although this can vary by account type).
- A certain number of monthly payments made from the account, such as direct debits or standing orders.
- Regular account activity, such as logging into the account or using it for payments.
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Having Additional Products with Nationwide
In addition to holding a qualifying current account, Nationwide customers may also need to maintain other products with the society to qualify for the bonus. These could include:
- A savings account (with a minimum balance of £100 or more).
- A mortgage with Nationwide.
This multi-product requirement encourages customers to deepen their relationship with Nationwide, further strengthening their eligibility for the £100 bonus.
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The Timeline
Eligibility is typically assessed at a specific point during the year (usually around March 31). Customers must meet the necessary requirements by this date to be considered for the bonus in the subsequent months (usually June).
How to Maximize Your Chances of Receiving the Bonus in 2025
While meeting the basic eligibility requirements is necessary to qualify for the £100 bonus, Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert, has shared several tips for boosting your chances of receiving it. Let’s look at his advice and explore additional strategies to improve your eligibility for this bonus:
1. Switching to Nationwide
One of the easiest ways to position yourself for the £100 bonus is to switch to a Nationwide current account that qualifies for the reward. Nationwide is a popular choice for customers looking for competitive banking services, including lower fees and higher interest rates on savings accounts.
- Tip: If you’re not yet with Nationwide, consider switching to a qualifying account before the eligibility cut-off date. Nationwide offers an easy switching process through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), which ensures that all your direct debits, standing orders, and payments are transferred seamlessly. This can help you meet the minimum deposit and account activity requirements.
2. Ensure Regular Account Activity
Martin Lewis emphasizes the importance of maintaining active account usage to ensure that your Nationwide current account qualifies for the bonus. This means ensuring you make regular deposits and payments from the account.
- Tip: Set up automatic direct debits for bills or subscriptions, such as utility bills or gym memberships, to ensure you meet the transaction requirements. Additionally, ensure you receive at least £500 in monthly deposits, such as your salary, pension, or benefits.
3. Keep Savings and Mortgage Products Active
To further improve your chances of receiving the £100 bonus, Lewis suggests that customers not only maintain an active current account but also keep savings and mortgage products active with Nationwide.
- Tip: Open or maintain a savings account with Nationwide with at least £100 in balance. Alternatively, having an active Nationwide mortgage (with a balance of at least £100) may help secure your eligibility.
4. Monitor Your Account’s Eligibility Period
The timing of the eligibility period is crucial. As previously mentioned, eligibility is usually assessed around March 31 each year, with bonuses paid out in June. To ensure you don’t miss out, Lewis advises customers to stay on top of Nationwide’s communications and account requirements during this period.
- Tip: Set up alerts for important dates and keep track of your account activity. Nationwide may send you notifications about eligibility and bonus payment details in the lead-up to the bonus payout.
5. Maintain at Least One Year of Account History
While new customers are often eligible for bonuses, having at least one year of account history can be beneficial, particularly if you have been consistently meeting the account requirements.
- Tip: If you’re a new customer, consider sticking with your Nationwide account for at least a year to increase your chances of qualifying for future bonuses. Having a longer relationship with Nationwide can also make you eligible for other benefits, such as loyalty rewards or preferential rates.
6. Double-Check Your Account Details
Before the bonus payout date, double-check that your account is in good standing. Ensure there are no issues or discrepancies with your account, as this could delay or disqualify you from receiving the bonus.
- Tip: Review your account balance, transactions, and eligibility status to ensure that everything is in order before the eligibility cut-off date.
Martin Lewis’ Advice: Is It Worth It?
Martin Lewis has been a vocal advocate for helping consumers make the most of available rewards and bonuses. While the £100 bonus may not seem like a life-changing amount, it’s still a valuable perk for those who are already banking with Nationwide or are considering making the switch.
- Tip: Lewis recommends that, if you’re already eligible for the bonus, you take full advantage of it by meeting the qualifying requirements and ensuring that you’re not leaving money on the table. By following the advice outlined above, you can position yourself to receive the bonus and benefit from Nationwide’s ongoing customer rewards.
Conclusion
Nationwide’s £100 Fairer Share bonus is an excellent incentive for existing customers and new account holders. By ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria—such as maintaining an active current account, making regular deposits, and holding additional Nationwide products—you can significantly increase your chances of receiving the bonus. Martin Lewis’ tips on switching to Nationwide, keeping account activity regular, and maintaining savings or mortgage products further enhance your likelihood of success.
With a bit of planning and commitment to meeting the qualifying requirements, you can boost your chances of securing the £100 bonus and take full advantage of Nationwide’s customer rewards in 2025.
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