Millions of Nationwide Building Society customers are being urged to take immediate action to secure their eligibility for a potential £100 bonus payment this year. The financial institution's popular Fairer Share scheme, which has distributed free cash to members over recent years, looks set to continue in 2026, but time is running out for customers to meet the necessary criteria.
Understanding the Fairer Share Scheme
The Fairer Share initiative represents Nationwide's commitment to rewarding loyal customers by distributing surplus profits directly to members. Over the past few years, this programme has seen millions of people receive unexpected £100 payments directly into their accounts, providing a welcome financial boost during challenging economic times.
Eligibility Requirements and Action Needed
To qualify for these bonus payments, customers typically need to hold both a current account and either a qualifying savings account or mortgage with Nationwide. The crucial deadline for meeting these requirements usually falls on March 31st each year, creating an urgent window for members to review their arrangements.
For those who currently only maintain a Nationwide current account, the solution involves opening a savings account with the building society and transferring at least £100 into this new account. Conversely, customers who exclusively hold savings accounts with Nationwide can become eligible by switching their primary current account to the building society.
The Decision Timeline and Financial Considerations
Nationwide maintains a cautious approach regarding the Fairer Share payments, with the building society never confirming whether the scheme will run until each May, just weeks before any potential payments would be distributed. This timing coincides with the announcement of their full-year financial results, when the board assesses the organisation's performance.
A spokesperson for Nationwide explained: "Nationwide's board will decide on a Fairer Share Payment for 2026 and it will depend on our financial performance. That assessment will be made after our financial year end, with the eligibility criteria for this year being agreed then too."
Potential Changes and Future Outlook
The building society has been transparent about the conditional nature of these payments, stating on their official website: "We'd like to make Fairer Share Payments every year, but it depends on how we perform financially. For any future payments, we may change the eligibility criteria and the amount we pay."
Despite this uncertainty, Nationwide executives have strongly hinted that the popular giveaway will return this summer, continuing a tradition that has benefited countless members across the United Kingdom. The scheme represents a distinctive approach within the financial sector, where building societies like Nationwide can return profits directly to their member-customers rather than external shareholders.
Customers are advised to review their account arrangements promptly and consider making any necessary changes before the March deadline to maximise their chances of receiving this valuable bonus should Nationwide's financial performance support another distribution through the Fairer Share scheme.
