Nationwide Building Society has issued a final reminder to its customers, alerting them that they have only a few days remaining to claim a special £50 payment. The society is urging members to ensure any cheques from its 'Big Thank You' initiative are paid in before the fast-approaching deadline.
The £50 'Big Nationwide Thank You' Initiative
This gesture of gratitude followed Nationwide's major acquisition of Virgin Money, a move that solidified its position as a formidable player in the UK banking sector. To celebrate, the mutual handed out £50 to an impressive 12 million qualifying members.
Eligibility for the payment was based on several key criteria. Members needed to have been part of Nationwide on 30 September 2024 and remained so when the payments were issued. Furthermore, during the 12 months leading up to the end of September 2024, they must have met one of three conditions: made at least one qualifying transaction on a Nationwide current or savings account; held a total of at least £100 across their Nationwide current and savings accounts; or owed a minimum of £100 on one or more Nationwide residential mortgages.
Act Now: The January 1st Deadline is Looming
While many members saw the £50 deposited directly into their accounts from 9 April 2025, a significant number were sent a physical cheque by post starting 14 May 2025. It is these cheque recipients who now face an urgent deadline.
Nationwide has confirmed that all cheques must be paid in by 1 January 2026. Failure to do so will mean missing out on the £50 payment entirely. The building society has advised members to act promptly to avoid disappointment.
What to Do If You Think You Missed Out
Nationwide has acknowledged that some eligible members may not have received their notification. This could be due to incorrect contact details on file or because their records indicated the member no longer lives in the UK, triggering a cheque to be sent to an old address.
If you believe you were eligible but did not get an email or letter, you should first check and update your contact details via the Nationwide app or internet bank. You must contact Nationwide by 1 January 2026 to confirm your details and resolve any issues. This can be done by logging in to chat online or by visiting a branch, where you may be asked to confirm your identity.
The message from Nationwide is clear: time is running out to claim this token of appreciation. Members are encouraged to check for any unbanked cheques and ensure they take action before the new year deadline passes.
