How long to set up Nationwide Flex Account

pmorrison_2

Hi, Im looking to set up a Nationwide FlexAccount in order to make use of the foreign cash incentives. I was just wondering how long it takes to set up this account and receive the card.

Also, are this and the compulsary current account different accounts, or is the card just and extension to the current account?

Any information would be much appreciated!

YorkshireBoy

pmorrison wrote: »

Hi, Im looking to set up a Nationwide FlexAccount in order to make use of the foreign cash incentives. I was just wondering how long it takes to set up this account and receive the card.

No recent experience, but when I opened my account a couple of years ago in branch I remember I was fully operational (debit card, PIN, chequebook, and online access) within a week.

Also, are this and the compulsary current account different accounts, or is the card just and extension to the current account?

The FlexAccount *is* the current account...unless I've misunderstood you? EDIT: I may have misunderstood. The debit card is just like any other bank provided debit card EXCEPT when you use it to withdraw cash/pay for things abroad there's no foreign commission charged.

pmorrison_2

No you havent misunderstood me, I misread/misunderstood Martins article, but having read it again now see what it meant!

Good to hear about being operational in a week, dont suppose anyone has experience of online applications? Im going away on the 27th so would assume it wont be ready for this, especially given Christmas is next week!

Kavanne

I had a nationwide cc and I applied through my online banking for a flexaccount. I got the decision of cashcard straight away... but I had to sign and return a paper application form which took about 3 days to arrive then a further week after that for the card to arrive that was in July though with no bank holidays.... don't think you'll manage it before the 27th unless you can get to the branch tomorrow with ID + Proof of address.

pmorrison_2

Thanks Kavanne, Ill try to get into the local branch tomorrow I think! Do Nationwide have anything online that states the current exchange rate? Does it compare well to others?

Kavanne

I checked this out a while back and they just use the visa exchange rate on the day of the transaction. Well they did for the credit card anyway. Wouldn't hold your breath for that debit card though, Nationwide are notoriously stingy.

pmorrison_2

Cheers, Ill have to keep my fingers crossed on the debit card, dont really need another account so would only be opening it for the card. Hopefully they can tell me when I apply whether or not Ill get the card!

Richard019

Kavanne wrote: »

Wouldn't hold your breath for that debit card though, Nationwide are notoriously stingy.

Really? They gave me that account last Spring despite me openly telling them I wouldn't be using the account other than when I was on holidays and having had no other products with them ever. I was also less than a year into a mortgage that was 4 times my salary and less than 6 months after at least 5 other credit searches for current accounts and credit cards with all my cards maxed out (stoozing with 0% deals) to pretty much my take home pay again.

I don't know about your timing OP, but I opened mine in branch 6 working days before the card was sent (going by the date on the letter). I can't remember how long it took to be active though as the pin came later.

Kavanne

Richard, it's a lottery, there's no rhyme or reason to Nationwide's allocation of debit cards.

pmorrison_2

Well I couldnt make it into a branch today so decided to apply online - I got to the end of the application and it said something along the lines of 'Sorry but we cannot offer you a FlexAccount at this time'.

Kavanne

Weird! Give them a call maybe?