Nationwide Switch Experience

Oldsoldier100

I recently switched two accounts from TSB to Nationwide and, unfortunately, did not qualify for any of the switch payments. The reason given was that I failed to meet the timeframe by a couple of days. I completed the documentation online and believed I had fulfilled the criteria, but obviously, I had not. Despite being a Nationwide customer for over 15 years, I was simply given the we cant help with that response.

Be very careful when dealing with them—they will take any opportunity to withhold the payments, regardless of your explanations or loyalty.

Voyager2002

The same thing happened to my son: they failed to send the final confirmation email and so the switch failed. It was clearly their fault, but no payment, no nothing.

Bigwheels1111

I can beat that, I gave up a starling account & switched it to Nationwide for £200 a while back this year.

It would not take the last 4 digits of my Starling debit card.

So called and it was done manually over the phone.

The first time I had ever taken the card out of the wallet it arrived in.

It had never been used, or left the house.

20 minutes later fraud was committed on the card.

How is that possible, Nationwide call center maybe.

Plus no £200 switch.

I was lucky I recorded the call and offered to send a copy of the recording to them.

They soon paid up.

jimjames

On the plus side if you've not received the payment you should be able to qualify for their next one which tends to be offered fairly regularly. Next time check the dates to make sure you've done everything you need to qualify.

Oldsoldier100

Further to my post regarding Nationwide’s switch offer, I wanted to share my experience.

I was switching two accounts several days apart, and after my first account was deemed unsuccessful for the switch payment, my complaint was escalated to a senior branch manager. The manager provided information to ensure I met the criteria for the £175 payment for my second account. Unfortunately, I didn't achieve this due to my initial decision to stagger my account switches by seven days. I thought it was sensible to have my income account in place before my monthly outgoings started!

If a Nationwide senior manager can’t get it right, what chance do we mere mortals have? I now wonder how many people have fallen into the trap of moving to Nationwide without receiving any payment.

This whole episode feels like nothing short of a scam perpetrated by an unscrupulous organization bent on expansion at any cost. I believe this matter should be brought to the attention of the ombudsman as soon as possible.

harz99

Anyone who truly believes they have fulfilled the switch incentive payment t&c's, but has been refused, should raise a formal complaint with Nationwide. 

Stargunner

What error did you make, to not qualify for the second switch incentive?

jimjames

Oldsoldier100 said:This whole episode feels like nothing short of a scam perpetrated by an unscrupulous organization bent on expansion at any cost. I believe this matter should be brought to the attention of the ombudsman as soon as possible.

I have received multiple switch payments from Nationwide, it certainly isn't a scam but if for whatever reason you haven't met the criteria then it would explain the lack of payment. Why did they say you'd not qualified?

eskbanker

jimjames said:
Why did they say you'd not qualified?

From OP:

Oldsoldier100 said:

The reason given was that I failed to meet the timeframe by a couple of days.

Oldsoldier100 said:

This whole episode feels like nothing short of a scam perpetrated by an unscrupulous organization bent on expansion at any cost. I believe this matter should be brought to the attention of the ombudsman as soon as possible.

As above, it's nothing of the sort, but if you have a genuine grievance (i.e. something more significant than feeling miffed that they wouldn't break their rules for you) then you can raise a complaint with Nationwide and then escalate to the ombudsman yourself if unsatisfied.

Theleak250

I switched last year but not for a reward. My application took ages and I had to chase them, I went to the branch and they didn’t have a clue on the process. In the end the account was opened after a long delay. I’m not surprised some people have not been paid due to delay, I don’t think it’s deliberate but the switch process seems sluggish. 

Theleak250

Bigwheels1111 said:

I can beat that, I gave up a starling account & switched it to Nationwide for £200 a while back this year.

It would not take the last 4 digits of my Starling debit card.

So called and it was done manually over the phone.

The first time I had ever taken the card out of the wallet it arrived in.

It had never been used, or left the house.

20 minutes later fraud was committed on the card.

How is that possible, Nationwide call center maybe.

Plus no £200 switch.

I was lucky I recorded the call and offered to send a copy of the recording to them.

They soon paid up.

Did you give them the entire card details or just the four digits?