Selected achievements
A major provider of financial services
We are the world's biggest building society with assets in excess of £186.7 billion.
We are the UK's second largest savings and mortgage lender.
We are represented in over 900 locations across the UK.
We are now four years into a six year £300 million investment programme designed to make the service and facilities we offer to members the best of any bank or building society in the UK.
Setting the pace
We changed the face of retail banking in 1987 when we introduced FlexAccount, the first full service current account to pay interest.
We launched a Visa Delta debit card in 1991.
In June 1995 we became one of the first financial organisations to have a site on the Internet.
In October 1995 we became the first building society to launch PC home banking.
In 1997 we were the first to introduce a retail internet banking service in the UK.
In 2000 we launched our e-savings account.
In 2001 we launched the UK’s first internet banking service available through a television and set top box.
In 2002 our Takeaway Remortgage was launched.
In 2004 we confirmed our commitment to UK Call Centres.
A reputation for integrity
In October 2002 we became the first UK credit card issuer to introduce a 'summary box', outlining all the key rates and charges. As a result of Nationwide's leadership, all credit card issuers are now required to provide a summary box. We have launched a similar summary box for our current account and personal loan products.
We have campaigned vigorously against cash machine charges, and for early warning signs on those machines that do charge. Early warnings are now compulsory on 'convenience' cash machines that make a charge for withdrawals. As a result of our campaigning, withdrawals from most cash machines owned by banks remain free.
We were the first organisation in the UK to sign Age Concern's Business Pledge designed to rid business of age discrimination; and we have increased our maximum retirement age to 75.
Pride in our people
In March 2007 we were placed 9th in The Sunday Times 20 Best Big Companies to Work For list, which is an annual survey of UK employers. We also received a Special Award for 'Best for Work and Home Life Balance'.
Nationwide has been recognised as an Investors in People organisation since 1992 and we continue to enjoy a successful relationship with IIP and their partners. In 2007 Nationwide was again given Investors in People Champion status until October 2010
In touch with our customers
Last year, we recorded over 120,000 pieces of feedback which we used to improve service both locally and nationally.
Since 1997, members have been invited to meet and put their questions to our senior executives at our Talkback events held around the UK and online.
Supporting the community
Our members and employees have raised over £5 million for Macmillan Cancer Support since 1993.
We have distributed over 12 million pedestrian reflectors to primary school children to make them much more visible to motorists.
In October 2008, we announced our partnership with ‘Citizens Advice’ and in November 2008 a new partnership with ‘Shelter’.
With the help of members' votes, at the 2008 AGM we raised £250,000. This money provided vital funding for two Macmillan Information Centres.
We have been involved in Football sponsorship since May 1996 and are currently:
- Official Sponsor of the England team until 2010
- Official Sponsor of the Wales team until 2010
- Official Sponsor of the Northern Ireland team until 2010
- Official Partner of the Scotland Team until 2010
We are also sponsors of one of the most prestigious and respected music awards in the UK - The Nationwide Mercury Prize.