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Nationwide 100 Bonus 2025 – Eligibility, Dates and Tax Rules

James Harry Carter Sutton • 2026-05-05 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

Nationwide Building Society has distributed a £100 “Fairer Share” payment to eligible members for three consecutive years, most recently between 18 June and 4 July 2025. Unlike high-street banks, Nationwide shares profits with qualifying customers who use the society for everyday banking, savings, or mortgages. The 2025 payment reached over 4 million members and cost the mutual approximately £400 million.

Payments are never guaranteed. They depend on the society’s financial performance, with decisions announced alongside full-year results in May. The 2025 payout followed a 30 per cent jump in profits and the £2.9 billion Virgin Money takeover, which made Nationwide the UK’s second-largest provider of mortgages and savings.

For those wondering whether they qualified in 2025 — or how to position themselves for a possible 2026 payment — the eligibility rules, tax treatment, and timeline are explained in full below.

When Will the Nationwide £100 Bonus Be Paid in 2025?

Payment amount
£100 per eligible member
Payment window 2025
18 June – 4 July 2025
Eligibility basis
Qualifying current account with regular activity
2026 outlook
Unconfirmed but anticipated
  • The Nationwide Fairer Share is a reward for loyalty, not a sign-up bonus.
  • Over 4 million members received the £100 in 2025.
  • The payment is treated as taxable savings income, based on precedent from 2023–2025.
  • To qualify, you generally need a Nationwide current account that has been open for at least several months with regular deposits and payments.
  • The Big Nationwide Thank You (£50) was a separate, one-off payment to a broader group and is not part of the Fairer Share scheme.
Year Payment Eligible Members Status
2023 £100 3.4 million Completed
2024 £100 3.85 million Completed
2025 £100 Over 4 million Completed
2026 Unconfirmed (likely £100) TBC Speculative

Official Payment Window for 2025

The £100 Fairer Share payment was scheduled between 18 June and 4 July 2025. Funds were transferred electronically into eligible members’ Nationwide current accounts, with sole-name accounts preferred. Joint account holders could receive the payment if no sole account existed. The full terms for 2025 are published on the Nationwide website.

What If I Haven’t Received It by the Deadline?

If a member had not received the payment by 4 July 2025, the first step was to check whether they met all eligibility criteria as of 31 March 2025. Those who believed they qualified could contact Nationwide support directly. The eligibility check is strict and based on a single snapshot date each year.

Who Is Eligible for the Nationwide £100 Bonus in 2025?

Eligibility for the 2025 payment was assessed on 31 March 2025. Two main conditions had to be satisfied: current account activity and a linked savings or mortgage holding.

Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 Fairer Share

Members needed a Nationwide current account open until at least 31 March 2025. In at least two of the three months of January, February, and March 2025, they had to meet either of these activity thresholds:

  • Receive at least £500 into the account from an external source (transfers between Nationwide accounts did not count) and make at least two payments out; or
  • Make at least ten payments out of the account.

A full Current Account Switch Service transfer between 1 January and 31 March 2025 waived the activity rules.

Do I Need a Specific Account Type?

Yes. Members needed a qualifying Nationwide current account such as a FlexAccount, FlexDirect, or FlexPlus. Savings-only accounts did not qualify on their own. In addition to the activity requirement, members had to hold at least £100 in one or more personal Nationwide savings accounts or Cash ISAs on any day ending in March 2025, or owe at least £100 on a Nationwide mortgage as of 31 March 2025.

Important distinction

Virgin Money customers who became Nationwide members after the takeover missed the 2025 and 2026 eligibility cutoffs. Their earliest possible eligibility would be 2027, assuming the scheme continues.

Will There Be a Nationwide £100 Bonus in 2026?

Nationwide has not officially confirmed a Fairer Share payment for 2026. The decision rests with the Board and will be announced alongside the full-year results in May 2026. Based on the three-year pattern from 2023 to 2025, personal finance experts at Moneysavingexpert describe a 2026 payment as “likely but not guaranteed.”

Is the 2026 Payment Confirmed?

No. Nationwide states that Fairer Share payments are discretionary and depend on the society’s financial performance. The May 2026 results will determine whether a payment is made. If the pattern holds, an announcement would come in May 2026, with payments following in June.

How to Boost Your Chances for 2026

Members who want to be in a strong position for a potential 2026 payment should ensure their Nationwide current account remains open and active. Based on the criteria used in 2025, the likely requirements would mirror those of previous years:

  1. Hold a Nationwide current account open until at least 31 March 2026.
  2. Meet activity thresholds in at least two of January, February, and March 2026 (either £500 in plus two payments out, or ten payments out, using external transfers).
  3. Have at least £100 in a Nationwide savings account or Cash ISA on any day ending in March 2026, or owe at least £100 on a Nationwide mortgage as of 31 March 2026.

MoneyWeek recommends depositing at least £500 from an external source each month and using the account for regular outgoings.

Practical tip

Set up a standing order from an external bank account into your Nationwide current account for at least £500 per month, and use the account for a handful of regular direct debits or card payments. This covers both activity options in a single routine.

How Did the Nationwide Fairer Share Payment Work in Previous Years?

The Fairer Share scheme began in 2023. Each year, Nationwide has distributed £100 to qualifying members, with the number of recipients growing steadily as the mutual expanded its customer base.

2024 Fairer Share Payment

In 2024, approximately 3.85 million eligible members received £100 each. The payment was made in June and July 2024 under eligibility terms broadly similar to those used in 2025. The total cost to Nationwide was around £385 million.

2023 Fairer Share Payment

The first Fairer Share payment was issued in 2023, rewarding 3.4 million loyal members with £100 each. This was separate from the earlier “Big Nationwide Thank You” promotion, which gave £50 to approximately 12 million members under a different set of criteria.

Tax liability

The £100 Fairer Share payment is treated as taxable savings income (interest) by HMRC. It is reported automatically to HMRC and falls under the Personal Savings Allowance. Basic-rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 in savings interest tax-free each year; higher-rate taxpayers have a £500 allowance; additional-rate taxpayers have no allowance. Most recipients who do not file a self-assessment return will owe nothing, as HMRC adjusts tax codes automatically. For a broader perspective on financial compensation and tax rules in the UK, readers may also find the article on Is Redundancy Pay Taxable UK useful.

Timeline of Nationwide Fairer Share Payments

  1. 2023 — Nationwide introduces the Fairer Share payment. £100 is paid to 3.4 million eligible members.
  2. 2023 — The separate Big Nationwide Thank You gives £50 to approximately 12 million members.
  3. 2024 — Second Fairer Share payment of £100 reaches 3.85 million members, paid in June and July.
  4. 2025 — Third Fairer Share payment of £100 reaches over 4 million members, paid between 18 June and 4 July.
  5. Early 2026 — Board decision expected alongside full-year results in May. If approved, payment would likely follow in June 2026.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About the Fairer Share Payment?

Established information Information that remains unclear
The 2025 payment is complete. The eligibility criteria for 2025 are published and known. The 2026 payment has not been confirmed by Nationwide. It remains speculative.
The payment is treated as taxable savings income by HMRC and falls under the Personal Savings Allowance. Eligibility rules for 2026 may change. Nationwide has not published future criteria.
Over 4 million members received the £100 in 2025, the highest number yet. Some speculation exists that the payment amount could increase or be replaced by a different bonus, but no official evidence supports this.

Why Does Nationwide Make This Payment?

Nationwide is a building society, not a bank. As a mutual, it is owned by its members rather than shareholders. When the society generates strong profits, it can choose to share a portion of those profits with qualifying members through schemes like the Fairer Share payment. The approach differs from high-street banks, which typically distribute profits to shareholders or offer switching bonuses to attract new customers.

The 2025 payment followed a 30 per cent increase in Nationwide’s profits and the completion of the £2.9 billion Virgin Money acquisition. That deal made Nationwide the UK’s second-largest provider of mortgages and savings, expanding its member base significantly.

What Do Official Sources Say About the Fairer Share Payment?

“Over 4 million members got the £100 Fairer Share payment in 2025.”

— Nationwide official Fairer Share page, nationwide.co.uk

“We plan to make the payment of £100 to all eligible members between 18 June 2025 and 4 July 2025.”

— Nationwide Fairer Share terms and conditions, nationwide.co.uk/terms

“In 2023, 2024 and 2025, the £100 Fairer Share payment was taxable savings income.”

— Moneysavingexpert, moneysavingexpert.com

“Millions of Nationwide customers got the £100 Fairer Share payment in 2025.”

— MoneyWeek, moneyweek.com

The UK government’s guidance on savings interest confirms that taxable savings income is reported to HMRC and falls within the Personal Savings Allowance framework. The Independent also covered the 2025 payment in the context of the Virgin Money integration.

What Should Members Do Next?

For those hoping to receive a Fairer Share payment in 2026, the most practical steps are to keep their Nationwide current account active, deposit at least £500 from an external source each month, make regular payments out, and hold at least £100 in a Nationwide savings account or mortgage. Official confirmation — or otherwise — will come with the full-year results in May 2026. Additionally, those tracking financial news may want to check the latest Martin Lewis Car Finance Update for related consumer guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Nationwide £100 bonus taxed?

It is treated as savings income and is subject to tax if it exceeds your Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000 for basic-rate, £500 for higher-rate, £0 for additional-rate taxpayers).

What is the Big Nationwide Thank You?

A separate past promotion where approximately 12 million members each received £50. It is not part of the Fairer Share scheme.

Can I get the £100 bonus if I have a joint account?

Joint account holders may each be eligible if they meet the criteria individually. The payment is made per eligible member, not per account.

When will Nationwide announce the 2026 payment?

Typically alongside full-year results in May 2026, based on the pattern from previous years.

What if I closed my account before the payment date?

You would not be eligible. Eligibility is determined as of 31 March each year and requires the account to remain open.

Do I need a mortgage to qualify?

No. You can qualify by holding at least £100 in a Nationwide savings account or Cash ISA on any day ending in March, instead of a mortgage.

Are Virgin Money customers eligible for the 2025 payment?

No. Virgin Money customers who became Nationwide members after the takeover missed the 2025 cutoff. Earliest eligibility would be 2027.

Does the payment count as interest for tax purposes?

Yes. Nationwide reports it to HMRC as savings interest, and it counts toward your annual Personal Savings Allowance.

Can I receive the payment into a savings account?

No. The payment is made into your Nationwide current account only. Savings-only accounts do not qualify for the distribution.

James Harry Carter Sutton

About the author

James Harry Carter Sutton

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.