Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Nationwide has confirmed a Fairer Share Payment for eligible members in 2026.
- The payment is made to qualifying current account and savings account holders.
- Eligibility requires holding a qualifying product on a specific date and meeting activity criteria.
- The payment is made automatically - no application is needed.
- Previous payments were £100 in 2023 and £50 in 2024.
Nationwide Building Society has confirmed a Fairer Share Payment for eligible members in 2026, continuing a scheme the mutual first introduced in 2023 to distribute a portion of its surplus to qualifying members. The payment is made automatically to those who hold a qualifying current account or savings product and meet Nationwide's activity criteria.
What Is the Nationwide Fairer Share Payment?
The Fairer Share Payment is a cash distribution made by Nationwide to its members as part of its mutual model. Unlike a shareholder dividend, it is paid to customers rather than investors, reflecting Nationwide's status as a building society owned by its members rather than shareholders. Nationwide introduced the scheme in 2023 when strong financial performance and rising interest margins allowed it to share surplus funds with qualifying account holders.
The 2023 payment was £100 per eligible member. The 2024 payment was £50. Nationwide determines the payment amount each year based on its financial results and the board's assessment of how much surplus can be distributed while maintaining its capital position and investment in member services.
Who Qualifies for the 2026 Payment
Nationwide sets specific eligibility criteria for each year's Fairer Share Payment. Historically, qualifying conditions have included holding a Nationwide current account or a qualifying savings account on a set eligibility date, having been a member for a minimum period, and meeting certain activity thresholds such as using a current account for regular transactions.
Members who hold only a mortgage with Nationwide, without a current account or savings product, have not qualified in previous rounds. Members who hold a FlexAccount, FlexPlus or FlexDirect current account, or qualifying savings accounts including the Flex Regular Saver and certain ISAs, have typically been within scope. Nationwide publishes the precise eligibility criteria on its website ahead of each payment date.
When Is the Payment Made
Nationwide typically pays the Fairer Share Payment in the summer, with previous payments credited directly to members' current accounts or paid by cheque for those without a Nationwide current account. No action is required from eligible members - the payment is made automatically based on Nationwide's records. Members who believe they qualify but do not receive a payment by the stated date should contact Nationwide directly.
How It Compares to Other Savings Options
The Fairer Share Payment is separate from the interest rate Nationwide pays on savings accounts and current accounts. Members assessing the overall value of their Nationwide relationship should consider both the interest rate offered on their accounts and any Fairer Share Payment when comparing against competing providers. The Financial Conduct Authority's loyalty penalty ban, introduced in January 2022, requires providers not to charge existing customers more than new customers for equivalent products - but does not require any particular interest rate or bonus payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the Nationwide Fairer Share Payment?
No. The payment is made automatically to eligible members based on Nationwide's records on the eligibility date. Members do not need to apply, register or take any action. If you believe you qualify but do not receive the payment, contact Nationwide after the stated payment date.
Is the Fairer Share Payment taxable?
HMRC's treatment of the payment depends on its classification. Nationwide has previously described the payment as a distribution to members rather than interest income. Members with questions about the tax treatment of any payment received should consult the GOV.UK guidance on savings and investments tax or seek advice from a qualified tax adviser.
Can I qualify if I only have a Nationwide mortgage?
Based on previous eligibility criteria, mortgage-only members have not qualified for the Fairer Share Payment. Eligibility has been tied to holding a current account or qualifying savings product. Nationwide publishes the full eligibility criteria on its website ahead of each payment round.
How We Verified This
This article draws on Nationwide's published information on its Fairer Share Payment scheme, previous eligibility announcements, and FCA guidance on savings and loyalty pricing. Figures and dates verified in May 2026.
