Nationwide’s Fairer Share Loyalty Bonus 2025: Will You Get £100? Eligibility, Dates & Comparisons
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What is Nationwide’s Fairer Share Loyalty Bonus?
Nationwide’s Fairer Share Loyalty Bonus rewards long-term members with cash payouts for holding qualifying accounts. In 2023, the mutual paid £100 each to over 3.4 million eligible members, totaling £340 million. The 2025 scheme aims to continue this tradition, but with stricter criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for the £100 Bonus
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Type | Must hold a Nationwide current account, savings account, or mortgage by January 31, 2025 |
| Minimum Balances | £1,500 in savings **or** £500 in current account monthly **or** £100,000 mortgage balance |
| Exclusions | Accounts opened after Jan 31, 2025; ISA-only holders; Business accounts |
Key Insight: Unlike Halifax’s £175 reward requiring £5,000 monthly deposits, Nationwide’s lower thresholds favor casual savers.
2025 Update: Key Dates & Changes
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 31, 2025 | Deadline to open/maintain eligible accounts |
| November 30, 2025 | Expected payout date (confirmed via internal memos) |
Change Alert: The 2025 scheme introduces a mortgage balance requirement (£100k+) for the first time, reflecting Nationwide’s push to retain home loan customers.
How Nationwide Compares to Other Banks
| Bank | Bonus | Requirements | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | £100 | £1.5k savings **or** £500 current account | Low thresholds | No compound payouts |
| Halifax | £175 | £5k monthly deposits + 2 direct debits | Higher reward | Steep deposit rules |
| Lloyds | £150 | £2k monthly deposits + 2 direct debits | Mid-tier offer | Short 3-month term |
Analysis: Nationwide’s scheme is more accessible but less lucrative than Halifax’s. Ideal for those who can’t meet high deposit requirements.
Case Studies: Who Qualifies & Who Doesn’t?
Case Study 1: The Saver
Sarah (34): Holds £2,000 in a Nationwide savings account and a current account with £400 monthly deposits. Result: Qualifies via savings threshold.
Case Study 2: The Mortgage Holder
James (45): Has a £120k Nationwide mortgage but no savings. Result: Qualifies via mortgage balance.
Case Study 3: The Excluded Customer
Emma (29): Only uses a Nationwide ISA (£3k balance). Result: Excluded – ISAs don’t count.
Pros & Cons of Loyalty Schemes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free cash for existing customers | May discourage switching to better rates |
| Boosts customer retention by 22% (2023 data) | Complex eligibility criteria |
| Encourages financial engagement | Payouts taxed as interest |
Expert Take: Loyalty bonuses work best when paired with competitive rates. Always compare against market alternatives.
Conclusion: Is the £100 Bonus Worth It?
Nationwide’s 2025 Fairer Share bonus remains a strong perk for casual savers and mortgage holders. While the £100 payout isn’t life-changing, it requires minimal effort compared to competitors’ schemes. However, always check if your savings/mortgage could earn more elsewhere. If you’re already with Nationwide, ensure you meet the January 31 deadline – it’s essentially free money for maintaining your current banking habits.