Nationwide student accounts review

We look into the pros and cons of opening a student account with Nationwide.

Nationwide BS

Find out more about Nationwide’s student bank account option, including how to apply for an account, the benefits of choosing Nationwide and things to look out for.

Types of current accounts for students

Nationwide has just one current account available for students – The FlexStudent Current Account.

Below, we’ll review all of the key details and benefits of this account.

Compare Nationwide’s student bank accounts

Table: sorted by interest rate, promoted deals first
Name Product UKFSA-CUR Account fees Interest (AER) Funding requirement 0% overdraft limit Incentive Link Representative example
Nationwide FlexStudent Account
£0
0% AER
Min. £500 per term
Up to £3,000
(Max £1,000 in year 1)
Receive £100 cashback when opening FlexStudent account and pay in £500 by 13.12.24.
View details
loading

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Nationwide FlexStudent Current Account, you will need to:

  • be aged 18 or over;
  • have been accepted onto a full-time UCAS course at a UK institution for at least two years;
  • close or switch from any other student bank accounts you may have.

You’ll need to have received an unconditional offer from your institution before you apply for your account.

How to open an account

You can apply for an account online or in-branch.

Student account applications are only accepted up to 5 months before or 12 months after your course start date.

During the application process, you’ll be asked to supply a few basic personal details, financial details and information about the course you’re studying.

The benefits

  • Large interest-free arranged overdraft. If your application is successful, you can apply for an overdraft with the Nationwide FlexStudent account.
  • No overseas card fees. You won’t be charged any fees when using your debit card to make purchases or withdraw money abroad.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Large 0% interest overdraft throughout your studies and for 3 years after you graduate.
  • No overseas card fees.

Cons

  • Minimum funding requirement each term.
  • This account is only available if you’re studying for 2 years or more.

Customer service information for Nationwide

Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support

Frequently asked questions about the FlexStudent (funded) account

Our verdict

An interest-free overdraft is one of the most beneficial aspects of a student account, and few accounts can compete with Nationwide on this front. Not only does this account offer a large 0% overdraft, but it will remain interest-free for 3 years after you graduate. You can also take advantage of no fees on overseas spending.

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
Matthew Boyle's headshot
Written by

Publisher

Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

Matthew's expertise
Matthew has written 285 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage
  • Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features
  • Publishing easy-to-understand guides
More resources on Finder

More guides on Finder

  • How to get free money: Ways and tips to earn free cash

    Free money might sound too good to be true, but there are many ways you can get your hands on some extra cash.

  • Moneyfarm vs Hargreaves Lansdown (HL)

    Hargreaves Lansdown and Moneyfarm are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side in Moneyfarm vs Hargreaves Lansdown (HL).

  • Vanguard vs Freetrade

    Freetrade and Vanguard are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side in Vanguard vs Freetrade.

  • Bex Card review: A prepaid card for kids with a low fee.

    If your child is aged between 6 and 18, the Bex card could be the first step to giving them some financial freedom.

  • XTB vs Trading 212

    Trading 212 and XTB are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side XTB vs Trading 212.

  • Moneybox vs Trading 212

    Trading 212 and Moneybox are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side in Moneybox vs Trading 212.

  • InvestEngine vs Trading 212

    Trading 212 and InvestEngine are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side in InvestEngine vs Trading 212.

  • Best day trading stocks for 2024

    Find out how to spot some of the best day trading stocks available in the UK and abroad, along with tips for managing your investment portfolio on a day-to-day basis.

  • Wealthify vs Vanguard

    Vanguard and Wealthify are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their fees, features, account types and more – side by side in Wealthify vs Vanguard.

  • eToro vs Robinhood UK

    Robinhood and eToro are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their fees, features, account types and more – side by side in eToro vs Robinhood UK.

Go to site