Nationwide commission charges

dogsbody


Joined: 27/03/2009
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 17:09

Note for all Nationwide account holders. As from 1st November Nationwide have introduced a 2% commission charge on all debit/credit cards abroad. In addition they've also introduced a £1 fee for using ATM's.

I reckon this will cost me about £700 -£800 annually!

This is a big blow when before it was free. So incensed at this 'crippling tax' I emailed the CEO (details on their website) complaining about the introduction. My main gripe was about living abroad and having no choice but to use their services. Totally unfair

To my surprise I had a phone call from the CEO's secretary today saying all my points were very valid and would be brought up at the next board meeting. Whilst nothing can be done immediately the more complaints they receive the more likely they will take notice. (Not had many complaints yet)

So folks if you are a Nationwide account holder whinging about the charges do as I did. Email them and complain! It might actually work.

Tim

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 17:16

No charge for withdrawing Sterling from ATM using a Flexi Current account card, if you have the cash card account then there is a charge. If you use a credit card and you get charged in Sterling again there is no charge, the only charge is if the purchase is made in TL and this has to be changed to Sterling for you to pay the bill.

skybluesam


Joined: 24/12/2008
Posts: 447

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 17:18

Tim, I withdrew Stg from HSBC ATM and according to my statement have not incurred any charges, so maybe this is the way to go!

Nick

MrsSnakes



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 1100

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 17:29

No charges for me from withdrawing stirling.

HotHippo


Joined: 25/03/2010
Posts: 402

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 17:37

Unfortunately, there are no ATMs in Baku, Azerbaijan, which will allow to withdraw Sterling.

Each time I withdraw cash, I'm paying 2% Commission, and a £1 charge.

As I am out here for at least 75% of the year, this will cost me a small fortune!

Tim, Message 1, I'll be bashing-out an e-mail to the CEO very soon.

Thanks for the tip!

Eddie

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 17:42

I've got a Flexi Account, been withdrawing Tl.

£1 withdrawal fee + percentage of withdrawal :-(

Sterling only from now on, hope it works.

Will post when I find out.

Navek

iris1


Joined: 29/11/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 18:14

Hi Dogsbody



Could you please let me have the email address for the CEO and I will email them as well



Thanks

graycoul


Joined: 23/04/2009
Posts: 493

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 18:28

ive got a flexi account



does only hsbc in town give out sterling from the atm?

HotHippo


Joined: 25/03/2010
Posts: 402

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 19:32

Message 7

Graham Beale is the CEO

gjbeale2@nationwide.co.uk

Ceylan


Joined: 20/08/2010
Posts: 70

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 19:34

Msg 3



I withdrew £150 from the HSBC ATM in Yenikent and have been charged £3 for the privilege!

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 19:39

Msg 8 - TEB, near Mr Pound, also dispenses Sterling (and Euros).

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 19:43

No wonder they've just announced huge profits!

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 19:55

Ceylan. You must have the cash card account.

Ceylan


Joined: 20/08/2010
Posts: 70

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 20:17

Yes its just an ordinary account, not Advance or Premier

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 20:51

Groucho msg11 who's TEB ?

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 21:03

Turkish Economic bank

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 21:05

Thanks wanderer

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 21:21

I closed both my Nationwide accounts and explained why. I moved my account to them because of the services and benefits they offered - they no longer offer them.

They are also going to issue these new card readers - they will be posting them out to you - watch your post box if you have one. I used one recently for a friend and it was a rubbish, I ended up having to pay his bill and get the cash off him as his card reader would not work.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 21:35

You can still sign on using memorable data without using the card reader, I got mine in April 2008 so nothing new.

perryo


Joined: 03/09/2008
Posts: 17

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 22:04

I've been withdrawing money in stg since November 1st from nat/wide a/c, checked statement and no charges been made.

dogsbody


Joined: 27/03/2009
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 22:36

It's all very well withdrawing sterling but not everybody likes it. Exchange rate in shops/bars dodgy too. It's not convenient for me either living in Esentepe. Hsbc/garanti too far away. they also told me withdrawing sterling incurred charges. Hope they are wrong.

Come on- just complain to Nationwide to get these charges dropped.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 22:49

Angela, maybe they will be levied quarterly like some bank charges... just because they haven't shown up yet doesn't mean they wont....



It will be interesting to see if customer power (exercised by closing accounts) will have any effect.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
23/11/2010 23:06

Groucho. Read my post No 2 spells it out, this information is given in writing to all flexi account holders and to make sure I could get sterling in NC when I am there I have also e-mailed Nationwide and got the same reply.

pc4854


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 243

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 09:23

I have emailed Mr Beale about these charges too.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 09:27

I "think" I have a Flex account - all the pictures seem to match on the Nationwide web site, however, if one of you good people out there can tell me how I can identify the type of account I have I will be most happy.

I do have a Nationwide (Visa) Debit Card in blue, the same as shown on the web site. With regard to bank charges - I have had some long and interesting e-mails with Nationwide on this topic and always been told that any purchases made abroad in a forigen currency will incur a charge - proven by paying in euros on my debit card in the South. Have also me told that any (ANY) withdrawals made overseas in any currency will incur a charge - at the moment un-proven as I have not tried to withdraw in TL or STG since the charge levey was introduced.

The charge for purchase in forigen currency was shown on my statement at the same time as the purchase! I will withdraw some STG from TEB today and report back when it shows on my statement.



Interesting!

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 09:44

I draw sterling in TRNC from my Flexi Account and have never had any charges levied. If I use the same card to purchase goods then there is a small charge.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 09:57

Re Msg 1



"My main gripe was about living abroad and having no choice but to use their services. Totally unfair"



You do have a choice, you can change banks or move some money over here into a TRNC bank and do away with the prospect of having to draw sterling.



Whilst I appreciate that it is nice to be able to 'have your cake and eat it' , it is not always possible



Best of luck with the Nationwide.



Paul

dewgreen


Joined: 29/06/2009
Posts: 125

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 10:01

I withdrew £300 in sterling from my Flexi account at the ATM at HSBC and was charged £7.Which I understand is correct.2% plus £1 fee.

judyr


Joined: 07/07/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 10:40

Very strange because I withdrew £300 last week at the ATM at HSBC and no charge - Flex A/c? Which I also understand is correct because the transaction was in sterling. Purchase at Supreme in Lira incurred just the 2% charge which I also understand is correct.

HotHippo


Joined: 25/03/2010
Posts: 402

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 10:56

Messages 28 & 29, it usually takes a couple of working days for the charges to be posted to my account, but I am withdrawing Azeri Manats, not Sterling. It is my understanding that Sterling ATM withdrawals abroad should not attract a charge.

HER INDOORS



Joined: 14/12/2007
Posts: 152

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 11:08

I've been withdrawing stg since November at TEB in Famagusta - I then use an Exchange Bureau where the rate for TL is better than my bank.Checked my statement and no charges been made.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 11:19

29, 30, 31 you are correct - no charge for flexi account cards used at ATM for sterling there is a charge if you have the account with a cash card. Msg 28 you must have the cash card account.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 11:44

OK, another 7 posts about "Flex Accounts"!!!! Can I ask again - how do I know if I have a "Flex Account"?????

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 11:50

waddo. Are you using online banking? if so you should find details there. Log in to http://www.nationwide.co.uk . the card is dark blue and says Visa debit card.

gusanova


Joined: 23/11/2010
Posts: 187

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 11:52

Interested to hear what DEWGREEN said about charges with HSBC, I used to always go there with my Bank of Scotland Debit Card and was never charged anything, methinks I best take Sterling with me next trip.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 12:11

Thanks Woodspeckie - I am sure I have a Felx Account but can find no mention of which type of account I do have - not surprising with all the hassle and troubles I have had with Nationwide and trying to order a new debit card of late. I have had to suffer a two month wait whilst a new card finally was sent and arrived - not funny when you sole source of income is sat in the bank in UK and you have no way of getting at it!! A cheque would not have helped either as I cancelled all cheques last year when Nationwide kindly allowed a large cheque to be cashed from my account when it should have come from someone else's!

I do use on-line banking by the way.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 12:15

Thanks Woodspeckie - I am sure I have a Felx Account but can find no mention of which type of account I do have - not surprising with all the hassle and troubles I have had with Nationwide and trying to order a new debit card of late. I have had to suffer a two month wait whilst a new card finally was sent and arrived - not funny when you sole source of income is sat in the bank in UK and you have no way of getting at it!! A cheque would not have helped either as I cancelled all cheques last year when Nationwide kindly allowed a large cheque to be cashed from my account when it should have come from someone else's!

I do use on-line banking by the way.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 12:44

You will be charged £1 for withdrawing sterling - see http://www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/foreigntransactions.htm but, as said above, these charges will appear monthly. I'm changing over to a Halifax Clarity card which has no ATM or TL charges BUT they do charge about 1%pm on your balance. I'm going to try using ebanking to deposit money in the account whenever I make a withdrawal - http://www.halifax.co.uk/creditcards/clarity.asp

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 16:39

malsancak. it says a c charge will be made for a transaction in currency OTHER THAN STERLING. further down under the blue charge table there is a note 1 which repeats that.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 17:12

malsancak. In fact the same wording is repeated 5 times.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 17:38

Woodspeckie, I believe there will be NO CHARGE for sterling but there will be an additional £1 charge for ALL foreign ATM withdrawals whatever currency they are in. If you withdraw £100 instead of 230TL you will be charged £1 instead of £3.30. If there were no charges for withdrawing sterling then Nationwide's debit card would be the best buy on http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money#topcards I must admit that Nationwide is doing everything possible to muddy the water.

MrTed


Joined: 27/06/2010
Posts: 52

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 17:52

I have just e-mailed Nationwide-over the last 3 weeks I have incurred over £40 interest charges./£500 pa



I'm not a happy Teddy.



Mr Ted

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 18:30

Picking up my Halifax Clarity Card the next time I go over to the UK. Nationwide would be taking a month's state pension each year if I used it here.

pollymarples


Joined: 08/08/2010
Posts: 1778

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 18:59

Nationwide refused to send my Debit card because Turkey is considered high risk area. I wrote to the CEO

and received a telephone call and my new card very quickly. So answer is obviously e mail the CEO.



I believe euros and sterling are commission free with your flexacount debit card but havent tested it yet.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 19:15

Polly, sterling only and there is still a £1 foreign ATM use fee, I believe

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 19:51

malsancak. I still read it different to you, it says

There is a commission charge and a cash withdrawal charge for transactions in currencies other than sterling. The commission charge for non sterling transactions is 2% of the transaction amount. Non-uk cash withdrawal charge (AS WELL AS THE COMMISSION CHARGE) £1 for each withdrawal. I read this as non sterling transactions in fact I sent e-mail to Nationwide and also asked at 2 branches the e-mail told me I would not be charged for Sterling from ATM in Turkey or North Cyprus and I was told this at the 2 branches. So I could draw the £100 with no charge but would be charged 2% plus £1 for TL.

Mallard


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 20:29

I was in the UK in October and went into the headquarters of the Nationwide which are based in Swindon where my family live. As I have a Flex Account I raised the question of these charges and was told that they would apply whether withdrawals were made in sterling or any other currency. However, they did admit that the wording in the document setting out the change of policy from 1st November could be perceived as ambiguous.

If charges are incurred I think they may be shown on statements either monthly or annually.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 21:40

I read it the same has Woodspeckie, this is taken from their website to -



We take both the commission charge and the non-UK cash withdrawal charge from your account on the day the transaction is shown on your account. This may not be the same day you carried out the transaction.



The commission and non-UK cash withdrawal charges will be shown separately on your statement to make it possible for you to see the cost of using your account for transactions in other currencies.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 21:52

Thanks Cooper, we are of the same mind, maybe because I was a Cooper before I got married.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
24/11/2010 22:24

Polly,



I have an ongoing complaint with Nationwide over the same issue, I would be obliged if you would email me the email address you used to contact the CEO - I have a string of over 150 emails I would love him to explain.



Mick

pc4854


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 243

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 08:05

Waddo,

In answer to our question about identifying a "Flex Account", as you do online banking, you will find when you have logged into your account, heading like "Banking" or "Savings". Under the banner "Banking" it should state exactly what type of account you hold. Mine states "Flex Account". Hope that is helpful and not too late to be of assistance. Also the email address given in message 9 on this post is correct, I emailed it yesterday and had a reply within minutes.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 08:21

Woodspeckie, I think we must be reading different explanations. I''m reading this:

"Non-UK cash withdrawal charge (as well as the commission charge) £1 for each withdrawal (see note 2)" where Note 2 says "If you have a cash card+, you cannot use your card to withdraw cash overseas."

I read nothing about there is no withdrawal charge for non-UK sterling. This is all I can go on ans I would be interested if you could QUOTE anything that says there is no withdrawal charge for non-UK sterling ATM withdrawals using a Debit/FlexiCard.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 08:50

pc4854,



Many thanks, I missed the address at msg 9 but am awake again now!

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 09:14

Mal, taken from their website - Charges for using your card abroad



There is a commission charge and a cash withdrawal charge for transactions in currencies other than sterling.



You will be charged the charges shown in the table below when you use your card for transactions in currencies other than sterling. These include all charges that we have to pay to other organisations on your behalf.



So it doesn't specifically state there is no withdrawal charges but to me with them stating the above means exactly that. The only sure way we will know for sure is for someone to check their account online and see whether or not a charge shows on the same day the transaction is shown.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 09:31

cooper, the word "no" or "only" does not appear in the information you have taken from the website so I'm not sure how you managed to come to the conclusion that there are no or only charges for sterling withdrawals abroad. Again I'll repeat that Nationwide is trying to obscure these charges but in doing so they could be opening themselves for masses of complaints from people who believe the word "ONLY" appears at the beginning of the statement "be charged the charges shown in the table below when you use your card for transactions in currencies other than sterling."

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 11:31

Just to put this one to bed.



My recent experience is that charges are made of 2% on all Turkish Lire currency transactions. Where Turkish Lire currency is drawn, a further £1 charge is being made.



Drawings of Sterling bear NO charges upfront.



Ergo. Draw sterling at HSBC or anywhere that dispenses sterling and go to a Doviz that gives a good rate. I've found that Moonstar in Girne usually gives the best rate.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 11:33

malsancak. The note 2 refers to a cash card+ which is a different account than the flexi account debit card.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 11:42

The e-mail I got from Nationwide says "When using your card abroad we will introduce a commission charge and a cash withdrawal charge for transactions in currencies other than sterling". Will do for me that, will be there in 2 weeks so will test it out if I get charged then I will refer to their e-mail.

Southcoaster


Joined: 01/04/2009
Posts: 81

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 14:09

Geejay, whereabouts is Moonstar in Girne?

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 15:11

I've emailed Nationwide and asked them how much it will cost to withdraw sterling from a foreign ATM. Nowhere do they say, "there are no charges for withdrawing sterling from a foreign ATM." Every quote above ASSUMES there is no charge.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 15:19

I telephoned Nationwide 1hr ago to tell them I will be using my debit card in North Cyprus, I asked to speak to a Manager and I told him I could withdraw Sterling from an ATM in NC and asked would I be charged, his answer was "no charge for sterling". Also told me no commission on my credit card, this applies to NC & Turkey.

HER INDOORS



Joined: 14/12/2007
Posts: 152

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 15:36

I also have a Flexaccount and withdrew sterling on 9th November.I have just checked my account online and have not been charged for this .

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 15:37

Woodspeckie, I'm beginning to think you're right because it says that if there were fees they would be shown at the same time as the withdrawal BUT it is strange that msg 10 & 28 seem to be contradicting this. So far I've only withdrawn one lot of TL and have been charged 2%+£1 and a Digiturk Direct debit was charged 2% (30p) but not the £1. Just wish the nearest sterling ATM wasn't a 20 mile round trip

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 15:56

Just found out I do have a Flex Account. There is nowhere on the login site or following login that states this and I have looked and better looked. However, when you lodge a complaint via the "secure" mail service, that may or may not be looked at within 7 working days, then should you be one of the fortunate ones who gets a reply from one of the multitude of Senior Customer Consultants - they always refer to "Re Your Complaint, Current Account (Flex Account).



BINGO - I must have a Flex Account - next stop the TEB ATM and pull out some of my ill gotten gains in Sterling!

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 20:49

Well done waddo, I'm laughing sandbags too me and the missus have qualified for free annual travel insurance and can also withdraw sterling from a ATM free of charges )



Mal, i can only assume that msg 10 & 28 have a cash card account opposed to a Flex account.

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
25/11/2010 21:15

Other banks

Bank of Scotland /Halifax no charge so far for withdrawing sterling only used HSBC in Girni & Famagusta

Abbey/santandare charged using HSBC for Stirling withdrawal in July about £2 (friends account)

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
29/11/2010 05:54

Withdrew sterling from HSBC Girne.

Amount debited from Flexi account, no charges

Navek

HER INDOORS



Joined: 14/12/2007
Posts: 152

Message Posted:
29/11/2010 08:37

Waddo,when you next look at your online account,after you have signed in you should see two headings highlighted by a long blue strip :- Banking and

HER INDOORS



Joined: 14/12/2007
Posts: 152

Message Posted:
29/11/2010 08:40

Waddo,when you next look at your online account,after you have signed in you should see two headings highlighted by a long blue strip :- "Banking " and " Account Balance".

Underneath the word Banking it says "Flexaccount" and then partial account number

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
29/11/2010 08:47

I think the confusion may be over what type of card you have attached to your FlexAccount...



If it's a Cash Card then I believe charges will apply for use abroad, if it's Credit/Charge Card then it appears that charges for drawing Sterling do not apply... So it's not only which type of account it's which type of card you are using too... I think.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
29/11/2010 08:57

Withdrew £300.00 on 26th, statement has now stabalised and shows only the withdrawal in sterling - no charges displayed as yet - but it is still catching up from the weekend!



Nowhere on my web page is there a mention of Flex Account! This probably because I changed the account name when I originally set up the account so I could tell easily which was which (i.e. Flex changed to Current) and keep all my massive amounts of money easily displayed! Now that I know where my 38P is I am happy.



Will report back again if I ever see withdrawal charges creep in.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
29/11/2010 09:09

Waddo it you were to be charged it would already be showing, see msg 48. When i log in to my internet banking and go into my accounts it lists my Flexaccount there along with others.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
01/12/2010 20:40

We can but try !! - http://www.northcyprusfreepress.com/2010/12/01/does-nationwide-flexaccount-charges-to-withdraw-sterling-from-an-atm-in-north-cyprus/

magicart


Joined: 05/10/2008
Posts: 985

Message Posted:
02/12/2010 07:56

I sent NW an e-mail complaing about the unfairness of these charges and received a reply outlining the benefits of free travel insurance up to £80 pa.The new charges will cost me circa of £500 pa so I have now written to the NW CEO.



Hope others will do the same.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
02/12/2010 08:22

They are only doing what most other banks and building societies have been doing for a long time and to be fair to Nationwide they have decided to reward their customers with free travel insurance if they deposit £750 per month into their account.



Maybe this is there way of weaning out the customers that were solely using their account to make foreign transactions, and to be fair in the current climate who can blame them.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
02/12/2010 08:37

"to be fair"! Has anybody tried to get free travel insurance from this Nationwide scheme when travelling FROM TRNC? I just have the funny feeling that if you live in TRNC as your single place of residence then the normal rules of "you don't exist" will apply.



Just interested.

pollymarples


Joined: 08/08/2010
Posts: 1778

Message Posted:
02/12/2010 08:41

I have also e mailed the CEO twice, the second time to attach a copy of the article on NCFP. Remember

Nationwide has the use of your money interest free until you draw it on a debit card. They are still mutual so have no shareholders to answer to or pay a dividend to, they answer to you, their account holders. It is not as if they were paying huge intrest rates to investors and they faired rather better than most in the downturn. Now they are doing very nicely. They can afford to continue their commission free transactions. Lets face it, that is why most of us banked with them.

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
02/12/2010 08:47

well we got charged just got back but thats how it is now we have had it good for a long time you just have to lessen your withdrawals then you wont get charged as much be a bit more canny about when and how much you take out !

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 14:45

According to an email I've recieved from Nationwide

"If you withdraw £100 at a foreign ATM you will be charged 2% of £100 and £1"

Read the whole story at http://www.northcyprusfreepress.com/2010/12/15/nationwide-confuses-everyone-over-atm-foreign-sterling-withdrawals/

ricooper123


Joined: 14/04/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 18:10

I withdraw sterling out of HSBC cash machine every week and Iam not charged any fee from Nationwide.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 18:14

ricooper123, FlexAccount or Credit Card?

magicart


Joined: 05/10/2008
Posts: 985

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 18:36

Send a complaints e-mail to their CEO-I have!!

greenman


Joined: 16/02/2008
Posts: 526

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 18:39

malsancak, Like you, I have tried to get a definitive answer from Nationwide on this, and will report back if I ever receive one. Their website clearly states that commission charges will apply to non sterling withdrawals. The numerous advisors I have contacted do not seem to recognise that a sterling withdrawal can be made in a country where sterling is not the currency, and therefore no commission charge should apply (however a non UK ATM fee of £1 per transaction does apply)

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 18:42

I think it depends on the nature of two things... the card and the account types.



My understanding is that for a Flex Account using a Credit/Debit Card this is no charge at all for drawing out sterling here...

greenman


Joined: 16/02/2008
Posts: 526

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 18:47

Groucho that is almost my understanding too, except that the website states a non UK ATM fee of £1 per transaction on the same type of account and card as you mentioned...... The advisors at Nationwide don't appear to have read their own website.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 19:00

Well I've got a replied from a named individual in Nationwide and have published her reply in NCFP.

"If you withdraw £100 at a foreign ATM you will be charged 2% of £100 and £1.

Regards

Natasha Heimers

Customer Consultant

Internet Services"

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 20:59

I'm seems to me that the reply you get from Nationwide changes like the wind. Groucho msg84 is correct also see msg62 and 67 the proof is in the pudding.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 21:40

cooper, msg 86 is the only attributable reply. All the rest, apart from msg 61, are what people believe. The trouble with msg 61 is that if you were charged then you have no proof that you'd been told otherwise.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
15/12/2010 23:16

We used ours to draw Sterling very recently and no charges were levied.

nostradamus


Joined: 15/04/2008
Posts: 557

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 07:53

I have also been drawing sterling and no charges have been made at all.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 07:56

Mal, any charges levied would show on your statement or online on the same day that your withdrawal shows so msg 62,67 and now 89 are proof enough for me.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 07:57

Sorry also msg 91 )

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 08:08

No charges for me either!

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 09:20

greenman, it would seem that the £1 ATM withdrawal charge only applies if the 2% commission charge is applied.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 10:22

Made 2 withdrawals since last Wednesday and not been charged. You are right Cooper the pound only applies if you are charged 2per cent if you use the cash card account and not the flex account or withdraw lira(sorry unable to fathom out some of the keys on the turkish keyboard) The replies from Nationwide can vary because when İ first asked in my branch i was told İ could not get sterling abroad until i said i could get it from HSBC in Cyprus the girl then went to check with a Manager and came back to say if that was so there would be no charge for the sterling withdrawal.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 11:13

Again, I am asking is this the Nationwide Credit Card or FlexAccount Card? The reason I'm asking is because on the basis of your experiences I am going back to Nationwide and making a statement that their Helpdesk is making false statements about the FlexAccount Card.

judyr


Joined: 07/07/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 12:37

I have a Flex account and withdraw sterling at HSBC and TEB and have not been charged any commission. However yes when that card is used for a purchase then 2% is charged and is itemiseed seoerately as interest in the statement. I am interested to know if anyone has tried to make a claim for the insurance as yet. I had an MRI scan on Saturday that I paid for with my card and the statement shows 400 tl plus 2% interest. I have not approached Nationwide as yet ...... just wondered if anyone had and the type of response you got.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 15:24

bar88jack, I think you have summed up Nationwide's communication of its foreign ATM withdrawal changes extremely well.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 16:46

msg 96. Flex account debit card used.

greenman


Joined: 16/02/2008
Posts: 526

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 17:26

This is the response I received after informing Nationwide that if a non uk/eu sterling withdrawal using a flex account debit card resulted in charges then the charges shown on their website were incorrect.

They're like politicians - can't give a straight answer.



Dear Mr

Thank you for your message.

I can confirm that as of the 1st November Nationwide's charges for non UK transactions changed, all customer were written to in August to notify them of these changes. Nationwide’s FlexAccount remains one of the most competitive current accounts to use abroad. Its new commission charge of 2% and £1 cash withdrawal fee are lower than those charged by other standard or free current accounts in the market.



We aim to give an efficient and helpful service to all our members. Your comments have been passed on to our site developers, we will look to have any incorrect information on our website investigated.



Regards

Laura Gaff

Customer Consultant

Nationwide Building Society

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 20:35

I think that most of the Customer Consultants don't actually know the answer and just copy and paste a random section of the rules

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 20:46

Negative Nick award for the most apt name of the week goes to "Laura Gaff"!

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 20:49

So this is it in a Nutshell



If you have a Nationwide Cash Card Account which is their basic current account you can use it to purchase goods overseas but will be charged a 2% commission fee. You are not able to use this card for ATM withdrawals overseas.



If you have a Nationwide Flex-Account you should have a Visa Debit card which you can use to purchase goods overseas but again you will be charged a 2% commission fee. You can also use this card to make withdrawals from a ATM. If the withdrawal is in Sterling then you will not be charged any commission fee's, if the withdrawal is in any other currency you will be charged a 2% commission fee plus a £1 ATM withdrawal fee.

malsancak


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 2874

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 20:56

cooper, not according to Natasha Heimers of Nationwide in msg 86 but then I think they don't realise that we can get sterling out of local ATMs and then convert it to TL and think you mean £100s worth of local currency.

tracy


Joined: 08/09/2007
Posts: 390

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 21:02

Cooper is correct, you do not get charged for withdrawing sterling at all!!!

You do if you withdraw Lira this is on the flex account.

Tracy

judyr


Joined: 07/07/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 21:09

Can noone tell me about their experiences with the travel/health insurance? ....please

cypgab


Joined: 09/01/2010
Posts: 338

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 21:24

Insurance is OK if you require a bog standard policy and have no illnesses. Declare too many and you won't get cover. Which seems OK.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
16/12/2010 21:30

Cover is only available to permanent residents of the UK - http://www.nationwide.co.uk/current_account/travel-cover.htm

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
17/12/2010 07:57

I have the insurance had to pay £90 to cover extended holiday to more than 30 days and cover for pre-exsisting conditiıons so £80 plus £90 for 12 months was cheaper than £250 quoted by Age Concern.