Millions of UK residents may qualify for Nationwide’s annual £100 Fairer Share payment following a recent banking acquisition.
Impact of Virgin Money Acquisition
Up to 6.3 million Virgin Money account holders transitioned to Nationwide membership earlier this year. This move entitles them to the Fairer Share payment starting from 2027. The March eligibility deadline for 2026 passed before the transfer, so new members miss this year’s payout.
Stephen Noakes, Nationwide’s director of retail, stated: “The acquisition of Virgin Money enables us to expand the benefits of mutuality, and we look forward to sharing the additional value we can create for our new members. From exclusive savings rates to existing member benefits, we want there to be every reason to join Britain’s biggest building society, which continues to be the UK’s most switched-to current account provider.”
2026 Payment Announcement and Past Payouts
Nationwide plans to reveal details for the 2026 payment on May 21. In 2025, more than 4 million members received the £100 payout. Eligibility required a qualifying current account plus either qualifying savings or a mortgage, verified as of March 31, 2025.
Members needed an open Nationwide current account at payout time, though it did not have to be the qualifying one. Inactive account holders were ineligible. Payments appeared as ‘Nationwide Fairer Share Payment’ on statements, with notifications sent via text or the app.
Member Reactions
One long-term customer shared: “I’ve been with Nationwide for as long as I can remember. Always been the best. You helped me when my husband died 13 years ago. And now you’re helping again. So thank you, Nationwide.”
Another praised: “Nationwide are absolute legends with fairer share payment case, it meant I got all my merch at Alton Towers yesterday for free, legends.”
