Nationwide Building Society has become one of the most generous high-street financial institutions in recent years, thanks to its Fairer Share bonus scheme — a cash-back reward that has delivered £100 payments to millions of loyal customers. While Nationwide has not yet officially confirmed the details for 2026, past patterns and expert guidance make it clear that **customers hoping to be eligible should act before 31 March 2026 to maximise their chances of receiving the bonus.
The Fairer Share programme is designed to share profits with Nationwide’s members, reflecting the building society’s mutual ethos: rather than prioritising external shareholders, Nationwide reinvests back into its customers. In 2025, the scheme saw over 4 million Nationwide members receive £100 each, with payments typically arriving between mid-June and early July.
Although the official 2026 criteria has not yet been published, financial experts and consumer advisers recommend treating the 31 March deadline as a key eligibility marker, based on previous years’ Terms and Conditions.
What Is the Nationwide Fairer Share Bonus?
Nationwide’s Fairer Share Payment is a cash reward — typically £100 — paid to eligible customers as a way of sharing profits from a successful year. The scheme was first launched in 2023, repeated in 2024 and 2025, and has become a highlight for Nationwide members.
The payment is not automatic for all Nationwide customers — you must meet specific account conditions by 31 March of the qualifying year. If you satisfy those conditions, and the building society confirms the bonus for that year, the £100 payment is usually credited directly into your current account in June or early July.
Why You Must Act by 31 March 2026
Nationwide assesses eligibility based on account activity and balances as of 31 March, and this deadline is key every year. Customers hoping to qualify for the bonus must have had:
- A Nationwide current account that qualifies (e.g., FlexPlus, FlexOne, FlexStudent, FlexGraduate, FlexAccount, FlexDirect or FlexBasic) open by 31 March 2026.
- Sufficient activity on the current account in the first three months of the year (e.g., payments in/out or minimum deposit criteria, depending on account type).
- Either £100+ in a Nationwide savings account or £100+ owed on a Nationwide residential mortgage as of the same March 31 date.
In previous years, Nationwide has required account activity restrictions such as minimum payments in and out, or a combination of deposits and outgoing transactions to demonstrate active use.
This combination of account history and product relationships encourages customers to use Nationwide’s services while also ensuring the bonus goes to truly active members.
How the Eligibility Criteria Worked in 2025
While 2026 details aren’t officially out yet, the 2025 criteria give the best guide for what might be expected:
- FlexPlus accounts qualified if the monthly fee was paid.
- FlexOne, FlexStudent, FlexGraduate accounts needed at least one payment in or out during March.
- FlexAccount, FlexDirect, FlexBasic accounts needed activity either through minimum deposit plus outgoing payments or a set number of outgoing payments in two of January, February, or March.
- You also needed £100+ in Nationwide savings or cash ISAs during March, or to owe £100+ on a qualifying Nationwide mortgage by March 31.
Meeting these criteria as early as possible sets you up to be included when the society runs its Fairer Share check at the end of March.
What You Should Do to Maximise Your Chance of Getting the Bonus
If you want to be in the best position to receive the £100 bonus if Nationwide announces it again in 2026, follow these steps:
- Keep your current account open before and on 31 March 2026. Simply holding the account without satisfying the activity rules won’t be enough — it must be active and in good standing.
- Use your current account regularly between January and March 2026. Depending on account type, this could mean receiving payments in or making outgoing payments.
- Have at least £100 in savings with Nationwide at some point during March — or ensure you have a qualifying mortgage balance as an alternative.
- Switch accounts using the Current Account Switch Service before 31 March if you join Nationwide late — this can help you meet the criteria even if you opened the account recently.
Even though the bonus hasn’t been confirmed for next year yet, preparing early based on previous eligibility conditions is the safest strategy if you want to benefit.
When the £100 Payment Was Previously Paid
In 2025, Nationwide confirmed the Fairer Share payment would be given out between 18 June and 4 July, with more than 4 million customers eligible.
If the scheme returns in a similar format in 2026, those who qualified by the March deadline should watch their accounts closely in late June/early July for the £100 Fairer Share credit.
Additional Tips and Information
- Nationwide often sends notifications in online banking or email confirming eligibility; checking your app regularly can help you spot this early.
- Transfers between Nationwide accounts in your own name typically don’t count as qualifying transactions — make sure the funds you place meet the requirements.
- If you expected to qualify but didn’t receive the bonus, Nationwide provides tools to check your eligibility online and customer service support.
Final Thoughts
The Nationwide £100 Fairer Share bonus has been a popular initiative with customers over recent years and provides a tangible financial benefit simply for being an active member of the building society. While 2026’s bonus hasn’t been formally confirmed, experts and past patterns strongly suggest that meeting the March 31 deadline remains crucial if you want to be in line for the next payout.
By understanding the likely eligibility criteria and planning your account activity early in the year, you give yourself the best possible chance of benefiting from this generous member reward.