Nationwide Building Society’s £100 Fairer Share payment continues to attract record numbers of account switchers in the UK. In the first quarter of 2026, more than 319,000 customers switched banks, a 43% increase from the previous year. This surge reflects rising consumer demand for better banking deals.
Nationwide gained over 64,000 net customers during this period, making it the most popular choice for those looking to switch accounts. The £100 Fairer Share payment has been distributed to eligible members for three consecutive years.
Some banks, however, faced losses. Halifax lost over 25,000 customers, while HSBC and Santander UK lost over 20,000 and nearly 24,000 customers respectively. These shifts highlight the impact of financial incentives on customer loyalty.
Tom Riley from Nationwide stated, “Because we don’t have shareholders, we can give more back to our members.” This mutual structure allows Nationwide to return more funds directly to its customers.
Rachel Springall from Moneyfacts commented on the trend: “It is incredibly positive to see more consumers vote with their feet and ditch their current account.” She noted that switching current accounts could be a wise move for consumers facing cost-of-living challenges.
The Fairer Share Payment is typically announced in May. Nationwide has pledged to keep its branches open for at least the next four years, further solidifying its commitment to customer service.
