Nationwide Building Society has provided a fresh update for its millions of members regarding the future of its popular £100 customer bonus scheme.
What is the Fairer Share Payment?
Since 2023, Britain's biggest building society has run its 'Fairer Share' initiative, handing out £100 payments to eligible members each summer. The scheme is designed to reward customer loyalty and has seen hundreds of millions of pounds returned to members.
To qualify, customers must hold a Nationwide current account alongside either a savings account or a mortgage with the society. The cash is typically paid directly into accounts in June, with the eligibility cut-off usually falling at the end of March.
Will the Scheme Run in 2026?
Nationwide has now issued guidance on the scheme's status for the coming year. The building society has a policy of not confirming whether the bonus will be paid until a few weeks before the payments are made, which is normally in May.
This means the annual giveaway is not guaranteed to happen every year. However, given its success in attracting and retaining customers, it appears highly likely the bonus will return for 2026.
According to reports from Money Saving Expert (MSE), Nationwide will announce its final decision "as part of (its) full year results in May". MSE notes that while it is likely the payment will be offered again, it is not a certainty.
Scale and Impact of the Payments
The financial impact of the Fairer Share scheme has been substantial. Last summer, around four million customers received the £100 boost, amounting to a total payout of £400 million.
The previous year, the society distributed £385 million to 3.85 million people. With the first three months of the year being the critical qualifying period, now is the ideal time for members to ensure their accounts are set up correctly to maximise their chances of receiving the potential windfall.
Members are advised to keep an eye on official communications from Nationwide in the spring for the definitive announcement regarding the 2026 Fairer Share bonus.
