Cancel Nationwide Flex Plus the easy way

Overview

Nationwide Flex Plus is a fee based current account package that bundles banking with insurance benefits. The published monthly fee is A318 charged on the last day of each month; the annual equivalent is A3216. Core insurance benefits include worldwide family travel insurance and worldwide mobile phone insurance, plus UK and European breakdown cover.

Main benefits and limits

The insurances are activated immediately when the Flex Plus account is opened and you cannot hold the Flex Plus insurances without holding the Flex Plus account. Travel insurance included with Flex Plus is cancelled if you close your account. Travel insurance upgrades follow separate cancellation rules described below.

Company facts

Official product pages: Nationwide FlexPlus and the FlexPlus travel insurance policy details at FlexPlus travel insurance.

Web / Online Banking

1. Log into Nationwide online banking.
2. Locate account settings or the option to close or switch your current account.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to close the Flex Plus account or to switch to another Nationwide current account.
4. Save or screenshot the confirmation and note any reference number.

iOS

1. Open the Nationwide app on your iPhone.
2. Go to the Flex Plus account details and choose the option to close or switch accounts, or send a secure message requesting closure.
3. Record any in-app confirmation and note the time and reference.

Android

1. Open the Nationwide app on Android.
2. Request account closure or account switch from the account options or send a secure message.
3. Retain any confirmation message or email.

Phone

1. Call Nationwide customer support (use the number on the back of your card or from Nationwide sites).
2. Tell the adviser you want to close your Flex Plus account or switch to another Nationwide current account to cancel the included insurances.
3. Ask for a call reference number and request written confirmation by post or secure message.

Email / Secure Message

1. Send a secure message in online banking or use the contact form on Nationwide official pages to request account closure.
2. Include your account number, full name and a clear instruction to close the Flex Plus account.
3. Keep the secure message and any reply as proof.

Post

1. Write a signed letter requesting closure of the Flex Plus account, include account number and date of birth.
2. Send as a registered letter to: Nationwide Flex Plus, Pipers Way, SN38 1NW Swindon, United Kingdom.
3. Keep proof of postage and await written confirmation from Nationwide.

For product terms and precise account closure rules see Nationwide current account terms: Nationwide current account terms.

Moving abroad or change of residence

If you move outside the eligibility area for Flex Plus, close or switch your account to end the Flex Plus package. Required proof documents: new address confirmation such as utility bill or official registration. Applicable law / guidance: Consumer Rights Act 2015 for fair contract performance and the Nationwide account terms.

Price increase or change to cover

If Nationwide makes a change to your insurance cover or account benefits you can close your Flex Plus account and withdraw funds without charge if you notify Nationwide within 60 days of being informed of the change. Required proof: the written notice from Nationwide about the change and your closing instruction. Applicable law / guidance: Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the product change provisions in the Nationwide account terms.

Death of the subscriber

On the death of the account holder, the account can be closed by the executor or administrator. Required proof documents: original death certificate and proof of authority (grant of probate or letters of administration). Applicable law / guidance: Nationwide account terms and standard estate administration rules; escalate to Nationwide with the documents above.

Legitimate ground accepted by Nationwide Flex Plus

Nationwide accepts legitimate grounds such as change of eligibility for travel insurance or material change to the contract. Required proof documents: any document showing the factual ground (for example, insurer correspondence, doctore28099s letter where relevant). Applicable law / guidance: Consumer Rights Act 2015.

End of commitment

Where there is a defined term that has ended, request account switch or closure. Required proof: account details. Applicable law / guidance: Nationwide account terms.

Cooling-off period for insurance

You have a minimum 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 for most insurance contracts, starting from when the policy starts or when policy documents are received (whichever is later). For life insurance the cooling-off period is 30 days. Travel insurance lasting less than one month is excluded from that cooling-off right. Required proof: notice of cancellation and the date you received policy documents. Applicable law: Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

Before you cancel: negotiate

Nationwide does not publish a standard set of retention offers for Flex Plus. Public records include a customer complaint about difficulty getting a downgrade or closure despite assurances. When you call or message Nationwide ask specifically: 1) to downgrade to a no-fee current account, 2) for a temporary or permanent waiver of the monthly fee, or 3) to switch to an alternative Nationwide account with similar benefits. Record the adviser name and reference number. If Nationwide makes a change to your cover, you can close the account and withdraw funds without charge if you notify Nationwide within 60 days of the change.

What cancelling saves you (math)

Flex Plus monthly fee: A318. Calculation: A318 x 12 = A3216 per year. Cheapest alternative from the listed competitors: TSB Spend & Save Plus at A33 per month, annual A336. Calculation: A33 x 12 = A336 per year. Yearly saving if you move from Flex Plus to TSB Spend & Save Plus: A3216 - A336 = A3180 per year. Other alternatives: Monzo Max A319 per month (A3219 per year), Virgin Money Club M A314 per month (A3168 per year), Santander Edge Up A35 per month (A360 per year). These figures use published monthly prices and simple multiplication to show annual cost differences.

Relevant UK law and regulator

The consumer protections that apply include the Consumer Rights Act 2015 for service standards and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 for the 14-day cooling-off right. Financial products are also subject to oversight by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has guidance on unfair auto-renewal practices.

Cooling-off and refunds

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 you have 14 days to cancel most insurance contracts and receive a refund of premiums paid, starting from policy commencement or receipt of documents (whichever is later). Life insurance has a 30-day cancellation period. Travel insurance lasting less than one month is excluded from the 14-day right. If you cancel outside the cooling-off period a refund may still be available if no claims have been made but administration fees often apply.

Escalation steps

If Nationwide will not resolve your complaint: 1) complain to Nationwide in writing and keep records; 2) if unresolved, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service; 3) get free guidance from Citizens Advice. You may also have card protections such as Section 75 or chargeback for qualifying card payments. See the Financial Ombudsman decision example: FOS decision DRN-6054271 and Citizens Advice on cancelling insurance: Citizens Advice - cancelling an insurance policy.

Confirm closure and check final statement

After requesting closure, wait for written confirmation by secure message or post. Check your final account statement to ensure the monthly fee is no longer charged and that any refunds due under a cooling-off right have been processed.

Insurance cover and travel plans

When you close Flex Plus your included travel insurance and other linked insurances are cancelled. If you have upcoming travel, arrange alternative cover before closing the account. If you cancelled during the 14-day cooling-off period and qualify for a refund, request the refund formally.

Direct debits, card and standing orders

Cancel or move any direct debits and standing orders to your new account. If any merchants try to charge your closed account, contact them and provide your new payment details.

Access to records

Keep copies of closure confirmations, secure messages and final statements. For any dispute you will need these documents. If necessary request copies of policy documents or a written statement of the cancellation date from Nationwide.

Use this checklist to complete cancellation and protect yourself after closure.

• Decide whether to close or switch your Flex Plus account.
• If you prefer immediate processing, prepare online or phone request details.
• Save or print confirmation of the closure or any secure message reply.
• If you cancelled within 14 days of receiving policy documents, request a refund for premiums paid and keep proof.
• Move direct debits and standing orders to your new bank account before closure if possible.
• If you relied on Flex Plus travel insurance, buy replacement cover before travelling.
• Keep copies of correspondence, call reference numbers and final statements for at least 12 months.
• If Nationwide refuses or delays, escalate using the Financial Ombudsman Service after complaining to Nationwide.