Credit card Notice of Variation FAQs
You should have received a notification from us about some upcoming changes to your credit card terms and conditions. This is called a Notice of Variation.
We've answered questions you might have about these changes.
What is changing and when?
We're making some changes to your credit card terms and conditions in relation to:
- preventing customers from using their credit cards for gambling and digital currencies
- allowing us to return money being held in your credit card account.
These changes will take effect from 3 February 2025.
Gambling
Since 14 April 2020, all UK licensed gambling operators can no longer accept credit cards for gambling.
This step was announced by the Gambling Commission on 14 January 2020, with the aim of protecting consumers against the risks of harm associated with the use of credit cards for gambling.
To support this, gambling transactions won't be accepted. This includes both domestic and international operators.
Yes. This will affect transactions using your Nationwide credit card with merchants categorised as gambling internationally.
The Gambling Commission doesn't allow UK gambling operators to accept any credit cards for gambling.
Nationwide supports the Gambling Commission's objective of reducing gambling harm by blocking any transactions made using Nationwide credit cards where we know or suspect they are for gambling purposes. Other card issuers may have a different approach.
The block works by stopping transactions identified as gambling. We know which transactions to block due to merchant category codes (MCCs).
Gambling companies assign themselves a gambling MCC, which allows us to identify any transactions to them as gambling and stop the payment before the money is transferred.
There's a possibility that a gambling company may use the wrong MCC. In that case, we wouldn't block any transactions to them, as there's no way for us to know it's gambling. Equally, if a non-gambling company uses a gambling MCC, we may block transactions to that company.
There are some gambling transactions we can't block. For example, scratch cards and lottery tickets in some shops. This will depend on how the shop has set up its tills. We also may not be able to block in-game purchases in video games.
Crypto/digital currency
Yes. We've set up restrictions to help protect you and to try to keep your money safe. This means you can't use your credit card to purchase crypto/digital currency, whether you're the main or additional credit card holder.
There are certain risks with purchasing cryptocurrency, as highlighted by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
More information about the risks of cryptocurrency (opens in a new window)
When there is money held on your credit card
This is when there is money in your credit card account that is owed to you. Your credit card is a credit agreement - we won't pay interest to you for any balance in the account and you should not keep money in your account.
There could be money held on your credit card as a result of making a payment that was more than the outstanding balance, or you receive a refund into your credit card account.
You can check the balance of your credit card:
- in the internet bank or banking app
- at any cash machine using your credit card and PIN
- by calling us on 03456 00 66 11 (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Closed bank holidays). If you're outside the UK, call us on +44 2476 43 89 97.
If you do have money held in your account, you can spend the funds by using your credit card.
Or we can return that balance to you, rather than leaving it in the account. To arrange this, please call us on 03456 00 66 11 (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Closed bank holidays). If you're outside the UK, call us on +44 2476 43 89 97.
General
No. All you need to do is read the details of the changes. If you're happy with them, you don't need to do anything else.
The changes will automatically apply from 3 February 2025. But if, for whatever reason, you're not happy with the changes, you have the right to close your account without charge by calling us on 03456 00 66 11 (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm. Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Closed bank holidays). If you're outside the UK, call us on +44 2476 43 89 97.
If you do close your account, your card will be cancelled straight away. If you have an outstanding balance, you'll need to continue making monthly payments until your balance is cleared or repay your balance in full before you close your account.