Are you looking to help a loved one manage their finances with Nationwide? Or perhaps you're setting up your own affairs for the future? Registering a Power of Attorney (POA) with Nationwide Building Society is a crucial step to ensure financial continuity and peace of mind. It allows an appointed attorney to act on behalf of the "donor" (the person granting the power) if they become unable to manage their own affairs.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you have all the necessary information to successfully register a Power of Attorney with Nationwide.
Understanding Power of Attorney: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly clarify what a Power of Attorney is and why it's so important, especially in the context of financial institutions like Nationwide.
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives one or more people (the "attorneys") the authority to make decisions on behalf of another person (the "donor"). There are different types:
- Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): This is the most common type used today in the UK. An LPA can cover Property and Financial Affairs (managing money, paying bills, selling property) and/or Health and Welfare (decisions about medical treatment and daily care). A key feature of an LPA is that it remains valid even if the donor loses mental capacity. For financial institutions like Nationwide, you'll typically be concerned with a Property and Financial Affairs LPA.
- Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA): EPAs were replaced by LPAs in October 2007. However, if an EPA was made and signed before this date, it remains valid. Like an LPA for financial affairs, an EPA allows attorneys to manage finances even if the donor loses mental capacity. If you have an EPA, it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) once the donor starts to lose mental capacity.
Crucially, for both LPAs and EPAs, the document must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) before it can be used. Nationwide will require proof of this registration.
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| How To Register Power Of Attorney With Nationwide |
Step 1: Confirm Your Power of Attorney is Legally Valid and Registered
Before you even think about contacting Nationwide, let's make sure your Power of Attorney document is ready! This is the most critical first step. Without a valid and properly registered POA, Nationwide cannot proceed.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
- Is your Power of Attorney officially registered? For a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). You should have received an official confirmation of this registration, and the document itself will bear a stamp from the OPG. If you have a digital LPA, you will have an access code from the government's website.
- For Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) documents created before October 2007, these also need to be registered with the OPG if the donor has started to lose mental capacity.
Action Point: Locate your official, registered Power of Attorney document (the original or a certified copy) or your LPA access code. If you don't have this, you need to contact the OPG to get a copy or create the access code.
Step 2: Gather All Necessary Documents and Information
Now that you've confirmed your POA's validity, it's time to pull together everything Nationwide will need. Being prepared will significantly speed up the registration process.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Power of Attorney Document Itself
- The Original Power of Attorney Document: Nationwide will typically require the original Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) document.
- Certified Copy: If you prefer not to send the original (which is understandable!), Nationwide will accept a certified copy. A certified copy means a professional (like a solicitor or a Nationwide branch staff member) has confirmed it's a true likeness of the original. The Post Office also offers a document certification service.
- LPA Access Code: For Lasting Powers of Attorney, you can generate an access code from the government's website. This code allows Nationwide to view a summary of your LPA online, potentially removing the need to send the physical document. This is often the most convenient option.
Sub-heading 2.2: Identification for the Attorney(s)
As the attorney, you'll need to prove your identity and address. Even if you're an existing Nationwide member, they may still require up-to-date ID.
- Proof of Name (Photo ID):
- Valid full UK passport
- Valid full UK photocard driving licence
- Valid full EEA passport or EU member state ID card
- If you're not from the EEA, your national passport is required and must be taken into a branch (not posted).
- Proof of Current Address (dated within the last 3 months):
- HMRC tax documentation (e.g., tax notice, statement) less than 6 months old.
- A valid national driving licence from an EU/EEA country (if not used as proof of name).
- Current account, credit card, or mortgage statement from an EEA-based bank (less than 3 months old).
- Utility bill in your name from an EEA-based utility provider (less than 3 months old).
- Important: You cannot use the same document for both proof of name and proof of address. They must be two separate documents.
Sub-heading 2.3: Nationwide's Registration Form
Nationwide provides a specific "Registration of Power of Attorney" form (often referred to as IF18). You must complete this form.
- You can usually download this form directly from the Nationwide website, or pick one up at a branch.
- Key points for filling out the form:
- Use BLOCK CAPITALS and black ink.
- Write INSIDE the boxes.
- DO NOT cross out any sections you don't need to complete.
- Complete a separate form for each account holder (donor) if there are multiple donors.
- On this form, you'll need to list the accounts you are registering the Power of Attorney for. If you wish to register all accounts, there's usually a box to tick, so you don't need to list them individually.
- If there's more than one attorney, you'll need to specify if you are acting:
- Jointly (J): All attorneys need to make decisions together. If acting jointly, attorneys must register at the same time and generally cannot have a card, chequebook, or use online banking independently.
- Jointly and Severally (S): Attorneys can make decisions on their own or together.
Sub-heading 2.4: Details of the Donor (Account Holder)
You'll need the donor's full name, address, date of birth, and Nationwide account details (sort code and account number). This helps Nationwide easily identify their records.
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
Step 3: Choose Your Registration Method: In-Branch or By Post
Nationwide offers two primary ways to register a Power of Attorney:
Sub-heading 3.1: Registering In-Branch (Recommended for First-Timers)
Registering in a Nationwide branch is often the easiest and fastest way, especially if you have any questions or need assistance with the forms.
- Locate your nearest Nationwide branch: Use the branch locator tool on the Nationwide website.
- Make an Appointment (Optional but Recommended): While you can often walk in, calling ahead and making an appointment can ensure a specialist is available to help you and minimise your waiting time.
- Bring All Documents: Take all the documents you gathered in Step 2 with you. This includes:
- The original or certified copy of the Power of Attorney (or the LPA access code).
- Your own proof of identity (photo ID and proof of address).
- The completed Nationwide Registration of Power of Attorney form.
- Any relevant account details for the donor.
- Verification and Submission: The Nationwide staff will review your documents, verify your identity, and answer any questions you may have. They will take copies of your documents and return the originals to you (unless you've submitted an LPA access code).
Sub-heading 3.2: Registering by Post
If visiting a branch isn't convenient, you can also register by post.
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- Prepare Your Documents: Ensure all your documents from Step 2 are assembled.
- Send the Original/Certified Copy: You will need to send the original Power of Attorney document or a certified copy. If you are using the LPA access code, you can simply write this on the form.
- Include Identification Copies: Include photocopies of your proof of identity (photo ID and proof of address). Do not send original identification documents by post, unless Nationwide specifically requests them and you are comfortable doing so.
- Mail to the Correct Address: The Nationwide registration form will usually have the correct postal address for sending Power of Attorney documents. Double-check this address on the form itself or on the Nationwide website to ensure it's up-to-date.
- Consider Recorded Delivery: It is highly recommended to send important legal documents like a Power of Attorney via recorded or special delivery to ensure they arrive safely and you have proof of postage.
Step 4: The Waiting Game and Confirmation
Once you've submitted your documents, Nationwide will begin processing your request.
- Processing Time: Nationwide states that it typically takes up to 11 working days to register someone as an attorney.
- Return of Documents: Any original documents you sent by post will be returned to you once registration is complete.
- Confirmation: Nationwide will send confirmation of the registration by post. This letter will confirm that you are now registered as an attorney on the donor's account(s).
- Additional Items: If you requested a chequebook, debit card, or Internet Bank access for the attorney on the registration form, these items will be sent separately and may take an additional 5 working days to arrive.
Step 5: Setting Up Attorney Access (Internet Bank, Cards, Chequebooks)
Once registered, you can start managing the donor's accounts.
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
- Internet Bank Access: If you requested Internet Bank access on the registration form, Nationwide will provide instructions on how to set this up. You may need to visit a branch if you cannot receive text messages for online access.
- Debit Cards and Chequebooks: These will be dispatched to the attorney's address if requested.
- Jointly Acting Attorneys: Remember, if attorneys are acting jointly, they generally cannot have separate debit cards, chequebooks, or individual Internet Bank access. Decisions must be made together.
- Correspondence: Nationwide may only be able to send correspondence to one person on the account (either the donor or one of the attorneys, if multiple). However, attorneys with Internet Bank access can usually get copies of statements online.
Important Considerations and Tips
- Act in the Donor's Best Interests: As an attorney, you have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the donor. Keep clear records of all financial transactions.
- Communication with Nationwide: Once registered, you can speak to Nationwide directly about the donor's accounts. Have the account details and your POA registration confirmation ready.
- No Future Date Activation: Nationwide cannot accept a Power of Attorney with an instruction for it to come into effect on a future date. It should only be registered when the attorney needs to start supporting the donor with their finances (or when mental capacity is lost for an EPA).
- Professional Advice: While this guide provides a detailed overview, seeking legal advice from a solicitor specializing in Power of Attorney can be invaluable, especially for complex situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to choose an attorney for a Power of Attorney?
Choose someone you trust implicitly and who is capable of managing financial affairs. They must be aged 18 or over and able to make decisions for both themselves and the donor. You can appoint multiple attorneys.
How to get a certified copy of my Power of Attorney?
You can have a solicitor or the Nationwide branch staff certify a copy. The Post Office also offers a Document Certification Service for a fee.
How to obtain an LPA access code from the OPG?
The donor or attorney can create an access code on the government's website (gov.uk) if the LPA is registered. This code allows organisations like Nationwide to view a summary of the LPA online.
How to check the status of my Power of Attorney registration with Nationwide?
You can contact Nationwide's customer service or visit a branch to enquire about the status of your POA registration. Remember to have your details and the donor's account information ready.
How to manage online banking as an attorney with Nationwide?
Once registered, if you requested Internet Bank access, Nationwide will provide instructions to set it up. You will typically log in with your own credentials and have access to the donor's accounts.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
How to deal with joint attorneys and their access to Nationwide accounts?
If attorneys are appointed "jointly," all attorneys must agree on decisions and typically cannot have individual access like separate debit cards or online banking. If appointed "jointly and severally," they can act independently or together.
How to notify Nationwide of the donor's death if a Power of Attorney is in place?
A Power of Attorney automatically ends upon the donor's death. You will need to contact Nationwide as an executor of the estate and provide a death certificate. The POA will no longer be valid.
How to revoke or cancel a Power of Attorney registered with Nationwide?
The donor can revoke a Power of Attorney as long as they have mental capacity. You must follow the legal process for revocation (usually by deed) and then notify Nationwide with the official revocation document.
How to get a copy of the Nationwide Registration of Power of Attorney form (IF18)?
You can usually download this form directly from the "Third Party Access" or "Help" sections of the Nationwide Building Society website, or pick one up at any Nationwide branch.
How to contact Nationwide about Power of Attorney queries?
You can call Nationwide's general customer service line or visit your local branch. It's always best to have the donor's account details and your POA documentation handy when you call or visit.
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