Nationwide building society makes account statement change - check if you're affected

Nationwide Building Society has stopped automatically sending out paper statements, in a change that may impact millions of customers.

The switch came into effect this month and means that savers with certain accounts will now receive their statements digitally, rather than by post. Customers are being directed to log in through the Nationwide banking app or website to view their documents. The changes affect a wide range of savings products, including some of Nationwide's most popular savings accounts and ISAs. The full list can be found here.

However, mortgages and loans are unaffected, meaning borrowers will continue to receive information through existing arrangements.

Nationwide has said that customers who prefer to keep receiving paper statements can still do so, but they must opt in. Customers can request statements over the phone, in branch, or by updating their preferences in the mobile app so that future statements continue to be posted.

A spokesperson for Nationwide building society said: "Nationwide customers can continue to have their savings statements on paper as well as online. However, we have stopped automatically posting paper statements on a number of accounts following customer feedback.

"For those who prefer a paper copy, these can be requested in branch or over the phone, and customers can also opt in via the app to have their statements posted to them."

The move reflects a growing industry trend, with more high street banks and building societies shifting away from paper as digital banking becomes the norm.

Many providers argue that most customers now prefer the speed and convenience of online access.

However, concerns remain that vulnerable customers, particularly those who are elderly or less confident with digital banking, could find it more difficult to access important account information.