Nationwide Lets Survivors Hide Abusive Payment References in App
Nationwide Lets Survivors Hide Abusive Payment References in App
Nationwide rolls out an in-app feature to block harmful payment references, giving survivors more control over their finances and safety.
Nationwide Building Society has launched a new feature that lets customers block harmful payment references, a move aimed at safeguarding abuse survivors from unwanted contact. Perpetrators have used abusive messages embedded in payment references to maintain control, and the new tool lets users hide those references on incoming transfers directly within the Nationwide app. The society is also exploring extending this functionality to Virgin Money customers.
The rollout comes amid ongoing concerns about economic abuse. The charity Surviving Economic Abuse estimates that 4.2 million women in the UK have endured some form of economic abuse from a current or former partner, which can involve controlling bank accounts, spending, or a person’s ability to work and earn income. Nationwide notes it has already taken steps to support vulnerable customers, including its “safe spaces” across 430 branches, where specialist staff can provide help. The bank reports its dedicated vulnerability team assisted 312 customers in 2025, up from 213 in 2024.
Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, said: “Domestic abuse doesn’t stop and start at physical harm, it can reach into everyday systems, including banking. When applied, the hide reference feature puts control back with the customer, where it belongs.” Nationwide also urges anyone affected by domestic or economic abuse to seek support by visiting nationwide.co.uk/support, or contacting their support channels for guidance.
