Nationwide building society recently launched a fixed rate savings account that offers a 5% interest rate for 18 months, positioning itself among the most competitive fixed savings products on the market today.
Despite the attractive rate, Nationwide has revealed limited details about the new offering, leaving some questions unanswered regarding its full range of features.
According to information reported by Money Week, this member-exclusive bond is designed to provide eligible Nationwide customers with a secure way to earn a high return on their savings.
The account comes with a maximum deposit limit of £10,000 and is available only to qualifying members.
Details of the Nationwide Member Exclusive Bond
The new savings account is available exclusively to Nationwide members who were customers as of May 28, 2025, and remain members at the time of application.
To qualify as a member, an individual must hold a current account, savings account, or mortgage with Nationwide. Customers who hold only a personal loan, credit card, investments, or products from Nationwide’s subsidiaries are not eligible.
Additionally, holders of business savings accounts qualify only if the account is held as a sole trader, partnership, or unincorporated body; accounts held by companies, charities, or trustees do not qualify.
Nationwide estimates that 16 million of its more than 17 million customers are eligible to apply for this bond. The account can be opened online or in a Nationwide branch. As a fixed rate bond, funds must remain untouched for the full 18-month term with no option for early withdrawal or closure.
Interest Rate Benefits and Market Comparison
The fixed 5% interest rate offered by Nationwide is currently the best available for an 18-month fixed bond. Customers depositing the maximum £10,000 would earn £762.50 in interest over the term.
This amount exceeds the returns of Nationwide’s next highest 1-year fixed bond at 4% by more than £150 over the same period.
In comparison, other providers offer competitive but lower rates. Oxbury Bank’s Personal 18 Month Bond Account offers 4.45% interest, with a minimum deposit of £1,000 and a maximum of £500,000.
Meanwhile, Secure Trust Bank provides a rate of 4.4% on their 18-month fixed bond, accepting deposits ranging from £1,000 to £1 million.
Additional Considerations for Potential Savers
This new bond is part of Nationwide’s broader strategy to reward long-term members. The launch coincides with the continuation of Nationwide’s “Fairer Share” program, which grants £100 payments to eligible members for the third consecutive year.
Because this account is a fixed rate product, customers must commit their funds for the entire term without early access.
The exclusivity tied to Nationwide membership means that the vast majority of customers—specifically those with qualifying accounts—can benefit from this offer.
The combination of a high interest rate, clear eligibility criteria, and a maximum savings limit makes this bond a noteworthy option for Nationwide members looking to secure stable returns in the current financial environment.
