NATIONWIDE has introduced a major change for millions of its customers as the bank aims to tackle domestic abuse.
The high street bank is giving customers the power to block payment references on incoming transfers.
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These messages, which can be written on bank transfers by anyone sending money to another person, are often used by domestic abusers to harass their victims after relationships have broken down.
Nationwide, which has over 16million customers, is the first high street bank to bring in this feature.
The bank said it was also working to make the feature available to its Virgin Money customers in future.
According to charity Surviving Economic Abuse, one in six women in the UK – or around 4.2million – have experienced economic abuse.
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Nationwide head of customer vulnerability Kathryn Townsend 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.
“We urge anyone affected by domestic or economic abuse to seek support by visiting nationwide.co.uk/support, speaking to a colleague in branch, over the phone or online, or by visiting one of our Safe Spaces across our Nationwide branches or Surviving Economic Abuse’s website.”
Sam Smethers, chief executive of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “For far too long, domestic abusers have exploited everyday banking tools, like payment references, to harass and control survivors even after separation. No one should feel scared when accessing their own money.
“Nationwide is the first UK building society to take decisive action against perpetrators, making it clear there are consequences for economic abuse, including debanking repeat offenders.
“We urge other firms to follow suit, by closing down loopholes for abusers and making sure survivor safety is at the heart of every product and service.”
