A MAJOR building society has made a huge change to its app that will allow customers to send cash to friends and family with a selfie.
Nationwide customers previously had to use a card reader to prove their identity when they wanted to use its app to send money to someone they hadn’t paid before.
But in a major update customers of the UK’s largest building society now simply need to take a selfie to verify their identity.
To set it up customers need to log into their account and go to their profile and settings.
Next they need to click ‘remove the card reader’ and follow the steps.
They will need to use their card reader one more time to get a secure passcode, then take a picture of their face to prove their identity.
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Once the set up is complete they will be able to make payments without a card reader using the app.
The news comes after Nationwide last year introduced biometric authentication, which allows customers to verify their identity using their fingerprints or face ID.
Major banks including First Direct, NatWest and Santander also use biometric authentication including fingerprints and face ID to allow customers to log into their account and authorise transactions.
Meanwhile, digital bank Monzo asks customers to film themselves saying the words “hi, my name is [your name], and I want a Monzo Bank account” to verify their identity when they sign up.
A Nationwide spokesperson said: “Last year we introduced selfie authentication for app users to provide a secure and seamless banking experience.
“For those who want this and pass the checks, this means app users won’t need to use a card reader if they don’t want to.”
How do I switch bank accounts?
SWITCHING bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
Dozens of high street banks and building societies are signed up – there’s a full list on CASS’ website.
Under the switching service, swapping banks should take seven working days.
You don’t have to remember to move direct debits across when moving, as this is done for you.
All you have to do is apply for the new account you want, and the new bank will tell your existing one you’re moving.
There are a few things you can do before switching though, including choosing your switch date and transferring any old bank statements to your new account.
You should get in touch with your existing bank for any old statements.
When switching current accounts, consider what other perks might come with joining a specific bank or building society.
Some banks offer 0% overdrafts up to a certain limit, and others might offer better rates on savings accounts.
And some banks offer free travel or mobile phone insurance with their current accounts – but these accounts might come with a monthly fee.