Millions of banking customers will be given new powers under a new crackdown unveiled today.
Nationwide Building Society has become the first high street provider to allow customers to hide payment references on incoming transfers – a tactic increasingly used by abusers to harass victims long after relationships have ended. The move is aimed at tackling economic abuse, where perpetrators exploit financial systems to control or intimidate former partners.
For many victims, something as routine as checking a bank balance can expose them to threatening or manipulative messages embedded in payment references – often sent via repeated small transfers.
Campaign group Surviving Economic Abuse estimates that 4.2 million women in the UK – around one in 62 – have experienced economic abuse from a current or former partner.
The scale of the issue is also reflected inside Nationwide itself. Its specialist support team handled 312 cases in 2025, up sharply from 213 the previous year.
‘Puts control back with the customer’
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.”
She urged anyone affected to seek help via the firm’s support services, in branch, online or through dedicated Safe Spaces.
Tougher action on offenders
The new feature builds on wider industry measures introduced last year under the Faster Payments system, designed to clamp down on abusive messages.
Nationwide has already rolled out a three-stage warning system, allowing banks to flag harmful behaviour to sending institutions. Repeat offenders can ultimately face their accounts being closed.
Early signs suggest the policy is working, with abusive behaviour often stopping after the first warning.
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.
“We’re proud to have worked with Nationwide to co-develop this tool alongside survivors, giving them greater control by empowering them to hide abusive payment references.”
She added that the building society was “the first UK building society to take decisive action against perpetrators”, including removing banking services from repeat offenders.
Wider support for victims
The initiative forms part of a broader package of help offered by Nationwide, including:
- Safe Spaces in all 430 branches, offering private areas for those seeking help
- A partnership with Refuge, which has already led to dozens of referrals
- Specialist teams trained to spot warning signs and support vulnerable customers
Growing pressure on banks
The launch is likely to increase pressure on rival lenders to follow suit, as campaigners warn that financial tools can be weaponised in subtle but deeply damaging ways.
