Nationwide current account offers customers generous £100 cash and £120 voucher perk (Image: Getty)
Nationwide Building Society is once again offering Just Eat vouchers worth £120 and £100 free cash with a student current account. The offer, which also launched this time last year, is available to freshers in their first year of studies who open a FlexStudent Account.
Students must pay £500 into the account and make five debit card payments by December 11, 2026, to receive £100 cash and £120 in Just Eat vouchers, paid in £10 instalments every month for a year. Students can also ask for an arranged overdraft, to borrow up to £1,000 in the first year, £2,000 in the second and £3,000 in the third year. The limit will stay at £3,000 if the course is longer than three years.
However, students are not eligible if they have previously claimed a FlexStudent offer or opened the same account or a FlexGraduate account before July 15.
Caitlyn Eastell, personal finance analyst at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, said: “Free cash and vouchers can make one student account stand out from another, but it’s important students compare the overall package before being swayed by incentives. An interest-free overdraft could provide greater value over the course of a degree than a one-off freebie.”
She said the most generous interest-free arranged overdrafts are available from NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland, offering up to £3,250 by the end of a degree. HSBC and Nationwide Building Society also stand out, with overdrafts rising to £3,000.
“However, any overdraft is subject to status and should be seen as a financial safety net rather than extra spending money. Every pound borrowed will need repaying, so taking on part-time work or sticking to a realistic budget can help avoid leaving university with unnecessary debt.”
She said budgeting tools built into banking apps can help students track their spending before it becomes a problem. Some universities may also offer financial support services that many students don’t realise exist.
How do other accounts compare?
Lloyds Bank has boosted its student account from last year, as students can now receive up to £120 in Deliveroo vouchers. In addition, it continues to offer £100 free cash, between the end of July and the end of October, subject to conditions.
HSBC continues to offer discounts and exclusive offers on dining experiences, leisure activities and shopping through HSBC Home & Away, but lacks specific student perks.
NatWest’s student account continues to offer a free tastecard but has improved last year’s £85 cashback to £100. Santander is offering a four-year Railcard worth £115, and customers can sign up to Santander Boosts to earn cashback.
TSB continues to offer a generous credit interest rate of 5% AER/4.89% gross on the first £500.
“Those travelling home regularly could save a significant amount with Santander’s free 16-25 Railcard, while students who frequently order takeaways or eat out may get more value from NatWest’s four-year tastecard or the food delivery vouchers available from Lloyds Bank and Nationwide Building Society,” added Ms Eastell.
The most generous overdraft tariffs are with NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC and Nationwide Building Society, which were also on offer a year ago.
