The Select Credit Card, offered by Nationwide, was for many years one of the most stable and transparent options on the UK credit market. Even though it is no longer available to new customers, it is still widely used by those who have it and serves as an excellent reference for comparing with other cards available on the market.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Select Credit Card in detail. We’ll cover the requirements to apply, the documents required, the main uses of the card, and provide an honest analysis of its advantages and disadvantages. All of this in clear, accessible, and practical language.
Our goal is to help you understand in a simple and reliable way how this product works, so that you have complete clarity before deciding to use it or look for similar alternatives. Let’s get straight to the point.
What are the requirements needed to apply?
The first thing you should know is that the Select Credit Card is no longer being offered to new customers. In other words, only those who already had an account with Nationwide and had been previously approved can continue using the card.
However, the requirements that were considered at the time of application are still relevant to understand the ideal customer profile and the standard that Nationwide seeks to grant credit. This also helps you prepare if you want to apply for other products from the same institution.
See the main criteria required:
Being a UK resident
Be at least 18 years old
Have a reasonable credit history, without major restrictions or defaults
Have an active checking account with Nationwide (in the case of the Select Credit Card, this was mandatory)
Prove a stable source of income compatible with the requested credit limit
Have a fixed address in the country and valid registration with British credit agencies
The analysis process involved a complete check of your financial profile. In other words, it wasn’t enough to meet the minimum criteria – your previous financial behavior, such as paying your bills on time and using credit responsibly, also counted a lot.
What documents are required?
During the application process for any credit card, including the Select Credit Card, submitting documents is a crucial step. They are used to verify your identity, prove your income and confirm your address.
Required documents typically included:
Proof of identity, such as:
Valid passport
UK Driving Licence with Photo
Proof of address, such as:
Electricity, gas, water or landline telephone bill (issued within the last three months)
Recent bank statement
Official letter from a public body (such as HMRC)
Proof of income, such as:
Pay slips from the last few months
Annual income tax return (for self-employed individuals)
Letter from employer confirming employment relationship and salary
Documentation was reviewed carefully and in some cases additional information might be requested, especially if there were inconsistencies in the credit history.
What are the biggest uses of this credit card?
The Select Credit Card is a card with broad and flexible features. It can be used for a variety of transactions, both in the UK and when travelling abroad.
See the main uses that customers usually give to the card:
Shopping in physical and online stores
Accepted in thousands of establishments, the card can be used in supermarkets, pharmacies, department stores and e-commerce.
It is also compatible with subscription services and digital platforms.
Recurring payments
Ideal for setting up automatic debit for services such as streaming, gym, cell phone bills and insurance.
Travel and accommodation bookings
Because it is Visa-branded, it is accepted internationally by hotels, airlines, car rental companies and other tourism companies.
Emergency use
It serves as a line of credit available for financial emergencies or unexpected expenses.
Balance transfer
You can transfer debt from other cards to the Select Credit Card, concentrating payments and possibly paying less interest.
ATM withdrawals
It is also possible to carry out cash withdrawals, although with fees and interest, this function is best suited only for exceptional situations.
It is important to remember that the card does not offer an interest-free period for withdrawals or balance transfers. For purchases, the customer has up to 56 days of interest-free payment, as long as the full amount of the bill is paid by the due date.
Our advice for those who are going to apply for a credit card
Even though the Select Credit Card is no longer available to new customers, the lessons learned from this card serve as a basis for making a good choice in today’s market.
If you are thinking about applying for a similar card, here are some helpful guidelines:
Assess your financial profile honestly
Before applying for credit, analyze your monthly budget. Check if there is room for card payments without compromising other essential expenses.
Avoid paying only the minimum amount on your bill
By only paying the minimum, the debt accumulates and the interest makes the total amount much higher. This prolongs the payment and reduces your scope for action in the future.
Use the card as an ally, not as a last-minute resource
Having a card doesn’t mean spending too much. Use it wisely, especially if you’re trying to improve or build your credit history.
Always check the rates and conditions
Don’t just look at the limit or the appearance of the card. Read the fee table, interest rules, terms and specific clauses about payments and charges.
Check your credit score before applying
This helps you understand which products you may have a better chance of being approved for and avoids multiple applications in a row, which can hurt your score.
Consider cards with no annual fee
Cards like the Select Credit Card, which don’t charge an annual fee, are good options for those who want flexibility without a fixed cost.
Choosing a credit card should be done with caution, because it can be both a useful tool and a trap if not used properly.
Weighing up the pros and cons – Is it worth it?
Like any financial product, the Select Credit Card has its pros and cons. The best decision is always based on balance, considering your personal goals and lifestyle.
Here’s what you need to consider:
Positive points:
No annual fee
Allows up to 56 days interest-free on purchases
Offers a wide range of interest rates, adapted to the customer’s profile
No late fees or overage fees
Issuance of second copies and free copies of extracts
Internationally accepted thanks to the Visa flag
Payments are applied to debts with the highest interest first, which helps reduce total debt
Points to consider with caution:
No longer available to new customers
Immediate interest charging on withdrawals and balance transfers
2.5% fee (minimum £3) on cash withdrawals
2.4% fee (minimum £5) on balance transfers
There is no accumulation of points or cashback
Only balances paid in full benefit from the zero interest benefit on purchases
Therefore, if you already have the Select Credit Card, it can be a good ally in your daily life, as long as you use it with planning. For those who are considering similar products, it is worth looking for options that maintain this simplicity, transparency and balanced cost-benefit.
Apply for a credit card once and for all on the official website
If you are looking for a card that follows the same line as the Select Credit Card – with clear interest, no annual fee and complete digital control – Nationwide offers other alternatives that may suit your profile.
Want to know the latest options and apply directly through the official website? Click the button below and find out all about the credit cards available today at Nationwide.
This is the safest and fastest way to get up-to-date information, compare conditions and start your journey with more clarity and confidence.
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