Nationwide Building Society has rolled out a new function within its mobile app that enables customers to conceal payment references attached to incoming transfers, as well as an overhaul of its services across 430 branches.
The feature, which goes live today, aims to shield abuse survivors from perpetrators who weaponise these reference fields to maintain unwanted contact.
By allowing users to choose whether they see these messages, the building society is removing a tool that abusers have exploited to continue exerting control over their victims.
The organisation is additionally investigating whether this capability could be made available to Virgin Money customers at a later date.
Nationwide Building Society has introduced a new service to help vulnerable
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Perpetrators have used payment references as a mechanism for harassment and control, sending messages through what should be routine banking transactions.
The charity Surviving Economic Abuse, which collaborated with Nationwide on developing the feature, estimates approximately 4.2 million women throughout the UK have been subjected to economic abuse by a current or former partner.
This form of abuse encompasses taking charge of another person's bank accounts, credit facilities, spending habits, or their capacity to earn money through employment.
Nationwide's specialist support team, trained to recognise and assist customers who have disclosed abuse or display warning signs, provided help to 312 individuals in 2025, a significant increase from 213 the year before.
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The new app functionality builds upon existing initiatives, including the establishment of "safe spaces" across 430 Nationwide branches where domestic abuse victims can access specialist support services.
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."
Sam Smethers, CEO 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."
The building society is offering support to customers
| NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETYMr Smethers called on other financial institutions to take similar action "by closing down loopholes for abusers and making sure survivor safety is at the heart of every product and service".
He added: "Crucially, 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."