Nationwide's products awarded five stars

Nationwide's Gold Credit Card and FlexAccount have been awarded a 2008 five star rating by financial research company Defaqto in its latest reports.

The Gold Credit Card offers 0% on balance transfers for 10 months and 0% on purchases for three months and commission free card use abroad. By using a positive order of payments, Nationwide ensures that the most expensive debt is paid off first when a payment to the account is made, unlike the vast majority of other card providers. There is no annual fee and, as well as secure online banking, Nationwide offers a free service called FraudWatch, which includes active account monitoring.

Nationwide's current account - the FlexAccount - has been awarded the five star rating for the last four years and provides a competitive rate of interest on deposits and overdrafts, with customers benefiting from a credit interest rate of 4.00%. The account also gives access to e-savings for a high rate of interest. There are no gimmicks or fees for day-to-day services and the free debit card use abroad means account holders have use of over 1 million cash machines worldwide, with no charges from Nationwide. Internet banking is also available for all account holders.

Jeremy Wood, divisional director at Nationwide, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded Defaqto's five star rating for both our Gold Credit Card and FlexAccount. We are committed to providing our customers with long term good value and these awards are an endorsement of how fair and competitive our products are."