A new way to top up your savings

We’re introducing a new way to top up your NS&I savings accounts: Pay by bank account.

It means you can make deposits through our website without needing to enter your card details or any reference numbers, so it’s quick and easy to use. And it's highly secure as you will approve each payment through your bank’s own app or website.

How it works

When you use Pay by bank account we’ll securely transfer you from our website to your bank’s app or online banking website to approve the payment. Because you are doing this directly through your bank, you benefit from your own bank’s security. With many banks you can also check your balance before any money leaves your account – putting you in complete control.

What do I need to get started?

• An NS&I account that you can top up online
• A UK bank account that you can access online through your bank’s app or website

Is it safe?

Yes, it’s very safe. Pay by bank account is based on Open Banking technology, which has been established in the UK for over 5 years. We use a trusted provider called Ecospend to securely connect with all the major banks in the UK, and most of the smaller banks too. Ecospend is an authorised payment institution regulated by the FCA.

Find out more about Open Banking

Find out more about Ecospend

How to use it

Follow our step by step guide:

More FAQs

• What if I don’t bank online?

  You can make a bank transfer into your NS&I account – most of the major banks can accept your instructions by phone or in person at a branch.

  How to make a bank transfer to NS&I

• What if my bank isn’t listed?

  Our Pay by bank account service includes all the major banks in the UK, and most of the smaller banks too. If you can’t see yours on the list, you can still top up your NS&I savings by bank transfer – see above.

• When will the money arrive in my NS&I account?

  In most cases the money will leave your bank account straight away, then it can take up to two hours to reach your NS&I account. It can sometimes take longer to leave your account, for example if your bank needs to make extra checks.

• Do you share my information with anyone else?

  When you use Pay by bank account, we’ll share the following information with our trusted payment provider Ecospend:

  • the amount you want to deposit
  • your NS&I account number or holder’s number

  To use the service, you will also need to tell Ecospend which bank you want to use to make the payment. Ecospend will then share the above information with your chosen bank.

  You can find out more here:

  Read our Pay by bank account privacy notice

• Can NS&I access my bank account?

  No, we can’t access your bank account – neither we nor Ecospend have access to your bank login details.

• How much can I pay in through Pay by bank account?

  Most banks have a daily limit on how much you can pay – please check with your bank, particularly if you want to make a large payment.

• How do QR code payments work?

  If you log in to NS&I’s website with a computer and you choose Pay by bank account, you’ll see a QR code on the screen after you’ve entered the amount. If you have a banking app on your smartphone or tablet, just scan the QR code and you’ll be directed to your banking app to approve the payment. On many devices you can do this by turning on your camera and pointing your phone or tablet at the QR code (no need to take a photo). With some devices you may need to download a QR code scanner app.

• Why has my payment been declined?

  Sometimes banks may reject a payment. This could be for many reasons, for example if the amount would take you over your bank’s daily limit. Please contact your bank directly to find out.

• What if I don’t want to use Pay by bank account?

  Pay by bank account is a quick, easy and secure way to top up your NS&I savings. But if you don’t want to use it, that’s fine – you can make a bank transfer into your NS&I account instead.