Nationwide was the first financial services provider in the UK to launch an online bank ten years ago (27 May 1997). The Society now has over three million registered users and is open to the widest range of browser formats of any financial services organisation in the UK. iPhone and iPod Touch users will be able to access the Society's website and internet bank in the same way as they can from their home PC.*

As internet banking has developed into a sophisticated and immensely popular facility over the last decade it is likely that many users will be expecting to manage their finances through their new phone or iPod. Nationwide research shows that over a third (37%) of adults in the UK use internet banking and, of these, over two-thirds (67%) log on at least once a week. More than two-thirds (68%) of all internet bank users manage at least half of their personal finances on the internet, while 9% of men and 6% of women check their internet bank every day.** Yet not all internet banking providers will be able to offer their services through the new iPhone or iPod Touch straightaway.

Mik Hodsdon, Nationwide divisional director, said: "Our research shows that 53% of internet bank users bank online because of its convenience. Being able to manage your finances from your mobile phone or iPod couldn't be easier, and as hardly any online banks are currently able to offer access through these devices, I am pleased to be able to tell our customers that they are able to get online straight away.

"It's always a good idea to check your accounts regularly and we are delighted to be able to offer our members greater access to do just that."

* To access the web, iPod Touch users must be within reach of an available Wi-Fi network.
** Research conducted by Ipsos MORI between 14-15 May 2007 via a telephone omnibus. The Ipsos MORI telephone omnibus is run weekly and consists of a representative sample of around 1,000 adults in the UK aged 18 or over.