nationwide building society is the largest building society in the united kingdom|uk. it has its headquarters in swindon, england, and maintains a significant administration centre in northampton. it has approximately 13 million members, 20 million accounts and employs 19,000 people across the uk. it is the only uk building society to clear its own cheques, and the only uk financial institution to offer completely fee-free transactions (both electronic and cash withdrawals) worldwide with their visa debit|visa branded debit cards.