Nationwide Building Society has launched a new feature in its app that allows customers to hide harmful payment references, aimed at protecting survivors of abuse. This initiative responds to the alarming reality that 4.2 million women in the UK have experienced economic abuse, where abusers exploit financial systems to exert control. The feature, effective from Thursday, empowers users to choose what payment details they see, thereby reducing unwanted contact from perpetrators. Nationwide's support team has seen a rise in the number of customers needing assistance, helping 312 individuals in 2025, up from 213 the previous year. This feature complements Nationwide's existing measures, such as creating “safe spaces” in 430 branches for individuals facing domestic abuse. Kathryn Townsend, head of customer vulnerability at Nationwide, emphasized the importance of giving control back to customers. Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, praised the collaboration with Nationwide, urging other financial institutions to adopt similar measures to enhance survivor safety.