So, you know those old building society booklets you keep stashed away in the loft? Yeah, I found mine the other day. Turns out, I used to have an account with National & Provincial back in the ’90s.
Thought I might uncover a hidden fortune, but nope, closed it out when I was 8. Still, I stumbled upon something interesting: those vintage building society roll numbers. Figured I’d whip up this guide to help anyone else who isn’t familiar with them!
Table of Contents
What Is a Building Society Roll Number?
A building society roll number is a unique identifier for your account, similar to a bank account number. Not all building societies use them, but some do alongside the standard account number and sort code. It’s especially common for older accounts or specific types of accounts, like savings accounts.
What It Looks Like
- Mix of letters and numbers, typically 10-18 digits long.
- Unique to your account.
What It’s Used For
- Ensuring smooth payment processing: When receiving money, the roll number helps ensure it reaches the correct account.
- Online payments: Many online payment platforms require the roll number as a reference for building society accounts.
Where to Find Your Building Society Roll Number
- Account opening documents: Check the paperwork you received when you opened your account.
- Statements or passbooks (if you have one): Look for “roll number” or “reference number” on your statements or passbook.
- Historically, building societies used to provide clients with a Passbook. This book contains transaction entries. When withdrawing money at a branch, you would present your passbook for updating. Your Roll number is printed in your Passbook upon opening the account.
- Online banking or app: Some building societies display the roll number within your online account or app.
- Contact your building society: If you can’t find it elsewhere, call or visit your building society’s customer service.
Safety First
- Treat your roll number like your account number: Don’t share it with anyone unless you trust them completely.
- Always use the roll number as a reference for online payments: Don’t include any other information.
- If you forget your roll number, contact your building society: They can verify your identity and provide you with the number.
Additional Considerations
- Not all building societies use roll numbers: Check with your specific building society if you’re unsure.
- Roll numbers are different from sort codes and account numbers: They serve a distinct purpose.
- Building societies offer some advantages over banks: They are often member-owned and may offer better savings rates.
Building Societies in the UK
Here’s a comprehensive list of building societies in the UK currently registered with the Building Societies Association.
| Building Society | Telephone Number |
|---|---|
| Bath Building Society | 01225 423 271 |
| Beverley Building Society | 01482 881 510 |
| Buckinghamshire Building Society | 01494 879 500 |
| Cambridge Building Society | 0345 601 3344 |
| Capital Credit Union | 0131 225 9901 |
| Chelsea Building Society | 0845 1200 898 |
| Chorley & District Building Society, The | 01257 235 000 |
| Coventry Building Society | 0800 121 8899 |
| Cumberland Building Society | 01228 403141 |
| Darlington Building Society | 01325 366 366 |
| Dudley Building Society | 01384 231 414 |
| Earl Shilton Building Society | 01455 844 422 |
| Ecology Building Society | 01535 650 770 |
| Family Building Society | 01372 742211 |
| Furness Building Society | 01229 824 560 |
| Glasgow Credit Union | 0141 274 9933 |
| Hanley Economic Building Society | 01782 255 000 |
| Harpenden Building Society | 01582 765 411 |
| Hinckley and Rugby Building Society | 01455 251234 |
| Leeds Building Society | 03450 505075 |
| Leeds Credit Union | 0113 2423343 |
| Leek United Building Society | 01538 384 151 |
| London Mutual Credit Union | 020 3773 1751 |
| Loughborough Building Society | 01509 610 707 |
| Manchester Credit Union | 0161 231 5222 |
| Mansfield Building Society, The | 01623 676 300 |
| Market Harborough Building Society | 01858 412 250 |
| Marsden Building Society | 01282 440 500 |
| Melton Mowbray Building Society | 01664 414141 |
| Monmouthshire Building Society | 01633 844 444 |
| National Counties Building Society | 01372 742211 |
| Nationwide Building Society | 01793 656363 |
| Newbury Building Society | 01635 555 700 |
| Newcastle Building Society | 0191 244 2000 |
| No 1 Copperpot Credit Union | 0161 741 3160 |
| Nottingham Building Society | 0344 481 4444 |
| Penrith Building Society | 01768 863 675 |
| Principality Building Society | 0330 333 4000 |
| Progressive Building Society | 028 9024 4926 |
| Saffron Building Society | 01799 522211 |
| Scottish Building Society | 0131 313 7700 |
| Scotwest Credit Union Ltd | 0141 227 2390 |
| Skipton Building Society | 01756 705 000 |
| Stafford Railway Building Society | 01785 223 212 |
| Suffolk Building Society | 0330 123 0723 |
| Swansea Building Society | 01792 739100 |
| Teachers Building Society | 01202 843 500 |
| Tipton & Coseley Building Society | 0121 557 2551 |
| Vernon Building Society | 0161 4296262 |
| West Bromwich Building Society | 0345 241 3785 |
| Yorkshire Building Society | 0345 1200 100 |
Pro Tips & Resources
- Difference between banks and building societies
https://www.comparethemarket.com/mortgages/content/building-societies/ - Other places to keep your money
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/guide-to-funds/
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalised advice.
Missed anything? Leave me a comment below.
