I am amazed that Nationwide is doing this at a time when banks are strapped for cash, there is pent-up demand for mortgages, and interest rates for savers are going up every month (my internet bank is offering 7.15% for 12 month deposit). However, what seems to be the message from GB's useful link is that if you apply in person and contact a human being then the chances are that the decision will be reversed. This may be case of automated responses producing inappropriate decisions. It is a bit of a worry though since a standard question when opening a new bank account is whether you have ever been refused previously.