EXHIBIT 23

                         CONSENT OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


        We hereby  consent to the use of our report  dated  January  31, 1996 in
this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  relating  to  the  Consolidated  Financial
Statements of F&M National  Corporation and  Subsidiaries,  appearing under Item
8., Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, including,  without limitation,
the  incorporation  by reference in the  Prospectuses  constituting  part of the
Registration  Statements on Form S-8  (#2-77374  and  #33-47685) of F&M National
Corporation.



                                                     /s/
                                                     YOUNT, HYDE & BARBOUR, P.C.


March 22, 1996
Winchester, Virginia