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What is a Prepaid Bank Account?

With a Prepaid Bank Account you are able to manage your budget and won't go overdrawn again – so no more unexpected overdraft charges or bank fees for bounced direct debits.

Even if you have a history of bad credit, or had money problems in the past, we guarantee acceptance, subject to identification and verification (which we can check electronically for you in most cases).

A  Prepaid Account puts you back in control of your finances.  It works like any other bank account – your salary or regular income is paid in and your direct debits, standing orders and regular bill payments come out.

It’s as simple and straightforward as that.  Click on the links below to find answers to some of the questions you may have about our Prepaid Bank Account....

So – What’s the Difference?

The Prepaid Bank Account comes with a prepaid card.  Simply retain sufficient funds in your account to cover your regular commitments and outgoings.  The rest can be transferred onto your prepaid card for you to use at over 28 million outlets, any cash machine displaying the MasterCard® logo, retail outlets and for shopping online or over the phone.  You can vary the amount that you transfer to your card at any time – online or by or automated telephone service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week*.

Does the Prepaid Bank Account offer Internet Banking?

We will arrange for all your existing direct debits, standing orders and regular payments to be transferred to your new Prepaid Bank Account.  We can do this at application stage or once your bank account is up and running.  Either way, there are no complicated forms to fill in or telephone calls to make.

Does the Prepaid Bank Account offer Internet Banking?

Yes, an online banking service is available with your Prepaid Account, giving you the freedom to manage your account using internet banking in a safe and secure environment.  You can transfer money between your accounts, check your balance and transactions, set up and manage your standing orders and view or cancel your direct debits.

What about Telephone Banking?

Our 24 hour* automated telephone banking service provides you with the facility to check balances, recent transactions and transfer money onto your prepaid card®.  If you prefer to talk to an advisor in person, our Prepaid Team is available to help you from 8.30am – 7.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am – 1.00pm on Saturdays.

Features of the Secure Trust Prepaid Current Account

Telephone BankingTo make life as easy as possible, the Secure Trust Prepaid Current Account offers you Telephone Banking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to let you manage your account whenever you like. Ring for account information, balance enquiries or to set up or cancel standing orders and direct debits. You can even make one off bill payments/electronic transfers and arrange bankers drafts. Just call on 08451 117 117.
Internet BankingOur comprehensive internet banking service allows you to manage your finances quickly and easily 24 hours a day, 7days a week. You can transfer money between your accounts, check your balance and transactions, set up and manage your standing orders and view or cancel your direct debits. If you're already using this service, log in here or register your card for online banking now.
Payzone You can pay cash into your Prepaid Bank Account at any one of around 20,000 participating Payzone retail outlets across the UK. Simply hand your card and the cash you wish to pay into your account at the Payzone till and, providing it is paid in before 10.00pm, it will be credited to your account the very next day - even if it's a weekend or Bank Holiday*! This gives you even more flexibility for paying cash into your account - click here for more information and to find your nearest Payzone retailer. *Cash paid in after 10.00pm will be credited to your account within 48 hours
Cash Machines (ATM)You can use your prepaid card to withdraw money from any cash machine in the UK or abroad displaying the MasterCard® acceptance mark. Fee applies – please refer to Account Fees for details.
Barclays Branch BankingYou can deposit cash or cheques at any Barclays Branch using your prepaid paying in slips. This service is free of charge. Please note that deposits paid in through Barclays take 7 working days to clear.

Switching Bank Accounts
Don’t be put off by thinking that there'll be lots of hassle involved in switching bank accounts.  As part of the account setting up procedure, we offer the facility of transferring all your direct debits and standing orders from up to two of your existing accounts across to your new Prepaid Bank Account.

All you need to do is complete the details on the online application form when you open your account or, if your account is already open, call the Telephone Banking Team on 08451 117 117 with the details of your direct debits and standing orders.  Either way, leave it to us to do all the work and arrange the transfers for you, safely and securely.  We're here from 8.30am - 7.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am - 1.00pm on Saturdays.

We will even work around your pay dates. All you need to do is arrange for your salary or other regular income to be paid into your Prepaid Bank Account using a pre-completed form that we will provide for you.  Please note that, on average, the whole transfer process takes 10 - 14 working days.  We do recommend that you leave sufficient funds in your existing account to cover any bills that need to be paid during the transfer period.

Budgeting is easier with us
Managing money effectively can be quite difficult and confusing for a lot of people. Whether it’s your student finances, or you are monitoring your household income, budget planning has never been more important.

Budgeting your cash is easier with a Prepaid Bank Account . The money transferred from your bank account to your prepaid card can be used to withdraw cash, make purchases online, in-store, abroad or over the phone. All you have to do is leave enough money in your Prepaid Bank Account to cover your direct debits and other regular bills.

Student Budgeting for Parents
Do you have kids at University who are living away from home but are still a drain on your hard earned cash, needing regular top-ups to their finances?  If so, why not send them an additional prepaid card?*  It will make life easier for you and may help them learn how to manage their finances.  Plus they can access to their very own internet banking page to check balances and transactions online.  They can use the prepaid card in a similar way to a debit card – but can never go overdrawn , since once the funds have gone, they’ve gone.

Family Banking
Do you regularly need to send money to family living abroad?  Kids gone off backpacking to Australia or on a gap year overseas?  If so, why not make life easier by sending them an additional prepaid card* instead of making expensive money transfers.  With real time money transfer from your bank account to your cards, you can make sure their cash funds are topped up as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionI have a bad credit history - can I have a Prepaid Bank Account?
AnswerYes - this is a guaranteed bank account available to anyone, regardless of their credit history. We just need to confirm your identity, which can be done electronically, at the time of application.
QuestionHow long will it take to set up an account?
AnswerApplying online using the quick and easy application form takes a matter of minutes - once your ID checks are completed you will be issued with your new Prepaid Bank Account number and sort code straightaway. You should receive everything you need to operate the account (your prepaid card, PIN number, paying in slips and welcome pack) within 10 days of application.
QuestionIs the Prepaid Card a credit card?
AnswerNo. The card is linked to your Prepaid Bank Account. Simply retain sufficient funds in your current account to cover your regular commitments and outgoings - the rest can be transferred onto your Prepaid card to use as you would a debit card. But you can only spend the amount of money that you have pre-loaded onto the card, so you know exactly where you stand.
QuestionHow do I load money from my Prepaid Bank Account onto my card?
AnswerYou can load money onto your card quickly and easily, using online banking or our automated telephone service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
QuestionHow do I pay money into my Prepaid Bank Account?
AnswerSalaries, wages and some benefits are often paid directly into your Prepaid Bank Account by electronic transfer. You can quickly and easily transfer money into your Prepaid Account from other accounts using our online banking or automated telephone service. Cash and cheques can be paid in over the counter at any branch of Barclays Bank, using the paying in slips you receive with your welcome pack. You can also pay cash into your Prepaid Bank Account at any Payzone retail outlet - so long as the cash is paid in before 10.00pm it will be credited to your account the very next day.
QuestionHow do I switch from my existing bank account to the Prepaid Bank Account?
AnswerWe'll arrange for all your existing direct debits, standing orders and regular payments to be transferred to your new Prepaid Bank Account. There'll be no complicated forms for you to fill in or phone calls to make. We'll do all the work for you!
QuestionWill I be charged for going overdrawn?
AnswerNo. You cannot go overdrawn with the Prepaid Bank Account. It is designed to help you keep control of your finances. There'll be no hidden or unexpected charges coming your way.
QuestionCan I set up direct debits and standing orders?
AnswerYes, the account works like any other current account. You can set up and manage standing orders and direct debits online or via the automated telephone service.
QuestionDoes the account come with a cheque book?
AnswerNo, we do not provide a cheque book with this account. However, you can request a cheque via our online banking service and it will be sent to your home address pre-completed with the details of the person or service you wish to pay. A fee of £2.50 applies for this service.
QuestionWhy do you charge 50p for every ATM cash withdrawal I make?
AnswerThis fee is what we are charged by the banks for transactions made with our cards.
QuestionWhy can't I see my account balance at an ATM?
AnswerAs we are not integrated with the 'big banks' banking systems, we cannot give you access to your card or account balance at ATMs. You can, however, check your balance at any time online or by using our automated telephone banking service.

Call us FREE now on 0800 111 6655 for a discussion in the strictest confidence with one of our friendly, helpful experts - and start getting your debts under control today.