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Find out more about Sterling Card
About Sterling Card
Sterling Card is a prepaid Mastercard which you can use anywhere you see the Mastercard™ logo displayed, just like a debit or credit card. The difference is that with a prepaid card, you can only use it when it is 'topped-up' with cash, just like with a pay-as-you-go mobile phone. You can keep your card topped up in a variety of ways for your convenience. See FAQ's below.
Sterling is issued by APS Financial Ltd (AFL). AFL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register). Registered in England no. 6029941. Sterling cards are serviced by Advanced Payment Solutions Ltd (APS) which is a registered agent of AFL for this purpose. Registered in England no. 04947027. MasterCard™ is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.
Why Choose Sterling Card?
Use Sterling Card to manage your money better:
- Fast and simple application with an immediate decision
- 100% acceptance guaranteed*
- Bad credit history or CCJ's may apply
- No bank account needed
- Free top-ups at any Post Office® Branch, in store or online
- Get your salary or wages paid into your Sterling Card
- Shop online, in store at over 25 million locations worldwide
- Withdraw cash from ATM's displaying the Mastercard™ logo
- Use wherever you see the Mastercard™ Logo
- Add additional cards to be used by family or friends in the UK or 'back home'
- No bank charges
- Manage your account online
- Safer than carrying cash
- Purchase protection
- Pay-as-you-go controlled spending
- Chip and PIN security
- No hidden costs
*Subject to our terms and conditions, including applicant providing acceptable identification, being a resident in the UK, aged 18 years or older if the primary cardholder or 13 years or older if an additional cardholder.
Sterling Card's Charges
| Services | Flexiplus Account | Activeplus Account |
|---|---|---|
| available on request(2) | ||
| Card issue fee | £8.95 | £8.95 |
| Monthly subscription (1) (per account) |
FREE | £5.95 per month |
| ALL PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS | £1.50 each | FREE |
| Account maintenance (only applies if Account has no transactions including top-ups for a period of 120 days from date of last transaction) |
£5.95 | FREE |
| TOP-UPS BY CASH (3) | FREE | FREE |
| TOP-UPS BY DEBIT CARD (at Post Office® branches only) |
FREE | FREE |
| Check your balance and recent transactions online | FREE | FREE |
| Payment processing fee (non-refundable) |
£1.95 | £1.95 |
| ATM withdrawal | £2.50 (UK and Non UK) |
£2.50 (UK and Non UK) |
| Cash withdrawal (at bank) | £3.50 | £3.50 |
| Additional or replacement card | £9.95 Maximum | £9.95 Maximum |
| Cancellation (for refund of cash value in the Account) |
£10.00 | £10.00 |
| Foreign transaction | 2.75% of amount withdrawn/spent | 2.75% of amount withdrawn/spent |
(1) This monthly fee starts applying as soon as your Prepaid Debit Card is issued.
(2) All cardholders are issued with an activeplus Account and you can switch to a flexiplus Account. If you are interested in switching to a flexiplus Account
please contact Customer Services on 0871 277 5590. If you switch from an activeplus Account to a flexiplus Account within 30 days of activating your Card, we will refund the £5.95 subscription fee.
(3) Some top-up outlets may charge an additional fee. Please check at the time you top-up your account.
Testimonials
Absolutely Award Winning!
"I have received my loan this late afternoon, thank you.
I just have to confess that, your service is absolutely award-winning.
I have a great pleasure using your service. Thank you."
Sutay Ceyhan
Helpful and Friendly
"Just a thank you for your help in arranging my loan I found your staff to be very helpful and friendly I would use your company again, yours with thanks."
Mr Adrian Gill
FAQ's Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Sterling prepaid MasterCard different from a debit card and a credit card?
Sterling prepaid MasterCard is not a credit card – so there is no credit check, even if you have poor credit history you can still get a card! When you use your Sterling prepaid MasterCard, you are spending money you have already topped up into your Sterling Card account, meaning all your purchases are prepaid. The Sterling prepaid MasterCard is a payment card that works like a pay as you go phone – you need to put money on it before you can use it. When you use a debit card, you are using money linked to a bank account and when you use a credit card you buy now and pay later. With Sterling Pre Paid Debit Card you only spend the money you have in your account.
How long does the application take?
It takes about 5 minutes to apply.
Can I apply if I have bad debts a poor credit rating or have a CCJ?
Yes, a prepaid card is an ideal way for you to manage your spending.
Do you credit score my application?
No we don't.
Who can apply?
The primary cardholder must be over 18 years old and a UK resident to apply. Identification is required.
When will I receive my Sterling Card?
You will normally receive your personalised Sterling Card within 7 to 10 days of paying for your card. Your PIN will arrive separately.
How do I top-up my card?
There are three easy ways to top-up your account.
- Your bank can do it at regular intervals using a standing order.
- Your employer can pay your wages directly into your Sterling Card account
- You can go to any Post Office® branch in the UK or thousands of retail outlets throughout the UK
You can top-up your account with any amount between £10 and £5,000 per day. Top-ups at the Post Office® are limited to £999 per transaction.
Which is better, Flexiplus and Activeplus?
Activeplus is a great option if you plan to use your Sterling Card often, such as for your everyday transactions. You pay a monthly fee of just £5.95 and all purchase transactions are free!
If you only want to use your Sterling Card account for one-off purchases or emergencies, then a Flexiplus account may be more suitable. There is no monthly fee. Instead you will pay a £1.50 fee per transaction.
How do I get my wages paid into my card?
This service is FREE. Simply click here to print out our wages payment form. Read the instructions carefully, then simply complete the form and hand it to your employer to process.
How do I apply for additional cards for my family or friends?
It's easy. You can request additional cards on your existing account for use by additional cardholders aged 13 and over for just £9.95 per additional card. If you have an activeplus account, no additional monthly fees will be charged for secondary/additional cards. Just log onto the Members Area and apply, call our Customer Services team on 0871 277 5590 ** or write to us at PO Box 52768, London, EC3P 3WR.
What happens if my card is lost or stolen?
If you lose your Sterling Card or it is stolen, call our Customer Services team immediately on 0871 277 5590 ** (calls will be charged at 10p per minute from BT landlines and may be recorded. Other operator's charges may apply). By following the procedures outlined in the terms and conditions any unauthorised charges on your account will be refunded after you receive a replacement card.