Convenience cards

Sometimes known as general purpose cards, convenience cards operate in the same way as a pay-as-you-go mobile phone account.

Once you’ve applied for a card, generally from a high street bank, you can then decide how much money you want to load on to it. When the card is loaded, you can use it just like a normal debit or credit card. And when the funds are running low, you simply top it up again.

The convenience card offers control and flexibility. You can check your balance anytime. You can also get mini statements or spending reports. And you can generally choose how to reload the card – on the internet, over the phone or at the bank.

A convenience card is a great option for people who might not qualify for a traditional debit or credit card or for those who want to keep their card spending entirely separate from their everyday finances.