Bank cards

Have you looked into a basic account? I believe most banks offer them? Some of them might have cash cards only. But I don't know the eligibility rules or other terms and conditions. 

Ok thanks i will look into it

Hi Poblwc and welcome.

Its about regaining your self respect. dignity and building pride. You should start to feel a pride and even a serenity in being monitored and providing receipts.

You don't want the full trust again because you can never be complacent again. You will build respect by being open and honest with your feelings and learning about this addiction in a full recovery.

Im glad your husband has taken over the finances as this isnt about treating you like a baby....its about saving your life and any quality of life you have.

Focus on having limited funds you can access. You probably will need a card for day to day life but you must have no access to any amount of money which could be problematic."lots of cash" as you put it is not advisable. Its more about a sandwich and petrol allowance with clearance for any larger purchases like clothes etc. Gradually you could be allowed more but the underlying monitoring remains for the financial safety of everyone including you

I dont know how much you want to tell your bank but any basic debit card has a facility for online purchases unless you have someone scratch off the security number BEFORE you see the card.

Your loved ones have to assume the default position that you may gamble. This is for your own good as your mind heals and you will take pride in proving yourself again.

I hope you will do the exercises of talking to your loved ones and realising this is a lifelong abstention time period. That is a positive statement though and it does not have to be too hard when your mind is fully ready to leave gambling behind you. 

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

YThanks Joy my bank are aware of the gambling and can block gambling transactions but some sites use shopping websites (naughty i know) but that’s the way it is. I just wanted a basic bank card but my bank does not offer one 

Hi Polbwc,

Thanks for sharing your worries. Most bank offers a basic accounts for those people who have had bad credit reports. Also, Monzo is the first bank to offer ban all gambling transactions as well as a budget tool. 

I hope this helps.

Xoi

Hi, do you have a credit card, if so use that as you cannot deposit to gambling sites with credit cards and cancel your debit card as you probably know the number off by heart, I know i did.

Thanks all i did have a Monzo card but even though they blocked gambling transactions the gambling sites started using shopping sites to make the transactions so they still went through. I told Monzo about this. Also the foreign sites accept credit cards unfortunately!! So no go on those two!

Hi Poblwc

You've had a range or replies from forum members. It's up to you how much control you want to retain of your finances. Some people in recovery might need someone to control their money long term, others may want to work towards regaining a level of autonomy again. It's early days for you.

If you do want to explore the options for cards that would allow you to withdraw cash but not spend online, try visiting or contacting the Money Advice Service which is a free impartial source of money advice, run by the government.

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en

Best wishes

Deirdre
Forum Admin

Great thanks i will look into that @forum

yes monzo is good i have it you can block all gambling transactions and to turn them off you have to chat eith them and then wait for 24hrs but if you keep turining them on and off they change it to a month waiting lol its what they have done with mine ? you can create all different tyoes of savings accounts / name them add pictures and that its nice seeing your savings with a picture of what your saving for in the front page id defocrecomend monzo