FAQ
How much does it cost? 
How do I top-up my account?
There are four 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 account•. Alternatively you can go to any Post Office® branch in the UK or there are over 700 retail outlets and 5000 e-pay outlet. You can top-up your account with any amount between £10 and £5,000•. Top-ups at the UK Post Office® are limited to £500 per transaction. For more information about topping up your account, please click here
Is there a limit to how much I can top-up per day?
Yes, the amount you may top-up is dependant on whether you have been fully verified. Please see below for the different limits:
If you have been fully verified, the maximum amount you may top-up per day is £5,000 providing this will not exceed your £5,000 maximum balance limit.
If you have not been fully verified, the maximum amount you may top-up within 12 months is £1,500. Your maximum balance limit is £1,500 (cumulative in 12 months), once this limit has been reached you will not be able to make further top-ups within the 12 months unless you upgrade your account. Please see “How do I upgrade my account” for details of how to upgrade.
How long will my top-up take to show on my account?
Funds topped up to your account at Retail Outlets, e-pay Outlets and by E-voucher will usually be available in minutes, funds topped up at the Post Office will usually be available the next business day but may take two or more business days.
Top-up method |
Top-up Fee |
Time Period |
Additional Notes |
Retail Outlet |
Free |
Typically 15mins |
There are over 700 retail outlets. Click here to locate your closest retail outlet. |
E-pay |
£2 |
Typically 30mins |
There are over 5000 e-pay outlets. Click here to locate your closest e-pay outlet. |
Post Office |
Free |
1-2 Business Days |
Top-up your card at any UK Post Office |
Standing Order• |
Free |
3-5 Business Days |
|
Wage Payment• |
Free |
3-5 Business Days |
|
Bank Transfer• |
Free |
3-5 Business Days |
Please ensure your 16-digit card number is provided as a reference. |
Can I get my wages paid directly into my Sterling account?
Yes•Click here to print out our wages payment form. Simply complete this and hand it to your employer to process.
Can I set up a standing order?
Yes• Click here to print out our standing order form. Simply complete this form and take it to your bank.
What should I do if I have any questions about wages or standing order payments reaching my account?
If you have any questions about when your wages or standing order payment will reach your account, please contact your employer or bank first to check when the payment was initiated. Once you have obtained this information you should then contact Customer Services if you still have any unanswered questions.
•ATM/bank cash withdrawals, additional card facilities, top-ups by way of standing order or wages payment are not available unless you have been fully identified and your card has been upgraded.
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The Sterling prepaid MasterCard is issued by APS Financial Ltd (AFL) pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. AFL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register). Registered in England no. 6029941. Your card will be 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. The Post Office® and Post Office symbol are registered trademarks of the Post Office Ltd.
*Subject to our Terms and Conditions including the applicant providing acceptable identification, being resident in the UK, aged 18 years or older if primary cardholder, or 13 years or older if additional cardholder. The Sterling prepaid MasterCard is issued by APS Financial Ltd (“AFL”) pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. AFL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. (www.fsa.gov.uk/register) Registered in England no. 06029941. Your card will be serviced by Advanced Payment Solutions Ltd (“APS”) which is a registered agent of AFL for this purpose. Registered in England no. 04947027. AFL & APS registered address is 6th Floor, One London Wall, London, EC2Y 5EB. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. The Post Office® and Post Office symbol are registered trademarks of Post Office Ltd.
**Telephone calls may be recorded. Calls will be charged at 10p per minute from BT landlines. Other operator's charges may apply. See terms and conditions.