A prepaid card is an alternative to a bank account. It is similar to a debit or credit card to look at. You are able to pay for goods and services using this card and your card account.

Bury Council pay your Personal budget onto your card so that you can purchase the goods and services on your support plan. The card, which is managed by Advanced Payment Solutions (APS), is a MasterCard prepaid card.

How do I get a card?

Getting a card is simple. Once your Personal budget has been approved, Bury Council will apply for your card on-line. It will be sent to you within 3-5 working days.

How do I use my card?

You can use your card to make payments through:

• Any vendor who accepts MasterCard either in person or over the telephone (if they offer this service)
• Transferring payments via on-line banking or over the telephone with APS customer services
• Setting up direct debits or bill pay

You cannot spend more than is on the card as payments over the amount on the card will be declined.

You cannot use your card to withdraw cash at ATMs.

Putting money onto the card

Bury Council will load funds onto your card, regularly, in line with your support plan.

If you have been assessed as paying a client contribution to your Personal budget, you can pay this onto your card by setting up a standing order or direct debit from your bank account to the card account.

What support can I get to manage my prepaid card?

You can get support from:

• Connect and Direct service at Textile Hall, Manchester Road, Bury BL9 0DG
• APS Customer Services direct on 0871-277-5599 where you will be able to get support with using your card online and telephone banking facilities.
• Pop into any of the libraries in the Bury Council area.
• If you are a Carer you can get support from the Carers centre on 0161-763-4867.

To see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about prepaid cards please download the document attached.