Starling bank launches new vertical debit card – and here’s how it could protect you from fraud
The challenger bank is rolling out the debit and business cards to new customers from this week
STARLING Bank has made some radical changes to its debit cards - and it could help protect you against fraud.
The new ones break the mould because they're printed vertically rather than horizontally like traditional cards are.
The challenger bank has given their cards a revamp to reflect the way that consumers use their cards nowadays, which is vertically in an ATM.
Normally, the cards are printed landscape with raised numbers because of the way the old sales machines worked and that the details could be embossed onto a sales voucher.
But the bank reckons the new design offers customers tighter security because the details are actually on the underside of the card.
This makes it harder for others to see your card, account and sort code number when you're using it to pay.
Of course, the changes in design alone won't be enough to stop fraudsters stealing your details.
You should also take other steps like keeping your statements and receipts in a safe place, and never handing over your card to anyone else when you pay.
Of course, it is a bit of a gimmick - everything else about the card is the same - but the new design could catch on.
They've also switched the colours from a deep purple to a teal for debit cards and dark navy for business accounts.
It's not the first bank to flip its debit cards - Tide bank launched their portrait ones in March this year.
The cards will be rolled out to new customers this week - but don't worry if you have an old one though because they'll still work.
Anne Boden, CEO of Starling Bank, said: "At Starling we are committed to disrupting the market by challenging old ways of doing things and reorienting banking so it works for our customers. Our new card design does exactly that."
MOST READ IN MONEY
Contactless card fraud has doubled in the past year – and The Sun on Sunday investigated just how easy it is to fall victim while you shop.
Victims of bank transfer fraud could get more help claiming their money back under plans unveiled by the Financial Conduct Authority last month.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis recommends Starling as the best current account for travellers because the bank doesn't charge you for withdrawing cash abroad.
How to protect yourself against criminals
Follow these tips to help cut down your chances of falling victim to contactless fraudsters.
- LOOK after your cards – keep them with you everywhere you go. Never hand over a card, particularly if you are paying using a contactless card machine.
- Protect banking information. Keep statements, receipts and documents stored safely or destroy them using a shredder.
- Contactless users aren’t always offered a receipt, so do ask for one. This can help you double-check if a transaction is genuine.
- Sign new cards as soon as they arrive and cut old cards through the magnetic strip and the chip once they have expired or been cancelled.
SIGNS YOU MAY BE A VICTIM
- Your card is rejected when you try to pay with it or withdraw money, even though you had funds in your account last time you checked.
- You have spotted unusual activity on your bank statements, such as purchases you don’t remember making or cash withdrawals from places you don’t remember visiting.
- You get a call, text or voicemail allegedly from your bank or the police asking for your pin number as a “security check”. Real officials will never ask for your PIN, so if you get a call like this, give nothing away.
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