New Barclays app limits spending on gambling and drinking by blocking customers’ cards from ‘turned off’ types of expenses
The app promises to assist people dealing with addictions by putting them in control of their finances
A NEW banking app helps limit spending on the likes of gambling and drinking.
Barclays claims the tool is “a better way to manage money in a simple and secure way”.
A feature within the app lets people choose the types of retailers they are able to spend with.
The system is available for all account holders but it was devised with vulnerable customers in mind.
It is heralded as an aid to assist people struggling with addictions by putting them more in control of their finances.
Users can block their own cards from certain types of spending.
Attempted payments within “turned off” categories will be declined.
The feature is available to the bank’s debit card customers but will be rolled out to credit card holders.
Barclays used research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, set up by consumer champion Martin Lewis.
He said: “Mental health and debt is a marriage made in hell.”
The app can block spending on groceries, takeaways, pubs and bars, petrol, premium rate websites and phonelines, and gambling sites and bookies.
Vodafone is to put mobile phone “masts” under planning-permission-free manhole covers to meet 4G coverage demand.
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