Barclays allows customers to block gambling payments

Barclays has enabled customers to stop transactions at chosen retailers to give them greater control over their money.

UK.- Barclays has today launched a new feature for customers within its mobile banking app giving them the ability to ‘turn off’ spending with certain types of retailers which include gambling. The feature was introduced this week and turned Barclays into the first UK high street bank to offer such a possibility, second overall only to mobile-only bankers Monzo.

Working with a range of advisors such as the Money Advice Trust and building on published evidence from organisations such as the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, Barclays identified a group of customers who would particularly benefit from being able to decide how and where their money is spent. These include those with mental health issues, addictions, and those who rely on carers or a guardian to handle their finances.

A simple button within the Barclays mobile banking app now allows the customer to choose which types of retailers they are able to spend with.

“We are always looking for new ways to support our customers and make it easier for them to manage their finances,” Catherine McGrath, Managing Director at Barclays said and added: “We work with a range of advisors and partners, as well as consulting with our customers, to identify how our customers’ needs are changing and what works for them.”

GambleAware CEO Mark Etches stated: “GambleAware welcomes this initiative by Barclays, which we hope will encourage other banks to do the same. There are 340,000 problem gamblers in Britain and a further 1.7 million at risk, and initiatives like this can play an important role in helping to reduce gambling-related harms. There are no limits to stakes and prizes for online gambling, and credit cards are allowed so it is important to make it easier for people to control their spending.”