Prepaid cards - Information for clients
This information is provided for clients who use the council's prepaid Mastercard® cards, supplied by our partner, allpay.
The cards are loaded with funds by the council and have various functionalities. Depending on the purpose of the card, it can be used in shops, at a cash machine, on the web and over the phone. Clients cannot overspend on these cards.
The cards are used to administer funds for several different client groups including:
- Adult services clients
- Children's services clients
- Appointeeships
Card exclusions
You are not able to use the card to buy services from some merchants, such as bars, casinos and dating services, as these merchants are excluded from the scheme.
A full list of exclusions is shown below.
Card support
allpay provide support for the cards if they are lost or stolen, and provide a helpline.
If your card is lost or stolen, or if you have any problems with the prepaid card, such as making payments or with your PIN, you must contact allpay's customer services team.
Call 0844 225 5729 or email enquiries@allpay.net. Visit www.allpay.net.
The council provides support for the administration of funds and top-ups.
Appointeeships
Email: appointee.finance@southampton.gov.uk or call 023 8083 3540
Children's and adult services clients
Email: bss.finance@southampon.gov.uk or call Business Support on 023 8083 2556
Restrictions on using prepaid cards
Southampton City Council prepaid cards have certain merchant category codes (MCCs) blocked as standard. This means the cards cannot be used to buy services from these types of merchant.
The blocked codes are:
Merchant category code
|
Description
|
3000 - 3299
|
Airlines
|
3301 - 3499
|
Car rentals
|
3501 - 3795
|
Hotels
|
3796
|
Casinos
|
4457
|
Boat rentals
|
4511
|
Airlines and air carriers
|
4722
|
Travel agencies
|
4723
|
Package tour operators
|
4784
|
Tolls and bridge fees
|
4814
|
Telecommunication services
|
4899
|
Cable, satellite, pay TV and radio
|
5542
|
Automated fuel dispensers
|
5551
|
Boat retailers, bars, taverns, nightclubs, lounges and discos
|
5921
|
Off licences
|
5993
|
Cigar stores
|
6012
|
Financial institutions, merchandise and services
|
6051
|
Foreign currency
|
6211
|
Security brokers and dealers
|
7011
|
Lodgings
|
7273
|
Dating and escort services
|
7277
|
Counselling services
|
7297
|
Massage parlours
|
7298
|
Health and beauty spas
|
7512
|
Car rentals
|
7513
|
Truck and utility rentals
|
7519
|
Motor home rentals
|
7995
|
Betting
|
9223
|
Bail and bond payments
|
The allpay card is issued by R. Raphael & Sons plc, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard® and the Mastercard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Inc. Raphaels Bank is a UK Bank authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (registration number 161302) and is permitted to issue e-money. Head office and registered office at 19-21 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ED, company registration number 01288938.