What is a Prepaid card? Is it like a normal bank debit card or credit card?

No, your BaBee Prepaid Card is not a credit card, charge card or debit card. It is a Prepaid MasterCard that carries a variable amount of money based on the amount loaded onto the account when the card is purchased or at a subsequent time after purchase. Each time you use the card, the purchase amount is deducted from the available balance. Think in lines of a "Pay-As-You-Go" account, one that is loaded with funds and spent.

Why do I need a BaBeeCard, won't a debit card be ok?

• You might not have a debit card
• A debit card can't be bought as a gift for you or topped-up by family and friends
• A debit card can't earn you money if you recommend it to your friends.
• A debit card doesn't have the BaBee Discount Club, which could save you up to £1000

How to the discounts work?

When you buy a BaBeeCard, you will become a member of the BaBee Discount Club. Shortly after you receive your card, we'll SMS text your membership details to you, which you can use to access the Club via the 'My Account' feature on the website. Once inside the Club, you can either purchase supermarket and high street discounted vouchers and gift cards or shop directly using your BaBeeCard on our discount partners' website. Note: remember to use the discount code supplied to you when using your BaBeeCard on our partners websites.

What checks do you do when I order?

When you order a BaBeeCard, we'll check various databases to ensure the details provided are correct.This is not a credit check and will not affect your credit rating.

Who can order a BaBeeCard?

Anyone over 18 can order a card. You don’t have to be a Mummy to have a BaBeeCard! Daddies, Grannies and Uncles can have one too! Because we DO NOT credit check anyone, passing the Identity Verification enables anyone to have a card.

Can my application be rejected?

Yes, it can be rejected, if you do not pass the Identify Verification. This may happen if you do not appear on the Electoral Register or do not have a land line telephone number.

Who are BaBee Card Services Ltd?

That’s us! We developed the BaBeeCard concept and are ultimately responsible for the card programme.

Who are People Value Ltd?

Our friends at People Value maintain our Discount Club. They are the experts, so if you have a question they’d be delighted to help you. For any questions or assistance, call them on 0870 908 0088 quoting your Discount Club membership ID.

Why does Afs/Activefon appear on my debit card/bank statement?

Ah, well this is because you have either purchased or loaded your BaBeeCard with your debit card. Afs/Activefon is the name given to us by the company processing your card transaction, so that's the name which will appear on your debit card/bank statement.

Who is Newcastle Building Society?

Newcastle Building Society is the issuer of the BaBee Prepaid MasterCard Card. It is the biggest building society based in the North East of England and currently the 13th largest in the UK, with assets under management in excess of £4.4 billion.

Why can’t I get access to the Discount club?

Have you received your membership details yet? You should receive these within fourteen days of receiving your card. If youve received your details and still cannot get access, call our Discount Club Customer Services Number on 0870 908 0088 quoting your Discount Club membership ID

 

Why does chocolate taste so good?

I don’t know, but who cares! Fattening? Maybe. Tasty, sure is! If you’re in the mood for chocolate, check out our Discount Partner – Cadbury Gifts Direct. Mmmm…need we say more!

 

I would like to purchase a BaBeeCard. How do I do this?

Click on the 'Sign Up or Order Your Card' on the menus. You can pay for it and the first load with a Visa or MasterCard debit card. You can also pay by PayPal.

Is there a need to sign an agreement?

No. When you apply and buy your BaBeeCard you will be asked to agree with the Terms and Conditions which are applicable to the Card you wish to purchase. Ticking the box is the equivalent to signing that you agree with these Terms and Conditions. Signing the back of the card, Activating and using the card is further acceptance of the Terms and Conditions.

When do I get my card?

Unless we notify you otherwise, we will issue your card within fourteen days of receiving your approved application. For security purposes, your PIN will arrive a couple of days before your card.

What do I need to do after I have received my card?

You must sign the signature strip on the back of the BaBeeCard as soon as you receive it. You must then activate your card before you can access your account or any further funds can be loaded onto the Card. Your PIN mailer will contain details of how to activate your card.

Can I change my PIN?

Of course! Just go to an ATM which displays the MasterCard acceptance mark and choose PIN Services. There will be no charge for this.

Who can load money onto my Card?

You will be able to load money onto your Card using a debit card, via the My Account part of this website.

If a friend or family member has a BaBeeCard too, then they will be able to load up your card by doing a card to card transfer via the My Account part of this website.

If a friend or family member wants to do a one-time Top-Up onto your Card, and they have a bank account with an online facility, then they will be able to load your card if you supply them with the correct bank account and Payment Reference details (see Can I top up my BaBeeCard? question). The maximum load when you purchase the card will be 100. Once you've received and activated your card, the maximum daily load for your BaBeeCard will increase to 500. Your BaBeeCard cannot be loaded more than three times in any one day. The balance on your Prepaid Card can never exceed 5000 at any time. We reserve the right to refuse to accept any particular loading transaction.

I have just loaded money onto my card, how long does it take for you to apply the credit?

Once loaded, funds will normally be available for use on your Card within a few minutes if loaded via a debit card. If loaded by a bank transfer, it could take up to 4 working days for the money to reach your card account and show a credit.

What happens if I need to return an item I have purchased?

Each retail store has its own return policy and will handle the returns in the same manner as any other MasterCard transaction. They may either credit your card, provide a cash refund or a store credit.

Where can I use my BaBeeCard?

You can use it anywhere you see the MasterCard acceptance mark instore and online, at over 25 million locations worldwide.

Where can I use my card abroad?

Wherever you see the MasterCard acceptance mark.

What about Internet security?

Internet shopping is increasingly popular and most reputable retailers run sites that are safe and secure. However, if you are concerned about security, CardWatch (www.cardwatch.org.uk) offers some simple guidelines to follow when buying online. These should ensure that your shopping is as safe as it would be on the high street.

What are my rights as a Consumer when shopping online?

Consumer protection rights apply to purchases made online, just as they do to those made on the high street. If you have problems with an online purchase or retailer, visit the Office of Fair Trading site - the Consumer Information Section has details of your rights

Will I earn interest on my BaBeeCard account?

No, you will not earn any interest on any funds loaded on your card.

What do I need to do if any of my personal details change?

You must let us know as soon as possible by using the 'Contact Us' facility on the website if you change your name, address, phone number or email address. If we contact you in relation to your BaBeeCard, for example - to notify you that we have cancelled your card or to send you a refund by cheque, we will use the most recent contact details you have provided to us. Any email to you will be treated as being received as soon as it is sent by us. We will not be liable to you if your contact details have changed and you have not told us. You may also phone our Customer Services on 0845 118 0034

How do I cancel my BaBeeCard?

You can cancel your BaBeeCard by sending an email to us using the ‘Contact Us’ function on the Website. Then cut your BaBeeCard in half through the signature box and magnetic strip, ensuring the CHIP is cut in half and disposed of it safely. Once we have received your cancellation request, the refund of the funds remaining on your card will be processed. There needs to be at least £10 balance on the card for us to process your refund as we will charge £10 to do so. A cheque for the refund (Card Balance minus £10 fee) will be sent to the registered card address.

What happens when my BaBeeCard expires?

Your Card will be valid for 12 months. When it expires, you will no longer be able to use your card and we will arrange for the balance of funds to be transferred to your new card, after deducting any outstanding transactions and fees (including the replacement fee), if we decide to issue you one. If you have not used your card for 3 months before expiry or if insufficient funds exist on the card to meet the replacement fee, we will not issue a replacement.

We will not issue a new card if you tell us in writing at least 28 days before the date your card expires that you wish to cancel your card and require a refund instead (if there are sufficient funds to cover the cancellation fee – see terms and conditions

What happens if my card is lost or stolen?

If you lose your card or it is stolen or you suspect that your card has been used by someone else, you must tell us as soon as you can by calling us on our 24 hour helpline 0845 118 0034. We will then cancel your card. If you ask us to do so, we will ask the police to investigate any suspected misuse of your card and they may need more information and assistance from you.

Can I have the balance on my account refunded to me?

Once we have received your cancellation request, the refund of the funds remaining on your card will be processed. There needs to be at least £10 balance on the card for us to process your refund as we will charge £10 to do so. A cheque for the refund (Card Balance minus £10 fee) will be sent to the registered card address.

What are the fees for using my account?

Go to our Fees page to find out what you may be charged.