What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is when someone takes control of another persons finances, this can happen in different relationships, including partners, family members or carers. It might be financial control, restriction, exploitation or sabotage, creating dependency or insecurity. Financial abuse can happen to anyone.

What could financial abuse look like?

Financial abuse can look very different for different people, there are signs you can look out for, to keep yourself or someone you know safe. These are some common signs that someone may be experiencing financial abuse:

  • Restricted or controlled access to money and accounts.
  • Restricted or controlled access to statements.
  • Stopped from using a credit card.
  • Forced to take out credit agreements.

 We can offer support to help you get control of your finances again.

At MBNA, we have been working with UK Finance to make sure we can offer the right support to you or a loved one, in a safe way. Download the financial abuse support guide (PDF, 2.48MB) for more information on how we can help and details of other organisations you can contact for practical help and support.


 

It's your money - let us help you get control of it again

How we can support you

We're here to support you and we'll do our best to help you get control of your money.

We can give support and guidance, including information about:

  • Additional card holders.
  • Debts and lending.
  • Opening a new account.
  • Important documents you might need, like your passport, driving licence and bills.

Steps to staying safe

It’s important you take steps to keep your finances safe. Things you can do to protect yourself:

  • If you think someone is opening your letters, you may be able to have them sent elsewhere. 
  • Don’t share your PIN or password with anyone. 
  • Change your PIN or password if you think someone else has them.
  • Choose to receive your statements online if you use Online Services.

 

Contact us

Speak to us

If it’s safe to do so, you can call us on 0800 028 0428.

Lines are open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

We can arrange to call you

Our dedicated team can offer support by contacting you. Complete a short online form and let us know when you would like to be contacted.

Complete online form

Message us online

If you’re not ready to talk, you can message us through our app or Online Services by typing financial abuse or domestic abuse and Send

 

Please be mindful of who has access to, or who can view your device when using the messaging service. 

 

Please be aware that messaging history is not deleted when your conversation finishes. Conversation history will be visible in for up to 13 months. 

 

How to message us

 

Scan the QR code to download our app.

QR code

Message us in our app

If you’re not ready to talk, you can message us through our MBNA Mobile App.

  1. Log in and select Support.
  2. Select Message us.
  3. Type financial abuse or domestic abuse and Send. You’ll go straight through to one of our agents.

Please be mindful of who has access to, or who can, view your phone when using the messaging service in the app.

Please be aware that message history is not deleted when your conversation finishes. Conversation history will be visible in your app for up to 13 months.

Download app

How to set up the app

Support from other organisations

In an emergency

If you need help urgently, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free on 0808 2000 247 (24 hours), which is run in partnership with Refuge.

Or call the police on 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Staying safe online

Modern technology gives abusers ever-growing ways to control those using the tools of everyday life.

If you need help and support with how to secure your tech visit Refuge’s tech safety website.

Surviving Economic Abuse

Surviving Economic Abuse is a charity dedicated to raising awareness of this type of abuse and improving the support that is available for those experiencing it. 

SEA's website has expert information on economic abuse and the support that is available to help you regain control.

You can visit the Surviving Economic Abuse website where you will find additional support, and information on next steps that you might take.

Bright Sky

You can download the free Bright Sky app. 

Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app that has a range of tools to support you if you are in an abusive relationship or worried about someone you know. 

  • The app is available in 5 languages.
  • A unique UK-wide directory of specialist domestic abuse support services with contact details.
  • Content to help you understand if you or someone else is at risk.
  • Links to further resources and information on domestic abuse.
  • Information to help you to stay safe online.

Calls and online sessions may be monitored and recorded. Not all Telephone Banking services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To use the MBNA Mobile app you need to have a valid phone number registered to your account. You can either use your Online Services details to log in or you can register for the first time in the app. Our app is available to iOS and Android users only and minimum operating systems apply, so check the App Store or Google Play for details. Device registration required. The app doesn't work on jailbroken or rooted devices. Terms and conditions apply.