How can we help?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you need help using your sQuidcard or the sQuidcard website then try the Frequently Asked Questions below.
About sQuid >
How to get sQuid >
Using sQuid >
My sQuid account >
sQuid Security >
About sQuid
Q/ What is a eMoney?
A/ eMoney is electronic money, which is also referred to as e-money, electronic cash, electronic currency, digital money, digital cash or digital currency, where value is is exchanged electronically.
Q/ What is a sQuidcard?
A/ sQuidcards are smart cards that hold electronic money (eMoney). the sQuid network uses the internet, smart cards and digital stored value systems to transfer funds.
Q/ How does sQuid work?
A/ sQuid uses the latest contact-less card technology. Each card has a unique security number that is linked to a specific eMoney account. When you make a purchase, the card reader scans the encrypted code and will either accept or reject the payment, depending on the available funds. This all takes less than 3 seconds.
Q/ Is a sQuidcard like a bank debit card or credit card?
A/ No - to use a sQuidcard you must pre-load money onto the card. You do not need a PIN to use a sQuidcard.
Q/ Can I get into debt with a sQuidcard?
A/ No - it is a prepaid payment system. You can only spend what you have loaded on to the card.
Q/ How many different type of sQuidcard are there?
A/ There is only one type of sQuidcard and it is available to everybody. However, sQuid is also enabled on partner cards, such as the Bolton smartcard (BSmart). For a full list of sQuid enabled cards <click here>
How to get sQuid
Q/ How much does it cost?
A/ It is free to get a sQuidcard.
Q/ Can sQuid be added to other cards?
A/ sQuid can be used as an eMoney purse on Council Smart Cards, for example the Bolton Smart card (BSmart) or on transit cards, such as the GMPTE travel cards.
Q/ I don’t have a bank account, can I still use a sQuid card?
A/ Yes - you can load your card by exchanging cash at any retail outlet that accepts sQuidcard. You don’t need to have a bank account to use sQuid
Q/ How do I get a sQuidcard?
A/ To get a sQuidcard click here
Q/ When will I receive my card?
A/ We aim to get your card to you within three working days after receiving your request.
Using sQuid
Q/ I have received my card - how do I activate it?
A/ No further action is required – you’re ready to start using sQuid
Q/ How much can I spend with my sQuidcard?
A/ You can spend as much as you want as long as you have enough value stored on your card.
Q/ How long does it take to make a payment using a sQuidcard?
A/ A sQuid transaction takes less than 3 seconds.
Q/ How does my sQuidcard work?
A/ Instead of paying with cash, you can pay with sQuidcard. Present your sQuidcard to the cashier when you ready to make your purchase. You should check the amount on the screen is correct before waving your card over the reader, and collect your receipt. Your sQuidcard account is debited straight away. Details of the transaction appear on your online statement for you to reconcile with your receipt.
Q/ Where can I use a sQuidcard?
A/ You can use a sQuidcard wherever you see the sQuidcard sign. Before using the sQuidcard you should make sure there are enough funds loaded on it.
Q/ I have just loaded money onto my account. How long does it take before I can use it?
A/ You can use your card immediately. The card and terminal interact in a split second and read the latest balance on your account.
Q/ What happens if I need to return an item I have purchased?
A/ Each retail store has its own return policies and will handle the returns in the same manner as any other transaction. Typically, retailers will credit your sQuidcard rather than providing you with a cash refund. Alternatively they may offer you a store credit.
My sQuid account
Q/ How do I load money onto my sQuidcard?
A/ You can top up your sQuidcard account online or by going to any sQuid merchant that accepts top ups.
Q/ Can anyone load money onto my sQuidcard?
A/ Anyone that knows your card number can load your sQuidcard for you.
Q/ How much money can be loaded onto my sQuidcard?
A/
The maximum balance for a sQuidcard is £100.
Q/ Can I get into debt with a sQuidcard?
A/ No - it is a prepaid payment system. You can only spend what you have loaded on to the card. You cannot get in to debt with a sQuidcard.
Q/ Can I have money returned that I have loaded on to my sQuidcard?
A/ Yes - you can request to have your money returned to you at any time
Q/ How do I keep track of my payments?
A/ You can view your current balance and transactions online at any time. Just click the ‘Sign in to my sQuid’ button. If you haven’t set up an account on sQuid before or registered a sQuid card, you will need to click on the ‘Register a sQuidcard’ button.
Q/ Will I earn interest on my sQuidcard balance?
A/ You will not earn any interest on any funds loaded on your sQuidcard account.
Q/ How do I update my personal details?
A/ You can update your details at any time. Sign in to your sQuid account and click on the ‘My details’ link on the left hand navigation once you have successfully logged on.
Q/ Will my sQuidcard expire?
A/ No - your card does not have an expiry date.
Q/ Why has my card has suddenly stopped working?
A/ You may need to load some more cash onto your card.
Q/ How do I cancel my sQuidcard?
A/ If you cancel your sQuidcard, we will arrange for any unused funds to be refunded to you (by sending a cheque to your home address), once all transactions and fees have been deducted.
Q/ In what circumstances will you cancel my sQuidcard?
A/
We will cancel your sQuidcard – ‘hotlist’ - if we suspect fraud or misuse of the card, or if we have any other security or legal concerns. If we cancel your card then we will inform you as soon as possible. Any outstanding balance may be returned to you or transferred to a new card.
sQuid security
Q/ Do I need a signature or Chip and PIN to authorise the payment
A/ No a sQuidcard is a contactless, secure smart card. It does not need a signature or Chip and PIN to authorise the payment.
Q Is my money safe?
A/ sQuid is safer than cash. If you lose a twenty pound note you are unlikely to see it again. If you lose your sQuidcard you can notify us and we will send you a replacement and transfer your balance to the new card.
Q/ What should I do if I lose my card?
A/ If you lose your sQuidcard you should report it to us immediately by logging on to your sQuid account click here. We will cancel your existing card – ‘hotlist’ - transfer any remaining balance to a replacement card and send it your home address as given.
Q/ How secure is this system?
A/ sQuid uses sophisticated fraud prevention and detection processes and conforms to the FSA Regulatory Requirements. Each card reader is protected by a unique security application module that creates a trusted transaction environment. Transactions from readers are encrypted and routed over public networks to the sQuid host environment in a highly secure manner.
Q/ What about internet security?
A/ Internet shopping is increasingly popular and most reputable retailers run sites that are safe and secure. However, if you are concerned about security, CardWatch offers some simple guidelines to follow when buying online.
Q/ What about MiFare and sQuidcard security?
A/ Information in the public domain raises concerns with respect to the vulnerability of the base MiFare 4k security. sQuidcard understands the perceived vulnerability and has, at the outset of its design, introduced security techniques fortifying the MiFare 4k card and its interaction with the terminal.”
Q/ How secure is my data and your site?
A/ All of our data and yours is hosted on a secure web hosting platform with reputable web histing company NTT. All of the data we collect on behalf of you is bound by our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
