- How does sQuid work?
- How do I register?
- How do I top up?
- What does pending mean?
- How do I pay with sQuid?
- Logging in troubleshooting
- I've lost my card
- FAQs
- Contact us
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
What is a sQuidcard?
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.
What is a eMoney?
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 exchanged electronically.
How does sQuid work?
sQuid uses the latest contactless 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 three seconds.
Is a sQuidcard like a bank debit card or credit card?
No - to use a sQuidcard you must pre-load money onto the card. You can do this via our secure online portal, (simply login to your account and follow the instructions) or in a shop with a sQuid terminal. You do not need a PIN to use a sQuidcard.
Can I get into debt with a sQuidcard?
No - it is a prepaid payment system. You can only spend what you have loaded on to the card.
How many different type of sQuidcard are there?
sQuid is available on a sQuidcard and also on third party partner cards, such as the Bolton Council Smart cards; the Citizen card and BSmart card.
How to get sQuid
How much does it cost?
It is free to get a sQuidcard.
Can sQuid be added to other cards?
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.
I don’t have a bank account, can I still use a sQuid card?
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.
How do I get a sQuidcard?
To get a sQuidcard click here.
When will I receive my card?
We aim to get your card to you within three working days after receiving your request.
Using sQuid
I have received my card - how do I activate it?
If you register your card with sQuid you can top it up online via our secure online portal, your balance is then protected so if you lose your card we can cancel it and transfer the funds over to a new card for you. Alternatively you can use your card anonymously, to begin simply take your card to a shop which accepts sQuid and ask to top up, they will then take your cash and load it onto your card for you.
How much can I spend with my sQuidcard?
Your transactions can be as small as you like or as large as £100. You cannot store over £100 on your sQuidcard at any time.
How long does it take to make a payment using a sQuidcard?
A sQuid transaction takes less than three seconds.
How does my sQuidcard work?
Instead of paying with cash, you can pay with sQuidcard. Present your sQuidcard to the cashier when you’re ready to make your purchase. You should check the amount on the screen is correct before waving your card over the reader. Your sQuidcard account is debited straight away and you can view details of your transactions on your online statement.
Where can I use a sQuidcard?
You can use a sQuidcard wherever you see the pink and white sQuid ‘Q’ signs. You can also see a list of shops accepting sQuid on our map pages. Remember to ensure there are sufficient funds on your card before making a purchase.
I have just loaded money onto my account. How long does it take before I can use it?
Your balance will show and be ready to use within an hour of making a top up.
What happens if I need to return an item I have purchased?
Each retail store has its own return policies and will handle the returns in the same manner as any other transaction. Retailers will credit your sQuidcard rather than providing you with a cash refund. Alternatively they may offer you a store credit.
My sQuid account
How do I load money onto my sQuidcard?
You can top up your sQuidcard account online or by going to any sQuid merchant that accepts top ups.
Can anyone load money onto my sQuidcard?
Anyone that knows your purse number can load your sQuidcard for you.
How much money can be loaded onto my sQuidcard?
The maximum balance for a sQuidcard is £100.
Can I have money returned that I have loaded on to my sQuidcard?
Yes - you can request to have your money returned to you at any time
How do I keep track of my payments?
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.
Will I earn interest on my sQuidcard balance?
You will not earn any interest on any funds loaded on your sQuidcard account.
How do I update my personal details?
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.
Will my sQuidcard expire?
No - your card does not have an expiry date.
Why has my card has suddenly stopped working?
You may need to load some more cash onto your card.
How do I cancel my sQuidcard?
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.
In what circumstances will you cancel my sQuidcard?
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
Do I need a signature or Chip and PIN to authorise the payment
No a sQuidcard is a contactless, secure smart card. It does not need a signature or Chip and PIN to authorise the payment.
Is my money safe?
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.
What should I do if I lose my card?
If you lose your sQuidcard you should report it to us immediately by logging on to your sQuid account click here. You will then need to order a new sQuidcard via our website, and register it under a new account. Once you have done this, you can contact us to transfer the old balance over.
How secure is this system?
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.
What about MiFare and sQuidcard security?
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.”
How secure is my data and your site?
All of our data and yours is hosted on a secure web hosting platform with reputable web listing company NTT. All of the data we collect on behalf of you is bound by our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
