If you can’t get a bank account, you’ll be sent a payment card or voucher code instead. This lets you access benefit or State Pension payments at a Post Office or PayPoint outlet. Here’s how the Payment Exception Service works.
What’s in this guide
Check if you can get a bank account first
A bank account (also called a current account) is the easiest way to access your payments. It lets you:
- receive payments, like wages, benefits and pension
- pay for things or take out cash with a debit card
- transfer money to pay bills or other people
- manage your account through mobile and online banking, and, in many cases, over the phone, in branch or at the Post Office.
There are lots of options, including accounts that accept those with a poor credit history.
See How to open a bank account for more information and the ID you’ll need.
Use the Payment Exception Service
If you can’t get a bank account, you can collect your benefit or State Pension payment in cash by visiting a Post Office or PayPoint outlet (often found in a corner shop).
To do this, you’ll be sent either a:
- payment card, or
- voucher code by text message or email.
Show this at the counter with a form of ID to be handed the money. You have 90 days to do this before it expires.
Find your nearest Post OfficeOpens in a new window or local PayPoint outletOpens in a new window
For more information and help with problems
For more information, including the ID you’ll need and how someone else can collect for you, see GOV.UKOpens in a new window
If you have a problem, such as losing your card or voucher:
- call the Payment Exception Service helpline on 0800 015 2902
- log in to your online accountOpens in a new window
You might also find the answer in this list of Frequently Asked QuestionsOpens in a new window
Use our Benefits calculator
If you’re living on a low income or have had an income shock, use our Benefits calculator to quickly find out what you could be entitled to.
