Payment options - shopping
We want to ensure you are protected. We recognise that people may not have access to some of the payment methods listed.
If you have any concerns over payments, please refer these concerns to the Support Team on 0808 196 3382.
Always ask the volunteer to show their GoodSAM ID before any payments are exchanged.
We have recommended several options below, and we advise you discuss the options available with the volunteer supporting you and come to agreement before the shopping is ordered, collected and delivered e.g. on the initial phone call with the volunteer.
You are not permitted to give your bank card to a volunteer to take to a cashpoint to withdraw money on your behalf or pay for shopping contactless or by pin payments. You are only permitted to use the Get Cash Scheme.
Options
The options are in order of preference and ease for both you and the volunteer supporting you.
Supermarket click and collect service
You can place the order online at your local supermarket and then share a reference number with your volunteer to go and collect the shopping on your behalf.
Paying with cash
You must give the volunteer the cash before going shopping.
Volunteers will supply a receipt for the goods purchased and return any change.
The maximum value of cash that can be exchanged is £60.
If there is a disagreement over cash, please contact the Support Team on
0808 196 3382.
Pre-paid supermarket physical voucher/gift card or e-voucher
If you have a physical supermarket gift card/voucher or an e-voucher you can share this with your volunteer. You can purchase digital e-vouchers online either on a general gift card site or directly from the stores website.
You will need to give the physical card or print out of the e-voucher for the volunteer beforehand and they will return it afterwards.
PayPal
If using this method, we ask that you transfer the money to your volunteer in advance of any shopping. They can then transfer back any change.
If you don’t have PayPal but the volunteer does, they can request a payment from you if you have a mobile phone. The volunteer has been given information on how to do this.
Natwest, RBS and Ulster Bank ‘Get Cash’ system
You can use the ‘Get Cash’ option on your mobile banking app and choose the amount of cash to withdraw, this cash will become available for 3 hours using the unique code provided to the requester, which you can share with your volunteer. The cash is retrieved at NatWest cash machines or Tesco ATMs, using just the code (no bank card needed). More information is available here. This can also be done over the phone for up to £100.
Contact Natwest, RBS or Ulster Bank for more information.
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Page last reviewed: 05 August 2024
