Payment options - shopping

We want to ensure both yourself and the person you are supporting are protected. We recognise that people may not have access to some of the payment methods listed.

If you or the person you are supporting have any concerns over payments, please refer these concerns to the Support Team on 0808 196 3382. Remember you must always show your GoodSAM ID to the person you are supporting.

We appreciate that it may be challenging to arrange a suitable payment option. We have recommended several options below, we advise you discuss the options available with the person you are supporting and come to agreement before the shopping is ordered, collected and delivered e.g. on the initial phone call you make to the person you are supporting.

You are not permitted to take a person's bank card to a cashpoint to withdraw money on their behalf or pay for shopping contactless or by pin payments. You are only permitted to use the Cash Access Scheme.

In the situation where you are supporting a person with purchasing goods we advise the following steps. Please read all options below before calling the person.

Options

The options are in order of preference and ease for both you and the person you are supporting.

Supermarket click and collect service

The person can place the order online at their local supermarket and then share a reference number with you to go and collect the shopping on their behalf.

Paying with cash

We do not permit you using your own money, you must visit the person to collect the cash before going shopping.

You must show your ID profile page on the GoodSAM app to the person before accepting the cash.

You must supply a receipt for the goods purchased to the supported person.

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 the person has a physical supermarket gift card/voucher or an e-voucher (available online or a friend or relative could buy in store), they can share this with you. Digital e-vouchers can also be bought online either on a general gift card site or directly from the stores website.

Collect the physical card or print out of the e-voucher before your shop and return it afterwards.

PayPal

If using this method, we ask that the person transfers the money to you in advance of any shopping. You can then transfer back any change.

If only you (the volunteer) has PayPal you can request a payment from the person if they have a mobile phone.

  • Log onto your PayPal account to request a payment.
  • If using a mobile phone/app - tap on Request; and if using a desktop - click on Send and Request then Request.
  • Insert the isolated person’s mobile phone number. Put in the amount due and simply press Request Money
  • The isolated person will receive a link by text to your PayPal Account where they can pay by Debit or Credit Card
  • The money will be deposited into your PayPal Account and available to use in real time.
  • You can login to your PayPal account, go to the transaction and provide a partial refund of the change if needed

If both the volunteer and person has a PayPal account

  • You can share (through the mobile phone) your PayPal payment address and the amount owed.
  • The isolated person can send the money by their PayPal balance or by a Debit or Credit Card.
  • The money will be deposited into your PayPal Account and available to use in real time.
  • You can log into your PayPal account, go to the transaction and provide a partial refund of the change if needed.

Natwest, RBS and Ulster Bank ‘Get Cash’ system

The person you are supporting can use the ‘Get Cash’ option on their mobile banking app and choose the amount of cash to withdraw, this cash will become available for 3 hours using unique code provided to the requester, which they can share with you. 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: 07 May 2024