Economic abuse is about more than money. It can include someone that’s stopping you from working, controlling your access to money, or limiting your independence. Financial abuse is when someone controls, takes or misuses your money. If you're experiencing financial, economic or domestic abuse, support is available. We're here to help in a way that feels safe, confidential and right for you.
We understand it can be difficult to talk about abuse or controlling behaviour. When you're ready, we're here to help.
We'll work with you at a pace that feels safe for you. We'll listen without judgement and explain the support options available.
We'll treat your information with care. We’ll only share it if you've agreed to it, if we're required to by law, or if we believe there's a serious risk to your safety.
Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse. It happens when someone controls your money, limits your access to it, or uses finances to control or harm you.
This can include taking on debt in your name, monitoring your spending, or pressuring you into financial decisions.
Financial abuse can happen to anyone, no matter their age, background or circumstances.
Financial abuse is often part of a wider pattern of behaviour, which may include emotional, physical, sexual abuse or coercive control.
Coerced debt is when someone pressures you into taking out credit, or takes out credit, loans or other financial products in your name without your consent.
You can find out more about economic abuse and how it’s legally recognised by visiting Surviving Economic Abuse
Financial abuse can look different for everyone. Some signs may include:
- being unable to access your own money or accounts
- someone controlling how you spend money
- being pressured to hand over wages, benefits or savings
- money being taken from you without permission
- credit, loans or accounts opened in your name without your consent
- being forced into debt or unfairly made responsible for bills
- someone monitoring your banking or limiting your access to money.
We have a trained financial support team ready to listen and help. Or you might prefer to talk to someone independent.
Take a look at organisations and charities that can provide free money advice and wellbeing support.
You only need to tell us once. With your consent, we'll record the support you need so you don't have to repeat your situation every time you contact us. You can find out more by visiting Tell us once how we can help
If you’re worried someone else has access to your account or banking information, we can help you make your account more secure.
Depending on your situation, we may be able to help you:
- reset or replace your cards
- change your PIN
- update your Online Banking details
- help protect your accounts from unwanted access
- update your paper-free preferences
- change your personal details including phone and email address.
We may be able to help you:
- regain control of your finances
- open a new account in your own name
- access your money safely
- remove the contactless feature from your card
- provide advice with possible actions to take if you're receiving an abusive reference on a payment into your account.
If you share finances with someone else, we may be able to help with:
- joint accounts
- stopping or limiting certain account activity
- changing who can access your accounts.
If it isn’t safe for you to receive post at home, there are other ways we can help.
You can:
Use a device you trust if possible
Use private browsing – you may need to check on your browser for how you can set this up
Clear your browsing history after visiting this page
Contact us from somewhere you feel safe
We support the Hestia ‘UK SAYS NO MORE’ Safe Spaces scheme.
Many of our branches offer a private, safe space where you can contact friends and family or specialist support services.
Anyone can ask to use a Safe Space in branch.
You can find a safe space by using the Locator Tool
Refuge, the UK's largest specialist domestic abuse organisation
Galop, the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity
If you'd like to talk to us, we'll listen and explain the options available. You only need to tell us what you're comfortable sharing.
Call us:
0330 9 123 123
0800 313 4321 (freephone) (Monday to Sunday, 8am-6pm)
You can also visit a branch or use secure chat through Online or Mobile Banking.
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More Help
Bright Sky
You can download the free Bright Sky app. Bright Sky is a safe, easy-to-use app. It has a range of tools to support you if you’re in an abusive relationship, or worried about someone you know.
