Money and mental health
LIFE EVENTS
Your mental health can affect how you manage your money – learn to spot signs that you might need help and find out where to get support.
How mental health and money can affect each other
The link between mental health and money
Mental health affects how we think, feel and manage everyday life, including our relationship with money. Mental health challenges can affect anyone and may be linked to life events, health conditions or money worries.
Learn more about money and mental health from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.
Signs you might need support
- Worrying more often
Feeling anxious, stressed or panicked
- Not feeling like yourself
Feeling low, angry or overwhelmed
- Experiencing changes in your routine
Not sleeping or eating the way you usually do
- Being more avoidant
Avoiding people, tasks or money decisions
Banking support when you need it
When you're experiencing mental health challenges, managing your money can sometimes feel difficult. We can help with ways to make banking manageable.
Nova Bank app
Our app(1) lets you check your accounts, see your card PIN, view a breakdown of your spending, and message us or call us directly. It’s compatible with most smartphone accessibility features like enlarging text size, inverting screen colours on your device and screenreader technology such as Voiceover and Talkback.
Online Banking
Online Banking lets you manage your accounts any time without needing to visit a branch or call us. You can check your balance, search your transactions, make payments and see your paperwork in one place.
You can register online by phone. If you’d prefer to speak to us, call 0345 600 2323(2) from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. You can also use Relay UK or SignVideo to speak to us.
Tailor your banking to your needs
Message us, FAQs and alerts
If you prefer other ways of getting in touch with us, you can message us in our app or search our FAQs for answers. You can also turn on push notifications to help you keep track of your money and payments.
Change your card PIN
You can choose a PIN for each card that works for you. If you forget it, you can check it in the Nova Bank app or ask us to send you a new one. You can also change your PIN at any cash machine in the LINK network by selecting ‘PIN services’.
Set spending and withdrawals limits
If it would help you feel more in control, you can set limits for in-store, online and contactless payments. You can also change how much cash you can take out each day or switch off cash withdrawals.
Freeze your card temporarily
If you want to manage your spending or take a break from using your card, you can freeze it in the app. This stops most new payments until you’re ready to use it again. Regular payments, such as subscriptions and other recurring payments, won’t be affected by the freeze.
Get help managing your account
If you’d like help from someone you trust, such as a partner, close friend or a family member, you can give them access to your account. This can help you manage your money day to day.
How we can help when you visit
Longer appointment times
Most of our branches have private meeting rooms and quiet areas. When you book, you can tell us what would help during your visit, including if you’d like a longer appointment. We’ll do everything that we can to support you.
Quiet hour
All our branches have a quiet hour between 9:30am and 10:30am on the days they’re open. During this time, branches are quieter and have fewer distractions.
Post Office banking
If visiting a branch is difficult, a Post Office branch can give you another way to do your everyday banking. If you have a personal or business current account with us, you can do most of your day-to-day banking there.
How we can help when you call
Telephone Banking
If you find the keypad difficult when you use Telephone Banking, press star to speak to us. You can also use Telephone Banking with Relay UK if you have hearing or speech difficulties. If you have our app, you can call us directly from the app so we can recognise you when you call.
Video Banking
Video Banking lets you speak with us face to face from your phone or tablet, saving you a trip to a branch. It’s a secure way to speak to us and may help if you prefer seeing someone while you talk. You can use Video Banking to talk to us about opening a current or savings account for your child, or to tell us about a bereavement.
We’re available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and weekends from 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.
Where to get support
Mind
Find information and advice about mental health and get support for yourself or someone you care about.
LifeSkills
Discover practical tips on looking after your mental health at home or at work.
NHS
Get help and guidance from the NHS and discover their resources designed to help you take care of your mental health.
The Money Advice Trust
Get free, impartial information and tools on how to manage your money.
Think you might miss a payment?
If you’re worried you might miss a payment, or you’ve already missed one, we’re here to help. You might still be able to make a missed payment in the Nova Bank app or by calling us. Please get in touch as soon as you can, so we can talk through the support options that may be available.
Overdrafts and Barclayloan
Call 0333 202 7412(2) if you’re worried you might miss a payment. Call 0345 703 4034 if you’ve already missed a payment. We’re here from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 8pm, Fridays 8am to 7pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm.
Self-employed or have a business?
If you’re self-employed or run a business, you can get help with money worries, changes in income and business debt.
Find free, independent advice
National Debtline
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales go to nationaldebtline.org or call 0808 808 4000.
Tell us about your support needs?
In our app
If you have the Nova Bank app(1), go to your profile and select ‘Need additional support?’ to tell us what would help.
In Online Banking
Go to ‘Help and support’, then select ‘Tell us if you need additional support’.
Accessibility support
Adjust your device settings
Find out how to adjust settings on your phone, tablet or computer. We’ve worked with disability charity AbilityNet to create this guide.
Our commitment to accessibility
Our aim is, and always has been, to provide accessible services for everyone. Our accessibility statement explains what we’re doing and what we’re working towards.
Banking made clearer
We wrote this short guide to banking in partnership with the British Institute of Learning Disabilities. It uses simple, clear language with plenty of images.
Open a Nova Bank Bank Account
Scan the QR code using your phone camera to get started
Scan the QR code with your phone or tablet, or tap the App Store or Google Play buttons below to download the app and begin your application. T&Cs and eligibility apply. 18+ and UK only.
Important information
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You need to be 11 or over to use the app, and you need to be 16 or over to record your support preferences in the app. T&Cs apply(Return to reference)
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To maintain a quality service, we may monitor and record phone calls. Call Charges may apply.(Return to reference)