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Why does Zing use Open Banking?

If you’ve ever connected your bank account to other financial apps then you’ve already used Open Banking. It’s the technology that allows you to share your data safely and securely with other banks and businesses to help you make everyday financial transactions frictionless.

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How does Zing use Open Banking? 

Open Banking is a major innovation that can benefit all of us when it comes to our money. With this integration you can link your bank account to Zing, making your top-up experience fast, secure and seamless. 

We use Open Banking to make topping up faster, or even a thing of the past. There are two phases – linked bank accounts and then setting up automatic top-ups. Here’s how it works:

Linked Accounts You can link your bank account to the Zing app to make top-ups without having to approve each one with your bank. It works by setting pre-approved single top-up and monthly top-up limits so you're always in control over how much is coming out of your account. 

Follow these steps to link your bank account:

  1. Open the Zing app and select ‘Linked accounts’ from the side menu.

  2. Tap the ‘Link account’ button.

  3. Choose your bank. 

  4. Review your linked account limits.

  5. Follow the steps with your bank to complete the account linking. 

Leave the worry of having to top-up in a hurry, juggling cards and apps – just top up in a tap instead. 

Linked accounts and one tap top-ups are available for many major UK banks – Barclays, Chase, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds, Monzo, Nationwide Bank, NatWest and Santander. 

Automatic top-ups

Have you ever worried that you don’t have enough money on your card when you’re next in line to pay? Don’t worry, we’ve solved this problem for you. 

Linking your bank account allows you to unlock something special – an even more effortless, worry-free way to top up your account without having to lift a finger.  Automatic top-ups mean no more painful attempts to add money at the checkout, or in a new country with no signal.  

It’s simple to set up:

1. Link your main bank account by following the steps above. 

2. Select the linked account you want to create an automatic top-up for and scroll down to ‘Automatic payments’.

3. Create your automatic top-up limits so we know how much money you want to add to your GBP wallet when your balance falls below a certain amount. E.g. When my balance falls below £50, top up £100. 

Then let us do the rest. You’re freed up to live your best international life. Money will be added to your GBP Zing wallet when you need it – whether you’re spending, sending or converting

  • You’re in control – create top-up limits that work for you. Amend them at any time so the money you need is always there in your wallet 

  • Stay ready for anything – say goodbye to low balances. We’ll make sure your account is always topped up, so you’re always ready to live your best international life 

  • We’re on top of your top-ups – you link your account, choose your minimum balance and top-up amount and we’ll do the rest. You can relax knowing your wallet is ready for anything. If for any reason your automatic top up doesn’t work, we’ll let you know by email and push notification

How does Open Banking work? Is it safe?

Banks can share your data with third parties using something called an application programming interface (API). APIs allow software at one company to talk to software at another company. This technology is very common and is used everywhere. It’s the reason why you can see weather snippets when you Google a city, or use your Facebook login to create an account on another website. 

Security

Authorised companies have to prove they’ll keep your information safe and secure. They can only access the information they need to provide the service you’ve asked for. For example, if you link your bank account to the Zing app, we’ll make a request based on the Variable Recurring Payment (VRP) mandate you set up when you linked your bank account which sets your single top-up limit and monthly top-up limit amounts. We can’t see your balance, or any sensitive data from your bank account.

How do I use Open Banking?

Third parties need explicit permission from you to access your data through Open Banking. They’ll ask for your consent before redirecting you to your online banking login. You can then log in securely without having to share your personal data.

You can edit your top-up limits at any time, or cancel your mandate if you wish – you’re always in control. 

We're excited about how Open Banking is going to change how you can manage your top-ups. Stay tuned for more Zing features!