Banking Tools to Block Gambling Transactions
A comprehensive guide to banks and financial apps that help you block betting transactions and protect your recovery.
Take Control of Your Finances
Banking blocks create a powerful barrier between you and gambling transactions. Combined with daily streak tracking, they form a strong foundation for your recovery.
Banks use Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) to identify gambling transactions. When you enable a gambling block, your bank will decline any transaction from merchants coded as gambling establishments.
The Block
Transactions to gambling sites and casinos are automatically declined
Cooling-Off Period
24-72 hour wait before you can remove the block, preventing impulsive decisions
Extra Friction
Some banks require calling support or visiting a branch to disable blocks
- Blocks only work for card transactions—cash withdrawals are not blocked
- Some gambling sites may use different merchant codes to bypass blocks
- Cryptocurrency purchases may not be blocked
- Bank transfers to gambling sites may not be blocked
For comprehensive protection, combine banking blocks with website blocking and other recovery strategies.
UK banks are leaders in gambling block features, with many offering dedicated controls and cooling-off periods. Digital banks like Monzo and Starling have particularly strong protections.
Completed your banking protection? Start tracking your bet-free journey!
Start Your Streak Today"Setting up the gambling block on Monzo was the best decision I made. The 48-hour wait to remove it has saved me countless times. When the urge hits, I can't act on it immediately, and by the time I could theoretically disable the block, the urge has passed. Combined with tracking my streak on Quit Betting, I've been bet-free for 6 months now."
— Marcus, 183 days bet-free
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
National Debt Helpline
Free debt advice for people in England and Wales
GamCare
Support for gambling problems including financial advice
🇺🇸 United States
National Problem Gambling Helpline
24/7 confidential support for gambling problems
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Non-profit financial counseling and debt management
Visit WebsiteConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
Government resources for financial protection and complaints
Visit WebsiteFinancial Counseling Association of America
Accredited non-profit credit counseling agencies
Visit Website🌍 Global
Ready to combine financial protection with daily accountability?
Start Your Bet-Free Streak