Looking for an alternative to Tesco Clubcard Pay+?

Thousands of families used Tesco’s Pay+ card as a workaround to manage spending or support a loved one. Sibstar is built specifically for this.

Why Clubcard Pay+ is closing

Tesco Bank has announced that its Clubcard Pay+ account will close in April, meaning customers will soon need to find an alternative way to manage their everyday spending.

Many people used Clubcard Pay+ for:

• Separating everyday spending
• Helping family members manage money
• Budgeting or controlling spending
• Providing oversight for loved ones

For some, it was a convenient way to manage spending and collect points. But for others, particularly those supporting a loved one, it offered something more important: peace of mind and reassurance. Clubcard Pay+ became an informal way to support someone who needed help managing their finances.

But it was never designed specifically for this purpose.

That’s where Sibstar is different.

What to look for in a Tesco Clubcard Pay+ alternative

If you had Tesco Clubcard Pay+ just for the Clubcard points and the roundup facility, the alternatives are limited. But, if you’re supporting someone, whether that’s a parent, partner, family member or friend, your needs are likely a bit different.

Those drawn to Tesco Clubcard Pay+ as a prepaid debit card to help with spending controls and limit the amount of money at risk from scams, fraud and overspending can benefit from alternatives, like Sibstar, that provide a range of features to support safe spending and independence:

1. Spending controls

The ability to set limits or guide spending, without removing independence.

2. Visibility and reassurance

Knowing what’s happening without needing to constantly check in.

3. Flexibility in how support is provided

Every situation is different, from full support (e.g. Power of Attorney) to a lighter touch.

4. Safety and fraud awareness

Protection against scams, mistakes, or impulsive spending.

A safer alternative designed for supported spending

Sibstar is a debit card and app built specifically to help people spend safely while keeping their independence.

It allows a trusted supporter, such as a family member, to help oversee spending when needed.

Perfect for people who:

  • are vulnerable to scams

  • have dementia or memory issues

  • have learning difficulties

  • have a mental health condition

  • are recovering from addiction

  • simply need extra support managing money

Unlike many traditional banking products, Sibstar was designed from day one for supported financial independence.

It’s not a like-for-like replacement for Tesco Clubcard Pay+ and that’s intentional.

Sibstar does not offer:

  • Clubcard points

  • Cashback or rewards

  • Round-up savings features

Instead, it focuses on something different:

Helping people manage everyday spending safely, with the right level of support around them.

What Sibstar lets you do

With the Sibstar app, families can support spending in a safe and flexible way.

Key features

✔ Set daily or monthly spending limits
✔ Turn contactless, online or ATM use on/off
✔ Receive instant transaction notifications
✔ Adjust controls instantly through the app
✔ Help protect loved ones from scams

All while the cardholder continues to use their own debit card independently.

Sibstar is built to flex around different situations and provide a balance between independence and peace of mind.

Option 1: Sibstar for someone who needs a little help 

If you are starting to find managing money tricky, or are concerned about falling victim to fraud and scams, you can sign up to Sibstar with someone else. 

You have the Sibstar debit card and app, and your Supporter has the app too, so you can manage Sibstar together.

This is a great option if you need a little extra help, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind that your money is safe.

Option 2: Sibstar for someone who needs support 

If you are supporting someone who already has a Lasting Power of Attorney or other relevant legal documentation, you can sign up to Sibstar.

The person you are supporting has the Sibstar debit card, and you, their supporter, has the Sibstar app to manage how and where the debit card is used. You can set daily and monthly spending limits and switch cashpoint withdrawals, contactless, online and phone spending on or off at any time. Sibstar helps your loved ones stay independent whilst you keep an eye on things.

Option 3: Independent use

You use both the Sibstar card and App, setting all of the functionality by yourself.

Clubcard Pay+ vs Sibstar

Is Sibstar the right alternative to Tesco Clubcard Pay+ for you?

If you’re simply looking for:

  • Rewards

  • Cashback

  • Savings features

Then Sibstar may not be the right fit.

But if your priority is:

  • Supporting someone to spend safely

  • Reducing financial risk

  • Maintaining independence with reassurance

Then it’s a strong alternative to consider.

Why families choose Sibstar

Sibstar was created by Jayne Sibley after caring for her parents who were living with dementia. She needed a way to help them manage money safely without taking away their independence.

Today Sibstar helps thousands of people across the UK spend safely while giving families peace of mind.

For many families and supporters, it’s not just about managing money, it’s about reducing stress and maintaining independence.

Sibstar helps by offering:

  • Spending limits to guide behaviour

  • The ability to freeze and unfreeze the card instantly

  • Clear visibility of transactions

  • A structure that supports safe everyday spending

It’s particularly helpful for people living with:

  • Dementia

  • Mental health conditions

  • Learning disabilities

  • Addiction recovery challenges

  • Concerns over being scammed

Sibstar works alongside organisations focused on safety and wellbeing, including partnerships with; Alzheimer’s Society, Bluebird Care UK, Gamba, Stop! Think Fraud, West Midlands Police

These partnerships reflect a shared goal: Helping people stay safe, independent, and protected from financial harm.

Sibstar has been recognised across the fintech industry, including Innovation of the Year – British Bank Awards

Real customer feedback

“Sibstar has given me peace of mind. My mum keeps her independence but I can keep an eye on things.”
— Martin, Sibstar customer

“Exactly what we needed after worrying about scams.”
— Family supporter

What to do next

If Tesco Clubcard Pay+ has been part of your routine, now is a good time to explore options before it closes in April.

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Empowering Independence: Managing Money Safely in the Early Stages of Dementia