50 ways to set your own payment limits to keep your spending in check

Banks can now set their own contactless payment limits for customers.

The financial watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has introduced a new rule allowing card providers with strong fraud controls to decide if and when they raise the contactless payment limit beyond £100. This rule came into force on 19 March.

Until now, contactless payments were capped at £100. This was upped from £45 five years ago

While many UK banks are sticking with the current limit, they now have the flexibility to increase it.

The FCA says this gives providers more choice to set limits that work for them and their customers. But if your bank does make changes, it must clearly tell you under consumer duty rules.

While higher limits could make payments more convenient, they can also make spending feel a bit too easy.

A quick tap removes a moment of pause, and that can lead to overspending without realising.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to stay in control.

Here are 50 simple ways to set your own payment limits and keep your spending in check.

1. Set your own contactless limit

Choose a lower cap in your banking app if the option is available.

2. Use chip & PIN for larger purchases

Adding an extra step like chip & PIN helps you pause and think before spending.

3. Check your balance regularly

Knowing what’s left in your account helps you stay grounded.

4. Turn on spending alerts

Get notified when you’re nearing your limit with spending alerts.

5. Track everyday spending

Small purchases add up faster than you think if you don’t keep an eye on them.

6. Set a weekly spending budget

Once it’s gone, stop spending until the next week.

7. Use cash for nights out

Take a set amount of cash on nights out and leave your card at home.

8. Try a prepaid card

Load only what you can afford to spend on a prepaid card.

9. Separate your accounts

Keep bills, savings and spending money in different pots.

10. Use in-app spending limits

Many banks let you cap daily or weekly spending.

11. Try the envelope method

Split cash into categories like food, birthdays and travel, and put it in different envelopes.

12. Remove saved card details

Make checkout less convenient to curb impulse buys by removing saved card details from websites.

13. Add a 24-hour rule

Wait 24-hours before buying anything non-essential. If you still want it when you slept on it, fair enough!

14. Set a ‘no-spend’ day each week

Give yourself regular breaks from spending with a regular ‘no-spend’ day.

15. Only shop with a list

Take a list to the supermarket with you and stick to what you planned to buy.

16. Rename your savings account

Something as simple as renaming a savings account can add a psychological nudge.

17. Round up purchases into savings

Move spare change into savings and let small amounts build up without noticing.

18. Set a daily spending cap

Give yourself a clear limit on what you can spend each day.

19. Unlink your card from apps

Remove the ease of one-tap spending by unlinking your card from apps.

20. Review subscriptions monthly

Cancel any subscriptions you don’t use.

21. Set category limits

Cap spending on areas like takeaways or entertainment.

22. Use budgeting apps

Track everything in one place with tools like Emma or Snoop. 

23. Freeze your card when not in use

Freeze your card when you’re not using it and only unfreeze it when it’s needed.

24. Limit ATM withdrawals

Restrict how much cash you can access.

25. Use a separate ‘fun money’ account

Spend freely, but only from that pot.

26. Pay yourself first

On payday, pay yourself before you spend anything else, whether it’s into a savings account or into cash envelopes.

27. Keep savings out of reach

Use accounts with delayed or limited access.

28. Avoid browsing shopping apps

Resist the urge to browse shopping sites. Less temptation means less spending.

29. Set a limit for impulse buys

For example, nothing over £20 with planning.

30. Do a quick daily spend check

Reviewing your spending keeps you accountable.

31. Turn off contactless payments

Remove the temptation to tap and go.

32. Lower your card limit

Ask your bank to reduce your spending limit.

33. Use cash-only days

Go a full day without using your card.

34. Shop with a budget in mind

Know your limit before you enter a shop.

35. Avoid ‘just in case’ purchases

Only buy what you truly need.

36. Set clear financial goals

Having a goal makes overspending less appealing.

37. Use alerts for large transactions

Get notified for anything over a set amount.

38. Share your goals with someone

A bit of accountability can go a long way.

39. Check your bank app before buying

A quick glance can stop unnecessary spending.

40. Use visual reminders of your budget

Notes or phone wallpapers can keep limits front of mind.

41. Automate your bills

Pay essentials first so you don’t overspend.

42. Set a monthly spending review

Look back and adjust your limits if needed.

43. Avoid using credit for daily spending

Stick to money you already have.

44. Create a ‘cool-off’ wishlist

Save items and revisit them later.

45. Use a spending journal

Writing things down makes spending more real.

46. Set limits in digital wallets

Cap spending through your phone.

47. Block certain retailers or categories

Some apps let you restrict where you spend.

48. Plan your spending in advance

Map out your week before it begins.

49. Keep your card out of easy reach

Even small barriers can reduce impulse spending.

50. Finally, pause before you pay

Ask yourself if you really need it before tapping.

You can take the guesswork out of managing your money, with Money Wellness’ free budget planner.