How to block gambling transactions at your bank
Blocking the money is one of the strongest things you can do. Some US banks and cards have a gambling block or category controls in the app. Others will help if you ask. None of them are perfect, so treat this as one layer.
Step 1: Look for a gambling block in your app
Check your bank or card app under card controls or security. For example, Revolut in the US has a gambling block under Profile, Security, Payments, and it takes up to 48 hours to turn off (how it works). Barclays US lets you block merchant categories on your card (card controls).
Step 2: If there is no switch, call
Ask your bank if they can block gambling merchants on your cards. Gambling payments usually use merchant category code 7995, so it helps to say that.
Step 3: Remove saved cards
Delete saved cards and bank links from betting accounts and from payment apps you used to fund them.
Step 4: Turn off cash advances
Ask your credit card company to set your cash advance limit to zero, and lower credit limits if you can.
Step 5: Bring in someone you trust
Some people give a partner or friend view-only access, or move bill money to a separate account they can see.
Good to know
- Blocks usually stop card payments only. Bank transfers, payment apps, and crypto can still get through.
- Some gambling sites use other merchant codes, so a block can miss them.
- Pair this with self-exclusion in your state for a much stronger setup.