STARcard FAQ’s

the STARcardFrequently Asked Questions about the STARCARD

Our way of saying thank you

The STARCARD Reward Scheme was introduced to thank Swan residents who pay their rent on time and keep to their tenancy conditions. We have put together some of the most frequently asked questions about the STARCARD

Your STARcard – FAQ’s

What is the STARcard Reward Scheme?

The STARcard Reward Scheme was introduced to thank Swan residents who pay their rent on time and keep to their tenancy conditions. Unfortunately it does not extend to those residents who have a licence, leaseholders or those who hold a tenancy with Newham Council as it is only for residents who hold a Swan tenancy.

How do I qualify for the STARcard Reward Scheme?

It’s really easy, you just have to be able to say yes to the following conditions:

  • I have a Swan tenancy
  • I have not owed more than 4 weeks rent in the last 6 months (excluding pending Housing Benefits payments)
  • My home and garden are in a clean and tidy condition
  • I have no outstanding legal actions against me
  • There have been no proven reports of anti-social behaviour against anyone living in my home
  • My annual gas safety check has been completed within time
  • My home is owned and managed by Swan
  • I do not live in short-term accommodation (eg. NHS, Foyer)
  • I have kept to all my tenancy conditions for the last 6 months

If you have said yes to all these conditions, you qualify for the scheme and can enter our fabulous competitions (You’ll find them in The Communicator).
If you cannot say yes to all the conditions or have any questions regarding the criteria please contact your housing officer, who will be happy to tell you what steps you will need to take to qualify.

How does the STARcard work?

Your STARcard is like a Top up Store Gift Card (similar to those you can get from many leading stores) and it can be topped up anytime.
If you keep to the above conditions Swan will credit your STARcard with £10 twice a year
It also means you can enter our free to enter competitions for fabulous prizes in ‘The Communicator’ (link to newsletters on web4)

What is a Top Up gift Card?

A Top Up gift card is a card that can have funds added to it, and can be used and topped up time and time again. Many well known stores sell Top Up gift cards (Tesco, M&S, Waterstones etc.,)

One Use gift cards are gift cards with a fixed amount on them that you can only use once (like prepay mobile cards or iTunes gift cards)
Your STARcard is like a Top Up gift card.

How often will you top up my STARcard?

Twice a year, once in July and again in January as long as you meet the conditions for the 6 months previously.

How do I find out how much is on my STARcard?

Call 0845 640 0884 and key in your card number – easy!

How do I use my STARcard?

Just take it an Argos store and use it like a Top Up gift card.

I have lost my STARcard, what do I do?

Contact the Lettings team on 0300 303 2500 or by email at allocations@swan.org.uk and we will issue you a new one (there will be an administration fee of £2.50 which will be deducted from your next payment)

If I lost my card and you replace it, will I keep/be refunded any outstanding funds on it?

Yes, once we have checked with Argos that the payment has not been spent we can transfer the funds to your new card.

Do I give up my card when I use it?

No, the STARcard is like a top up gift card – so you keep it for more top ups.

The Store took my card and kept it, what do I do?

The store should not keep your card; it is a top up card, not use once.
Contact the lettings team (on 0300 303 2500 or by email at allocations@swan.org.uk, with the details, and we will issue you with a new one free of charge.

Can I (or my family) add more funds to the card?

No

Can I use my STARcard online? (to buy goods via the Argos website)

No, can only be used in a store.

Can I save up the funds on my STARcard? Or do I have to use them within a certain date?

Yes you can save them up, but we may contact you to ensure that is what you are doing?

I have a question about my STARcard that isn’t here?

Contact the lettings team on 0300 303 2500 or by email at allocations@swan.org.uk, and we will try and answer it for you.
(We may even add it on here)