Why have we decided to change our debit card?
As you may know, Triodos is a European bank. We operate in various countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Spain. We all share the same mission: to be one of the world’s most sustainable banks and bring positive change through banking.
This is why we wanted to unify the design of our card.
Before now, each country has had their own unique card. Here in the UK, we sported a bright green leaf, with the veins of the leaf representing how we’re all connected.
While all these designs shared a common theme of celebrating nature in different ways, we felt it was time to come together and find a design for us all.
The new design of the debit card
When designing our new debit card we wanted to stand out from the crowd. We wanted something eye-catching, disruptive and totally different. We wanted something Triodos.
We explored a range of nature-inspired concepts for the design, and eventually decided on butterflies.
On the debit card, you see a close-up of a butterfly wing. The butterfly represents the change and transformation that we, as Triodos Bank, would like to see in the world.
We also decided to put ‘This is not just a card, this is a ticket to positive change’ on the back of the card. It is the perfect message to remind you that what you do with your debit card really matters.
A sense of community
The close up butterfly wing reveals the individual colour scales that create the butterfly pattern. These colourful pixels represent our Triodos community.
With this debit card, you become part of a movement of more than 740,000 people in Europe who want to change the world for the better.
Embracing recycled materials
Our new updated card is made from recycled plastic (rPVC). We have chosen this material because it has the lowest carbon footprint and environmental impact compared to other plastics on offer.
While in the past we have opted for biobased plastics (PLA), recent research shows that PLAs have a higher environmental impact. This is due to the usage of plant protection products and fertiliser needed to produce this material.
However, we understand that for some people using a plastic card with non-recyclable electronic components is still not good enough. We understand this frustration and are always striving to find the most sustainable option.
Improved accessibility
We are always looking for ways to improve our customers’ banking experience.
This is why we have introduced a small ‘accessibility notch’ onto the card. This notch will help our visually impaired customers to easily insert their debit card into a cash point (ATM).
Switching to Visa
You may have noticed that we are now using Visa as our card payment provider. This has been done to help unify our offering in all regions.
What else is new?
The debit card offers the same functions that it did before: contactless payment, and chip and PIN.
We’ve added new functionality to the Triodos Mobile Banking App including:
- Freeze and unfreeze your new card
- Order a replacement card
- Change your payments limits
- View your PIN
- Change card usage settings when abroad
Do I need to do anything?
Your new card will have a new number. Many subscription and streaming services will be set up to receive recurring payments using your old card number, so you will need to update these. You can do this by contacting the company your payments are with.
With your new card you will also be issued a new PIN (personal identifical number). It’s best to commit this to memory, rather than having it written down. The good news is that you'll now be able to get a secure PIN reminder on the Triodos Mobile Banking App.
If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our contact team.
Do we really need physical cards in our digital world?
We consider ourselves a digital bank. After all, we have no physical branches and encourage our users to use the Triodos Mobile Banking App as much as possible.
However, we still see the benefit of having a physical bank card. Until that changes we will continue to automatically send our debit card to our customers.
Catherine RelfI am very unhappy about the changes- the card is just cosmetic..... I have in the past always found helpful staff -(not automated AI voices) is this now part of VISA and where has the old TRIODUS gone - with its connection also to ideas of Rudolf Steiner and three folding? As Dyslexic (and probably many of your older customers) I find all the writing and use of did digital devices unpleasant and misses out the person/ humanness that we are losing in this elactronic age. movement ?
Triodos BankHi Catherine, We’re sorry to hear this. We understand your concern and take your feedback on board. It's true that we are on a journey to become a more digital bank. We want to make good use of technology in order to provide a high quality service, offer enhanced protection and create even greater impact with the money entrusted with us. We are supporting our customers along the way of this journey, and we understand there may be some who will appreciate additional help and support. We are glad to hear you’ve had positive experiences with our friendly customer contact team that are based in Bristol, they are always there to help if you would like to chat with them. We have also partnered with charity Citizens Online that helps to provide further support. More details are here: www.triodos.co.uk/help/citizens-online Kind regards, Alice.
Bobby BallsThat makes you very unhappy, oh please get a grip
GillySounds great
SophieI love the look of the new card, but disappointed that it still isnt compatible with Apple Pay. Is this something that might become available in future? Thanks
Triodos BankHi Sophie, We are aware of how popular making contactless mobile wallet card payments is with customers. We hope to have mobile payments available by the end of the year. In the meantime, we have asked our customers to carry their debit card with them to make payments. Or suggest other open banking providers that you can register your card with to do that, such as Curve or SumUp, however please bear in mind fees or charges that the provider may apply and consider what data privacy or security the provider has in place. Please be reassured that our focus is on delivering positive impact with the money entrusted to us by our customers, with a solid commitment to a values-based and sustainable approach. Kind regards, Alice.
Rock SockI'm with Sophie, having to carry a big, heavy, intrusive, Triodos debit card is just sooo inconvenient darhling. My life revolves around my iPhone, without it I just simply wouldn't exist.
BenSo pleased the numbers are now a lot easier to read, and I really like the card design.
MirandaLove the new card design! Beautiful. And grateful for the clearer card numbers. Would also appreciate Apple Pay capability.
Mark SykesI love the new design, but am frustrated at not being able to change my pin number. Surely in this day and age that must be possible, after all it was with my previous card
Monkey SpannerYou can change your Pin in a cash point, and it's reflected in the app
DebbieWhy does it still take 30mins for funds to appear in the Tridos bank account
Sam the SnailMaybe you need to type faster
Steven CocorachioLike the new card and looking forward to having it on Google Wallet Steven
Fred FlintstoneWhy are people desperate to have Google and Apple track everything they buy (phone payments) Just use a card ? Oh and carry cash..why make banks even richer and vendors poorer
AdamBecause not everyone sees everything through your eyes, Fred
Willy WaspGo cash, go cash, go cash. Do you realise every time you use your card Visa/The Bank make money and the vendor pays a percentage. Why is that, as cash is soo hard to use ? Oh I forget "convenience" 😂😂😂😂 And as for pretentious twats paying with their watch, I so want the battery to run out
AdamAre you 70 or something?
Triodos BankHi Sophie, We are aware of how popular making contactless mobile wallet card payments is with customers. We hope to have mobile payments available by the end of the year. In the meantime, we have asked our customers to carry their debit card with them to make payments. Or suggest other open banking providers that you can register your card with to do that, such as Curve or SumUp, however please bear in mind fees or charges that the provider may apply and consider what data privacy or security the provider has in place. Please be reassured that our focus is on delivering positive impact with the money entrusted to us by our customers, with a solid commitment to a values-based and sustainable approach. Kind regards, Alice.
Rock SockI'm with Sophie, having to carry a big, heavy, intrusive, Triodos debit card is just sooo inconvenient darhling. My life revolves around my iPhone, without it I just simply wouldn't exist.
Fred FlintstoneWhy are people desperate to have Google and Apple track everything they buy (phone payments) Just use a card ? Oh and carry cash..why make banks even richer and vendors poorer
AdamBecause not everyone sees everything through your eyes, Fred