BOWDON resident Samuel Mond has launched a innovative current account that he believes will help people to manage their budgets.

Samuel says the icount current account with prepaid MasterCard is an alternative to a mainstream bank account.

Samuel, 30 of Bowdon recently purchased the business - formerly known as ClearCash - and has carried out a complete rebrand.

The icount Current Account acts just like a bank account only the money you spend is pre-loaded, avoiding the risk of becoming overdrawn and incurring late payment fees.

The facility also has a credit building facility through his issuer Advanced Payment Solutions in London and also comes with purchase protection.

Samuel said: “The launch of icount builds on the already successful ClearCash offering that has been in existence since 2009. We listened to our cardholders and they wanted something more modern as well as enhanced functionality. icount does this, and more.”

Subject to terms, icount will provide applicants with their own account number and sort code at point of application.

Campaigning for the vulnerable is one of Samuel’s goals, and he hopes the community will see this as a step towards financial inclusion.

He said: “Prepaid has a growing and vital role to play in mainstream financial services.

"The launch icount not only exhibits how prepaid products can provide consumers with an alternative way to budget and manage their everyday day finances but how this relatively unknown industry as a whole is constantly innovating to serve the evolving needs of consumers."