This blog contains everything employees need to get started with Orka Pay, along with step-by-step guides on how to claim your account and make your first withdrawal from the app.
Orka Pay is an app-based tech product that gives employees access to up to 50% of their pay as soon as they’ve worked a shift. Once your employer activates Orka Pay, we will send you an email to get you started and download the app.
If your employer does not yet have Orka Pay, you can easily refer them here.
Let’s get started with Orka Pay!
Claiming your account
Claiming your account is quick, free and easy.
Step 1: Download the app on Google Play or the App Store.
Step 2: When you first open the app, enter your phone number.
Step 3: We will send you a 6-digit unique verification code by SMS. Use this code to verify your number.
Step 4: On the next screen, enter your date of birth using the DD-MM-YYYY format.
Step 5: Create and confirm your unique 4-digit passcode. You’ll need this later, so please make sure you remember it.
Step 6: Enter your email. We will then send you an email with another unique code to verify your email. If you can’t find this, check your spam folder.
Step 7: Confirm your email by entering the unique code we send you.
That’s it! You’re all set up.
Making your first withdrawal
Step 1: Before withdrawing, your employer must deposit funds and make them available to you. This could take a few days, but we will notify you when funds become available.
Step 2: Once funds are available, open Orka Pay and click on the tile showing your balance. From there, click on the “Withdraw from balance” button.
Step 3: You will now be asked to sign an employee addendum. This is to accept our T&Cs.
Step 4: Once you’ve signed, click on the “Withdraw from balance” button again – this will prompt you to enter your sort code and account number.
Step 5: After adding your banking information, select the amount you want to withdraw, click “Continue”, and enter your 4-digit passcode to approve.
You can now use Orka Pay to access up to 50% of your earned wage.
What will Orka Pay withdrawals look like?
The amount you withdraw one month will automatically get deducted from your next salary. Most employers will clearly mark this on your pay slip. Your transaction history will also be available on your app so you can see exactly how much you’ve withdrawn and when.
For example: You withdraw £100 from Orka Pay on the 10th of August to cover the expenses of a speeding fine. On your payday, which falls on the 28th of August, you will see a £101.25 deduction from your net salary.
The extra £1.25 is the 2.5% fee charged for further withdrawals over the fee free £50 per month. So here, you get the first £50 fee-free, but thereafter pay a fee on the rest of your withdrawal.
Examples of incorrect use
Orka Pay is meant to be a tool for you to stay in control of your finances and cope with unexpected expenses, but should always be used responsibly. Here are a few examples of how not to use Orka Pay, or signs that you should get help with your financial well-being.
- Covering non-essential, out-of-budget purchases
- To enable gambling or betting of any kind.
- Repeated and frequent use.
- Withdrawing large amounts without budgeting and managing this in your next pay cycle.
- To pay off other loans or unmanageable debts.
Here are some further tips from our customers and their company leaders on how you can make the most out of Orka Pay and how to ensure you stay in control of your finances.
If you can, pick up overtime shifts to cover large withdrawals
“If you’re going to use Orka Pay, try to put in some overtime to cover what you’re using. Planning and budgeting for this is key to keeping in control of your money.”
– Roz, Head of HR at Whistlepunks
If you can, pick up overtime shifts to cover large withdrawals
“If you’re going to use Orka Pay, try to put in some overtime to cover what you’re using. Planning and budgeting for this is key to keeping in control of your money.”
– Roz, Head of HR at Whistlepunks
Use it as a safety net
“Try not to use it on the regular. It’s there as a safety net, and that’s how I try and look at it. It’s not something you should just go and get money when you want it because it’s coming out of your wages as the end of the month, so use it in emergencies only.”
Vicky, Instructor at Whistlepunks
Use it as a safety net
“Try not to use it on the regular. It’s there as a safety net, and that’s how I try and look at it. It’s not something you should just go and get money when you want it because it’s coming out of your wages as the end of the month, so use it in emergencies only.”
Vicky, Instructor at Whistlepunks
Limit usage
“Don’t overuse it, and keep in mind that anything you withdraw will come out of your wages at the end of the month. Try to use it only for essential things and bills.”
– Jamie, Sous Chef at Little Ships Restaurant
Limit usage
“Don’t overuse it, and keep in mind that anything you withdraw will come out of your wages at the end of the month. Try to use it only for essential things and bills.”
– Jamie, Sous Chef at Little Ships Restaurant
Use it to track your earnings
“The app is user-friendly. You’ll see how much money has been paid into your account and calculate exactly how much withdrawal fees will cost you.”
– Martin, Instructor at Whistlepunks
Use it to track your earnings
“The app is user-friendly. You’ll see how much money has been paid into your account and calculate exactly how much withdrawal fees will cost you.”
– Martin, Instructor at Whistlepunks
Monitor usage
“Paying attention to the frequency of use, how often you withdraw and reaching out if you have further trouble with money is important.”
– Tim, Operations Manager at Little Ships Restaurant
