Since the concept of Earned Wage Access is new to many people, We’ve put together a blog that will help you understand how Orka Pay is meant to be used, how it helps you and why it’s better than loans, credit, buy-now-pay-later schemes and other ways to access money quickly. These are some of the most frequent questions we see from employes that are just getting started on the app.
What is Orka Pay?
Orka Pay is a WorkerTech product that allows employees up to 50% of their earned wages. Instead of getting paid once a month, you can cover unexpected or urgent expenses there and then by using an app on your phone. This system is called Earned Wage Access and is enables through clever and innovative technology.
How can I start using Orka Pay?
For you to get access to Orka Pay, your employer has to get on board with us!
You can easily refer your employer here >
If your employer already offers Orka Pay, you can simply download the app to get started.
How does Orka Pay work?
If your employer is already signed up with us, all you need to do is download the app, claim your account and link your bank details. It’s that simple!
When you withdraw money using Orka Pay, your requested amount will be in your account within seconds.
My employer has set up Orka Pay! How do I claim my account?
Claiming your account and setting up your basic details is easy and quick. Here is a step-by-step guide:
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.
What do I do if I’ve deleted my account and want to reactivate Orka Pay?
We need to make sure this is set up safely and securely. So if you want to reactivate you will have to get in touch with your employer who will then have get in touch with us to set up a new Orka Pay account.
We will then contact you through email and SMS when your account is ready to claim.
I’m having issues setting up or claiming my account. What could the problem be?
This issue is usually caused by missing, outdated or incorrect information in your employer’s time & attendance system. To use Orka Pay, please ensure your employers have the correct following details on you:
- First name
- Last name
- Date of Birth
- National Insurance number
- Email address
- Mobile phone number
I should have a higher balance than what the app is showing?
Before the balance becomes available to you in Orka Pay, your employer needs to confirm you’ve worked the shifts by either using the time & attendance system of your company or by doing an upload of your earnings. If you’re waiting on a shift to be approved, contact your employer.
Once this is approved, the money will be ready for you to access instantly in Orka Pay.
How do I make my first withdrawal?
Step 1: Before you can withdraw, your employer needs to deposit funds. 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. You will only have to do this once!
Step 4: Once you’ve signed, click on the “Withdraw from balance” button again. Clicking this will prompt you to enter your sort code and account number. You will only have to do this one time, and make sure you keep it up to date if you change banks.
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 wages.
How do Orka Pay withdrawals work?
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.
For example, you withdraw £100 from Orka Pay on the 10th of August to cover the expenses of a speeding fine. On pay day, which falls on the 28th of August, you will see a deduction for the fee and the amount withdrawn from your net salary.
What industries do you operate in?
Orka Pay can be used by employers of all sizes in any industry. Refer your employer now to get access.
Is it safe to use?
We built Orka Pay to be a safe and reliable way to access money. It’s a much better, safer and cheaper alternative to payday loans, credit and overdrafts. If you have unexpected expenses, you can easily transfer money from your Orka Pay account to your bank account to cover them without asking your employer.
It does not affect your credit score, and the fee we charge you for withdrawals stays the same.
What are the benefits of Orka Pay?
Firstly, Orka Pay offers increased flexibility. Unexpected expenses can happen at any time, so why should payday only happen once a month? With Orka Pay, you can manage this on your own time, without getting middle management involved and without asking for an advance on your salary.
We also want our user terms & conditions to be as transparent as possible, with no hidden fees and no fine print designed to confuse you. We want to make it as simple as possible for you:
- You can withdraw up to £50 per month without fees.
- This resets on the first of every month.
- £50 is also the minimum withdrawal amount.
- Any withdrawals after/over the free £50, you pay a pre-determined fee for.
The app is designed to be as easy as possible to use and is all managed through one app on your phone. No paperwork or lengthy process is needed to set up your account.
Finally, Orka Pay is designed to help you avoid payday loans, credit and unmanageable debt as a safe, ethical and fair way to access money.
What are some examples of incorrect use?
As 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 any Earned Wage Access provider:
- 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.
Orka Pay is a security net for unexpected expenses, but if you find yourself struggling to manage your money, we’ve collected some resources for you here.
Will it affect my credit score?
No. With us, you are not taking a loan. You’re simply accessing a portion of the pay you’ve already earned. As such, there is no impact on your credit score.
How do I download the app?
You go to the “Download Orka Pay” page and follow the steps as listed.
If you have any more questions or anything you’d like to ask us, please get in touch with our expert team.
