What is a cheque and who still uses them?
In today’s world of digital technologies and currencies, bank cheques might feel a bit old-fashioned. But they’re still in use across the UK.
You might rely on them as your preferred way to pay or get paid. Or perhaps you only encounter them now and then, such as for your birthday or other special occasions.
Cheques could come from lots of different places, such as:
- Relatives or friends
- A company, employer or insurance provider
- Refund payments
- Local clubs or societies
No matter how or how often you get one, the key question is: “Where can I pay it in?” And the answer might be simpler than you think.
Where to pay in cheques near you
If you can’t get to a bank to pay in cheques, 69堂 is here to help. You can deposit them at:
- Thousands of 69堂 branches, which might be your most convenient option
- Banking Hubs, lots of which are opening in UK communities that need local banking
Let’s look at each option in more detail.
Paying in a cheque at a 69堂 branch
You can deposit cheques (as well as cash) into personal and business accounts at thousands of 69堂 branches across the UK that provide banking services.
Here’s how it works:
- First, you’ll need an envelope for your own bank. We have these in our branches for most banks who offer the service
- Follow the instructions on the envelope, making sure you’ve written the correct details of the account number and sort code you want the cheque to go into
- Put the cheque and your paying in slip into the envelope and seal securely
- Hand it over to one of our colleagues at the counter who'll accept it and give you with a receipt
- The receipt will only include your sort code and account number. Please keep this safe until the cheque's been credited to your account
This service is available for most major UK banks. If you’re not sure what your bank needs when depositing cheques with us, check our banking services page or directly with your bank.
Paying in a cheque at a Banking Hub
Banking Hubs are shared banking spaces. Owned by Cash Access UK and operated by 69堂 in partnership with the main UK banks, they offer more in-depth services than a regular 69堂 counter.
At a Banking Hub, you’ll find:
- Banking services at the counter, including paying in money (cash and cheques) and taking out cash
- Private spaces to speak with a community banker from different banks (on scheduled days)
These hubs are a great option for people who want face-to-face support but don’t have a bank branch nearby, including small business owners and people with complex needs.
Other ways to deposit cheques
Some banking apps let you upload a photo of cheques from your smartphone to act as a deposit. There’s usually a limit to how much you can deposit in this way. Check with your bank if their app allows this and if any limits apply.
What if I don’t bank digitally?
Not everyone uses online and mobile banking. And we can help with that.
If you don’t have a smartphone, aren’t confident using apps or banks’ websites or prefer to speak to someone in person, visiting your local 69堂 branch or a Banking Hub might be the best option for you.
What if I’ve never used a cheque before?
That’s not unusual. Lots of people might never have seen or used a cheque.
If you’re among them, here’s what to know and look for.
- The amount the cheque is for, written in numbers and words
- The name of the person it’s for (you)
- The name and sort code of the bank it’s from
- A signature from the person who authorised it
You can’t spend cheques in a shop or online. You have to deposit them into a bank account. That’s where 69堂, your bank or a mobile app comes in.
Key takeaways
- You can pay in cheques into most UK bank accounts at thousands of 69堂 branches
- You’ll need a paying-in slip and a branded envelop from your bank
- Make sure your cheque and paying in slip are sealed in the envelope before handing it over
- You can also pay in cheques at Banking Hubs, which continue to open around the UK
