With the rise in popularity of instant bank transfers, receiving or writing checks has become much less common in recent years
In light of the widespread closures of bank branches, we outline how to deposit a check into your bank account and what to do if you receive one.
Checks were once a commonplace part of British people's daily banking, but as more people use internet banking, they have gradually become less popular.
Only 0.2 percent of all payments made in the UK in 2023 were made by check, an 85 percent drop in just a decade, according to the most recent data from trade association UK Finance.
Some people are unaware of what to do with checks, and many banks no longer even give you a checkbook when you open an account unless you specifically request one.
Despite their lack of popularity, you might occasionally receive a check.
We examine whether checks are still valid in the UK, whether they are safe, and what to do if you receive one.
Are checks still accepted?
A check is still a legitimate form of payment even though it isn't used as frequently these days. This does not, however, imply that checks are always valid.
In the UK, companies are legally allowed to only accept payments in the ways that are most convenient for them and to reject payments of any kind, including checks.
Therefore, not all vendors will accept checks as a legitimate form of payment, even though some may.
It is advisable to confirm with the vendor whether checks are accepted if you wish to pay for something with them.
Is there a deadline for checks?
Checks don't have an expiration date, but if you try to cash them more than six months after they were issued, many banks will reject them.
Asking the bank is the best way to find out if your check is still valid.
For instance, NatWest, Nationwide, and Lloyds maintain the right to refuse to process a check that is more than six months old.
All of these banks recommend getting in touch with the check issuer and requesting a replacement if you have a check that you want to cash more than six months after it was issued.
How to make a check payment.
You can pay with a check in a number of ways from most banks. However, keep in mind that different banks have different policies, so it's best to check with them first.
We walk you through a few of the most popular check payment methods.
In the branch.
As more physical bank branches close, checks are getting harder to cash, which is one of the reasons they are becoming less common.
Nearly 300 physical locations, including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland branches, will have been closed by the end of 2026 by Lloyds Banking Groups. Earlier this year, Santander announced that 95 bank branches would be closing, cutting its network to just 349 branches.
You can still pay your check in person, though, if you choose a bank with a branch near your home.
Although some banks have cash machines in their branches that can accept your check, this is usually accomplished by passing your check to the clerk at the counter.
Additionally, some banks let you deposit your check at a participating post office.
By mail.
Some banks also let you mail in your check, but not all of them do.
A form with your information can usually be filled out and sent, along with your check, to an address your bank specifies.
Through an app.
Most of the big banks in the UK now allow you to cash checks using a banking app, whereas previously you could only pay with a check at a bank branch.
However, not all of them do. The Nationwide Building Society, for instance, forbids this.
If you are able to cash a check through your bank's app, you will probably need to use your phone to take a picture of both sides of the check, check the information, and then submit it.
BFIA was informed by a Lloyds representative: "We make it easy for Lloyds customers who need to pay with a check. Customers can use our app to snap a picture with their phone, and watch a video that demonstrates how simple it is to do so here.
"Customers who wish to pay with a check can also use our immediate deposit machines or come into a branch. Customers can discuss our options for postal checks with us if they require additional assistance.
We list a few of the biggest banks in the UK and describe how to make a check payment to them.
Do checks stay safe?
Although placing cash in the envelope is not as safe as sending a check via the mail, checks are still not always completely safe.
Criminals may use a forged check from your account to defraud you, just like they can with any other type of bank transfer.
Banks advise that when you write out a check, you should mark all unused space and store your checks in a safe location to reduce your risk of falling victim to check fraud.
Are checks accepted as payment?
It is not deemed legal tender to accept checks. This is due to the fact that the term "legal tender" has a very specific technical meaning that is not applicable in daily life.
It means that you cannot be sued for not repaying a debt if you offer to pay someone with what is regarded as legal tender (and you haven't agreed to pay in another way), according to the Bank of England.
In England and Wales, only Bank of England notes, Royal Mint coins, and 1 and 2 coins are accepted as legal tender.
Legal tender also includes smaller coins, but only up to a certain amount. For example, 1p and 2p coins can be used for any amount up to 20p, while 5p and 10p coins can only be used for any amount up to 5.
The new plastic notes have replaced the old 20 and 50 paper notes, making them no longer legal tender. In a different post, we describe how to trade old coins and notes.
Check out Bank of England in more detail.
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