These are a simple, safe and convenient way to pay regular outgoings, especially if the amount varies from time to time - for example, your gas or electricity bills. They can be set-up on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual basis.

To set one up, simply get a direct debit instruction form - sometimes called a mandate - from the people you want to pay.

If you want to cancel a direct debit, you must tell us 3 days before it is due to be paid.

Standing Orders

These are an easy and reliable way to pay your regular outgoings - for example, TV rental, hire purchase or budget accounts for gas or electricity bills. Once you've set-up a standing order, we do the rest of the work for you.

Meeting payments

Whichever payment method you decide to use, you must make sure that you have sufficient cleared funds in your account at the close of business the day before the payment is due otherwise we may not be able to honour the payment.

Writing Cheques

	Make sure the cheque is dated (never post dated) and that the words and figures agree
	Any cheque is valid for up to 6 months after the date written on it

Stopping Cheques

	Just phone your branch before the cheque clears (usually about 3 working days after it was paid in) with the cheque number, date, amount and details of who the cheque was payable to. We'll then need you to confirm in writing that you want us to stop the cheque
	Cheques guaranteed by your Cheque Guarantee Card or Payment Card can't be stopped - unless it's for more than the card's limit
	We'll make no charge if you're stopping a cheque because it has been lost or stolen

Copies of Cheques

If you need a copy of a cheque - to prove that you have made a payment, for example - just contact your branch with details of the cheque number, date, amount and details of who the cheque is made payable to. Our branch staff will be happy to arrange for a copy to be sent to you.

'Bounced' Cheques

If someone stops a cheque paid to you, or it's 'bounced' by their bank we'll notify you, debit the appropriate amount from your account, along with interest it earned and return the unpaid cheque to you.