Common questions about cheques
- Why did the Industry Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme close on 30 June 2011?
- What was a Cheque Guarantee/Cheque card and when would I have used it?
- Have there been any changes to how I can use my card to pay for goods or services and to withdraw cash at cash machines?
- Did other banks remove the cheque guarantee Facility from their cards?
- Can I still write cheques?
- What other payment methods can I use instead of cheques?
- How else can I pay for services such as tradesman, if I decide not to use cheques?
Q. Why did the Industry Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme close on 30 June 2011?
A. The use of cheques has declined over the last 5 years. So, a decision was made to end the Industry Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme. You can still write cheques, but you are no longer able to use your Visa Debit card to guarantee the payment although your card will be accepted at retailers and cash machines as normal.
Q. What was a Cheque Guarantee/Cheque card and when would I have used it?
A. If your Visa Debit card featured a Shakespeare hologram on the reverse bottom right hand corner then it was a Cheque Guarantee Card. It guaranteed the payment of cheques up to the value indicated (£100 or £250) in a single transaction, for the purchases of goods or services.
Q. Have there been any changes to how I can use my card to pay for goods or services and to withdraw cash at cash machines?
A. No, there have been no changes to how you can use your Visa Debit card at a shop or at a cash machine, the Cheque Guarantee hologram removal only means that you can no longer use your Visa Debit card to guarantee cheques.
Q. Did other banks remove the cheque guarantee Facility from their cards?
A. Yes, this happened across all banks, not just NatWest.
Q. Can I still write cheques?
A. Yes, you can still pay by cheque where it is available as a payment option. The end of the Cheque Guarantee Card Scheme only means that cheques can no longer be guaranteed. As a result some retailers or businesses may no longer accept cheques.
Q. What other payment methods can I use instead of cheques?
A. Debit card, Standing Order or Direct Debit are just some of the payment methods you can use instead of paying by cheque. Please visit our alternative payment methods page for more details.
Q. How else can I pay for services such as tradesman, if I decide not to use cheques?
A. You could agree to make a Direct payment into their account whilst they are with you. This is done by obtaining their account details and transferring the money through either Telephone or Online Banking transfer. More details on how to register for Telephone or Online Banking. Alternatively, if it’s a regular payment, you could set-up a Standing Order into their account. If you are not already registered please check if you are eligible and sign up for Digital Banking now.