Common questions

Q. The Industry has agreed to close the Cheque Guarantee Scheme from 30 June 2011, why has this decision been made?

A. The decision was made due to the declining usage of Cheques as a payment method over the last 5 years.

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Q. What is a Cheque Guarantee/Cheque card and when would I use it?

A. A cheque guarantee card or cheque card is a debit card with a cheque guarantee hologram, which guarantees the payment of cheques up to the value indicated on the card (£100 or £250) in a single transaction, for the purchases of goods or services.

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Q. How do I know I have a cheque guarantee card?

A. You can identify if your card is a cheque guarantee card by looking for the Shakespeare Hologram on the reverse bottom right hand corner of your debit card. If this Hologram is not present you do not have a cheque guarantee card.

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Q. Will my card be replaced?

A. Although we will be replacing the cards eventually, we currently have no plans to issue cards without the cheque guarantee Shakespeare hologram in advance of the June 2011 scheme withdrawal.

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Q. What if my card hasn’t been replaced before the scheme closes on 30 June 2011?

A. Cards that contain the cheque guarantee hologram can still be used to guarantee cheques until 30 June 2011. However even if your card still has the cheque guarantee hologram after the scheme closes on 30 June 2011 you can no longer use it to guarantee cheques.

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Q. Can I still use my card as I do now to pay for goods or services (at Point of Sale) in shops and retailers or withdraw cash at Cash Machines?

A. Yes, there are no changes for Point of Sale or Cash Machines, the Hologram removal only means that you can no longer use your card to guarantee cheques.

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Q. Are other banks removing the cheque guarantee facility from their cards?

A. Yes, other banks have begun to remove the cheque guarantee hologram from cards .

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Q. Can I still write cheques?

A. Yes, cheques can still be used as a payment method. The removal of cheque guarantee functionality means that cheques can no longer be guaranteed. However, as a result some retailers/businesses may no longer accept cheques.

Q. What other payment methods can I use instead of cheques?

A. There are many other efficient payment methods you can use instead of cheques, please visit our alternative payment methods page for further detail.

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 online or phone banking transfer. Alternatively, if it’s a regular payment, you could set-up a standing order into their account. If you are not already signed up for this service, why not sign up today by clicking on the online banking link.