Cheques with Starling Bank: From Paper to Plastic Fantastic in a Flash (or Two)
So, you've been handed a cheque. Maybe it's from your grandma for your stellar babysitting skills (go you!), or perhaps it's a refund for that questionable toupee you thought would revolutionize your dating life (jury's still out on that one). Whatever the reason, you now hold a piece of financial history in your hand. But with Starling Bank being the tech-savvy marvel it is, how do you turn that cheque into cold, hard cash...or rather, spendable digital dough?
Fear not, cheque-wielding warrior! Starling offers two ways to conquer this financial frontier: the app and the trusty postal service.
The App-tastic Approach: Conquering Cheques with Your Phone
Channel Your Inner Action Hero: Open the Starling app and unleash your inner digital crusader. Find the "Deposit cheques and cash" option (because hey, cheques are basically fancy cash, right?).
Prepare for Takeoff (Picture-Taking, That Is): Get ready to put your photography skills to the test. You'll need to take clear pictures of both the front and back of the cheque (even if the back is blank). Remember, lighting is key! Bad lighting = sad Starling.
Patience, Grasshopper: Once your masterpiece photos are uploaded, it's time for a little zen. Cheques typically take two working days to clear, so grab a cup of tea, put your feet up, and resist the urge to check your balance every five minutes.
The Postal Service Gamble: Cheque Quest by Royal Mail
Become a Cheque-Endorsing Extraordinaire: For cheques over £1,000, the app won't be your wingman. But fear not! Grab a pen and endorse the cheque on the back with your signature and your eight-digit Starling account number.
Channel Your Inner Secret Agent: Like James Bond (minus the Aston Martin), place your endorsed cheque in a secure envelope addressed to "FREEPOST STARLING" (because who needs stamps anyway?).
Operation: Mail Drop Complete: Head to your nearest postbox and send your cheque on its merry way. Once it arrives at Starling HQ (usually within two working days), expect the funds to appear in your account within another two working days. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Important Note: Hold onto your physical cheque until the money appears in your account. Just in case Starling needs you to, you know, snap another picture (don't worry, it happens to the best of us).
**For the Extra Curious: Cheque Cashing FAQs with Starling Bank
How to take a good photo of my cheque for the app?
Good lighting and clear corners are your friends! Aim for a flat, dark surface and avoid any blurry or shadowy bits.
How long does it take for a cheque to clear through the app?
Typically two working days, but patience is a virtue, young padawan.
Can I deposit a cheque at a Post Office or bank branch with Starling?
Nope! Starling only accepts cheque deposits via the app or by post.
What if my cheque is for more than £1,000?
The app won't be your sidekick for this one. You'll need to endorse the cheque and send it to Starling via Freepost.
How long does it take for a cheque to clear if I send it by post?
Factor in postage time! It usually takes two working days for Starling to receive the cheque, then another two days for the funds to appear in your account.
