Do you have a cheque and need to pay it into your Nationwide account? You're in the right place! While "paying a cheque into Nationwide online" might sound like you can simply type in the details on a website, the process for cheque deposits with Nationwide primarily involves using their mobile banking app. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step.
The Modern Way to Deposit: Nationwide's Mobile Banking App
Gone are the days when a trip to the branch or post office was your only option for depositing a cheque. Thanks to cheque imaging technology, you can now deposit most cheques quickly and conveniently using your smartphone or tablet with the Nationwide Mobile Banking App.
Let's dive into the process!
How To Pay A Cheque Into Nationwide Online |
Step 1: Get Ready to Go Digital! (Engage User)
Hey there! Before we start, do you already have the Nationwide Mobile Banking App installed on your smartphone or tablet? If not, don't worry, it's super easy to get! Head over to your device's app store (App Store for Apple users, Google Play Store for Android users) and search for "Nationwide Mobile Banking." Download and install it.
Already got it? Fantastic! You're one step ahead. Let's move on.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cheque – The Essentials
Before you even open the app, there are a few crucial checks (pun intended!) to make on your physical cheque:
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Sub-heading: Verify the Cheque's Validity
- Date: Ensure the cheque is not post-dated (dated for a future day) and is less than 6 months old. Cheques older than 6 months may not be accepted.
- Payee Name: The name on the cheque must exactly match the name on your Nationwide account. Even a slight discrepancy can cause issues.
- Amount: Check that the amount written in words matches the amount written in numbers. If they don't, the cheque will likely be rejected.
- Signature: The cheque must be signed by the issuer. An unsigned cheque is invalid.
- Currency: Nationwide only accepts cheques in British Pounds (£) and pence.
Sub-heading: Endorse Your Cheque (Important!)
This is a critical step for mobile cheque deposits. On the back of the cheque, on the right-hand side, you need to clearly write:
- Your Nationwide Account Holder Name(s)
- Your Signature
- The Date
- Your Preferred Contact Number
- Your Sort Code and Account Number, or your savings account number (e.g., 1234/123456789, found on your card, certificate, or statement).
Make sure to leave the left-hand side of the back of the cheque blank for Nationwide's processing.
Step 3: Launch the Nationwide Mobile Banking App and Log In
Now that your cheque is prepped, it's time to open the app:
- Open the Nationwide Mobile Banking App: Tap the app icon on your device.
- Log In Securely: You'll be prompted to log in using your usual credentials, which might include your passnumber, fingerprint, or facial recognition, depending on your device and settings. Always ensure you're on a secure network when banking online.
Step 4: Navigate to the Cheque Deposit Feature
Once logged in, the process is quite intuitive:
- Select Your Account: Choose the specific Nationwide account you want to deposit the cheque into. This could be your current account or a savings account (though not all savings accounts accept cheque payments – check Nationwide's website if unsure).
- Find the Deposit Option: Look for an option like "Deposit a cheque," "Pay in cheque," or a similar phrase. This is often found within a "Move money" or "Payments" section, or by tapping on a "three-dot menu" associated with your account.
Step 5: Enter Cheque Details and Take Photos
This is where the magic of cheque imaging happens!
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
- Enter the Cheque Amount: Carefully type in the exact amount of the cheque in pounds and pence. Double-check this to avoid errors.
- Add a Reference (Optional): You might have the option to add a reference for your records, such as "Birthday gift from Auntie Sue" or "Refund for XYZ." This can be helpful for tracking.
- Grant Camera Access: The app will likely ask for permission to access your device's camera. You'll need to grant this permission to proceed.
- Photograph the Front of the Cheque:
- Lay the cheque on a flat surface with a dark, plain background. This helps the app clearly distinguish the cheque.
- Hold your device level and directly above the cheque, without tilting.
- Ensure the entire cheque is within the frame.
- The app should show a green border around the cheque when it's correctly positioned. Hold still for a moment while the app automatically captures the image. If it struggles, try adjusting the lighting or background.
- Photograph the Back of the Cheque:
- Flip the cheque over.
- Repeat the process of positioning your device and capturing the image, even if the back appears blank except for your endorsement. This is crucial for the deposit to be processed.
Step 6: Review and Confirm Your Deposit
After taking the photos, the app will present a summary screen:
- Review All Details: Carefully check the cheque amount, the images of the front and back, and the account you're depositing into. Any errors here could lead to delays or issues.
- Confirm Deposit: Once you are satisfied that all the information is correct, tap "Deposit now" or "Confirm."
Step 7: What Happens Next & Keeping Your Cheque Safe
You've successfully submitted your cheque deposit! Here's what to expect:
- Confirmation: You should receive an in-app confirmation that your deposit has been submitted.
- Keep the Cheque: Do NOT throw away the physical cheque immediately! Nationwide advises you to write "paid in" on the back of the cheque and keep it for at least 7 days in case they need to contact you about it. Retain it until the money is fully available in your account.
- Processing Time:
- For cheques submitted before 6 PM on a working day, funds should typically be available within 2 working days.
- If submitted after 6 PM on a working day, or on a weekend/bank holiday, it will be processed the next working day, and funds will then be available 2 working days after that.
- You might see the amount pending in your account before it becomes fully available. You can usually check the status of your deposit within the app's "Deposit History" or "My Transactions" section for the relevant account.
Alternative Cheque Deposit Methods (If Online Isn't for You)
While the mobile app is the most convenient, Nationwide still offers other ways to pay in cheques:
- In Branch: You can visit any Nationwide branch and deposit your cheque at the counter.
- Via Cash Machine (ATM): Some Nationwide cash machines allow you to deposit cheques. Look for machines with this capability.
- By Post: You can download and complete a "Paying in cheques form" from the Nationwide website, then print it and post it along with your cheque(s) to your local branch or to the Nationwide Building Society central processing address (often PO Box 8888, Swindon SN38 1NW, but always confirm the address on the form or Nationwide's website to be sure). Remember to factor in postage time for this method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about paying cheques into Nationwide, with quick answers:
How to check if my Nationwide account accepts cheque payments?
Most Nationwide current accounts and some savings accounts accept cheque payments. You can verify this by checking your account's terms and conditions, calling Nationwide, or by attempting to deposit through the app (it will usually inform you if the account type isn't supported).
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
How to know how long a cheque will take to clear with Nationwide?
For deposits via the mobile app before 6 PM on a working day, funds are usually available within 2 working days. If deposited after 6 PM, on a weekend, or bank holiday, it will take longer as processing starts the next working day.
How to ensure my cheque photos are clear for the Nationwide app?
Place the cheque on a flat, dark, plain surface in good light. Hold your device steadily and directly above the cheque. Ensure the entire cheque is within the app's frame and wait for the green border to appear before capturing the image.
How to find my Nationwide sort code and account number for cheque endorsement?
You can find your sort code and account number on your debit card, bank statements, or by logging into your Nationwide Internet Bank or Mobile Banking App under your account details.
How to deal with a cheque that doesn't have matching words and figures?
A cheque with discrepancies between the written and numeric amount will likely be rejected. You'll need to contact the issuer of the cheque to get a corrected one.
How to know if my mobile cheque deposit was successful with Nationwide?
After confirming the deposit in the app, you'll receive an in-app confirmation. You can also check the "Deposit History" or "My Transactions" section of your chosen account within the app, where pending deposits will be visible.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
How to what happens if Nationwide cannot process my mobile cheque deposit?
If there's a problem with the cheque (e.g., unclear image, invalid details), Nationwide will usually contact you via your registered postal address. Always retain the physical cheque until the funds are fully cleared.
How to deposit a foreign cheque into Nationwide?
Nationwide's mobile app does not accept foreign cheques. You will need to contact Nationwide directly to inquire about their process for depositing foreign cheques, which typically involves visiting a branch.
How to deposit a cheque if I don't have a smartphone or prefer not to use the app?
You can still deposit cheques by visiting a Nationwide branch, using a Nationwide cash machine that accepts cheque deposits, or by posting the cheque along with a completed "Paying in cheques form" to Nationwide.
How to check the daily or per-cheque limit for mobile deposits with Nationwide?
Nationwide typically allows deposits of up to £10,000 per single cheque, with a total daily limit of £10,000 for mobile cheque deposits. These limits are usually displayed within the app when you initiate a deposit.