Your Ultimate Guide: Paying in a Cheque on the Nationwide App
Ever found yourself with a cheque in hand, but no time to pop to a branch? Or perhaps the thought of navigating a cash machine for a deposit just isn't appealing? Well, you're not alone! Many of us are looking for simpler, more convenient ways to manage our money. And if you're a Nationwide customer, you're in luck! While there has been some confusion in the past, Nationwide does allow you to deposit cheques using their mobile banking app. It's a fantastic feature that saves you time and effort.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of depositing a cheque using the Nationwide app, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Prepare for Success – Your Cheque and Your App
Before you even think about opening the app, let's make sure you have everything ready for a seamless deposit. This initial preparation is crucial for the app to successfully read your cheque details.
Sub-heading: Check Your Cheque!
- Is it valid? Ensure the cheque is less than 6 months old. Cheques older than this may not be honoured by the issuing bank.
- Is it correctly filled out? Double-check that:
- The date is present and correct.
- The payee name (your name or the account holder's name) is accurate.
- The amount is written in both words and figures, and they must match perfectly. Any discrepancy can lead to the cheque being rejected.
- The cheque is signed by the drawer (the person who wrote it).
- Is it in GBP (£)? The Nationwide app only accepts cheques in British Pounds Sterling. Foreign currency cheques cannot be deposited this way.
Sub-heading: Get Your Nationwide App Ready
- Download and Update: Make sure you have the latest version of the Nationwide Banking App installed on your smartphone or tablet. Outdated versions might not have the cheque deposit feature or could have bugs. You can find it on the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices) by searching for "Nationwide mobile banking."
- Log In: Ensure you can successfully log into your app using your passnumber, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
- Good Lighting and Surface: Find a well-lit area with a flat, dark background where you can place your cheque. This contrast helps your phone's camera capture a clear image. Avoid patterned surfaces or areas with shadows.
Step 2: Navigate to the Cheque Deposit Feature
With your cheque ready and your app updated, it's time to open the Nationwide Banking App and find the cheque deposit option.
- Open the Nationwide App: Tap on the Nationwide icon on your device to launch the application.
- Log In Securely: Enter your passnumber, or use your biometric login (fingerprint or face ID) if enabled, to access your accounts.
- Select the Account: Once logged in, you'll see a list of your Nationwide accounts. Tap on the specific account into which you wish to deposit the cheque. This is important as the funds will be credited to this chosen account.
- Find the Deposit Cheque Option: Look for a "Deposit cheque" or similar option. This is often found within a "More" menu, a three-dot menu, or directly as a prominent button on the account screen. It might be labeled "Pay in a cheque."
Step 3: Enter Cheque Details and Prepare for Imaging
This step involves telling the app about the cheque you're about to deposit and getting ready to capture its images.
- Enter the Cheque Amount: The app will prompt you to enter the monetary value of the cheque. Carefully type in the exact amount as written on the cheque. Double-check for any typos!
- Add a Reference (Optional but Recommended): You'll usually have the option to add a reference or memo. This is a great habit to get into, as it helps you remember who the money is from or what it's for when you look at your transaction history later. For example, "Cheque from John Smith" or "Refund for order #123."
- Grant Camera Access (If Prompted): The app will need permission to access your device's camera to take photos of the cheque. If this is your first time using the feature, you'll likely see a pop-up asking for camera access. Tap "Allow" or "Grant Access" to proceed.
Step 4: Capture Crystal Clear Images of Your Cheque
This is where the magic happens! The app uses your phone's camera to "read" the cheque. Accuracy here is paramount.
Sub-heading: Imaging the Front of the Cheque
- Lay the Cheque Flat: Place the cheque completely flat on the dark, plain surface you prepared earlier. Ensure there are no folds, wrinkles, or obstructions.
- Position Your Device: Hold your smartphone or tablet directly above the cheque, keeping it level and steady. Avoid any tilting or angling. The app will usually provide an outline or frame to guide you.
- Wait for the Green Border: The app will actively scan the cheque. You'll often see a green border or highlight appear around the cheque when it has successfully identified it. Once this appears, hold still for a moment. The app will then automatically capture the image. Do not press any buttons unless instructed.
- Review the Front Image: The app will display the captured image of the front of the cheque. Carefully review it to ensure all details (payee, date, amount, signature) are clearly visible and legible. If it's blurry or cut off, you'll usually have the option to retake the photo.
Sub-heading: Imaging the Back of the Cheque
- Flip the Cheque: Turn the cheque over to its blank side.
- Repeat the Process: Just like the front, place the back of the cheque flat on your dark surface. Hold your device directly above it and allow the app to capture the image. Even if the back is completely blank, you still need to take a photo.
- Review the Back Image: Again, check that the image of the back of the cheque is clear and well-captured.
Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Deposit
You're almost there! This is your final chance to verify all the details before submitting the deposit.
- Summary Screen: The app will present a summary screen displaying the cheque amount you entered, the account it will be deposited into, and the images of both the front and back of the cheque.
- Verify All Details: Take your time and carefully review every piece of information.
- Does the amount match the cheque?
- Is it going into the correct account?
- Are the cheque images clear and readable?
- Confirm Deposit: Once you are absolutely satisfied that all details are correct, tap the "Confirm" or "Deposit now" button.
Step 6: What Happens Next & Keeping Your Cheque Safe
Congratulations! You've successfully submitted your cheque deposit. Now, here's what to expect.
Sub-heading: Processing Time
- Usually Next Working Day: For most mobile cheque deposits, the funds are usually available the next working day after you've submitted the cheque.
- Working Days Only: Remember, if you deposit a cheque on a weekend or a bank holiday, it won't start processing until the next working day. So, a cheque deposited on a Friday might not clear until Tuesday.
- Pending Transactions: You might see the amount as "pending" in your account before it becomes fully available.
Sub-heading: Retain Your Cheque!
- Do NOT Destroy It Immediately: This is a critical point. Even though you've photographed and submitted the cheque, do not dispose of it until the funds have fully cleared into your account. Nationwide recommends writing "paid in" on the back of the cheque and keeping it for at least 7 days, in case they need to contact you about it.
- Why Keep It? In rare cases, there might be an issue with the image, or the issuing bank might reject the cheque. If this happens, Nationwide might require the physical cheque for further processing or investigation.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about depositing cheques with Nationwide, particularly via the app:
How to check the status of a deposited cheque?
You can usually check the status within the "Deposit History" section of the "Deposit a cheque" feature in the app. Alternatively, the amount will show as a pending transaction in your account activity until it clears.
How to find the cheque deposit limits on the Nationwide app?
Nationwide typically allows you to pay in cheques of up to £10,000 each, or a total of £10,000 per day via the mobile app. These limits can change, so always refer to the latest information on the Nationwide website or within the app itself.
How to resolve issues if the app isn't recognizing the cheque?
Ensure your cheque is placed on a flat, dark background in good lighting. Hold your phone steadily and directly above the cheque without tilting. Check for any shadows or obstructions. If problems persist, try restarting the app or your device.
How to know if my device is compatible with the Nationwide app for cheque deposits?
To use the Nationwide Banking App, your device typically needs to be running Android 7.0 or higher, or Apple iOS 14 or higher. Beta versions of operating systems are usually not supported.
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 with a cheque deposit function, or by post. You'll usually need to complete a paying-in slip for branch or postal deposits.
How to ensure my cheque is correctly endorsed for deposit?
For mobile deposits, you generally just need to ensure the cheque is made out to the name on your account. For in-branch or postal deposits, you might be asked to write your account number and sort code on the back of the cheque.
How to tell if a cheque is eligible for mobile deposit?
Most standard UK sterling cheques are eligible. However, the app typically does not accept travellers' cheques, Bank Giro Credits, or foreign currency cheques. If a cheque isn't accepted by the app, it will usually inform you and direct you to a branch.
How to get help if my cheque deposit is taking longer than expected to clear?
If your cheque hasn't cleared within the expected timeframe (usually the next working day), first check the deposit history in the app. If there's no update, you can contact Nationwide customer service via their in-app chat, phone banking, or visit a branch for assistance.
How to cancel a cheque deposit made through the app?
Once a cheque deposit is confirmed and submitted through the app, it usually cannot be cancelled. Therefore, it's crucial to double-check all details before confirming.
How to find out if there are any charges for mobile cheque deposits?
For personal customers, depositing cheques via the Nationwide app is a free service. However, standard data charges from your mobile network provider may apply if you're not on Wi-Fi. Business banking customers might have their usual cheque tariff applied.
