How long to clear a cheque??

It depends on your bank. Ask them. Generally 3 working days for traditional banks, a bit more possibly 7 working days for ex-building societies and building societies. Some accounts may differ. I seem to remember a row recently about a specific account for low income/ non status people taking

James

Yes, You cannot be sure that a cheque has 'ever' cleared - According to both of my banks - Natwest & Abbey National.

Barclays will let you draw against deposited cheques immediately, but of course if the cheque bounces you will be overdrawn.

In message , Daniel writes

You used to able to get the collecting bank to telephone the drawee to see if the cheque is paid, but I'm not sure they will allow it these days.

You still can, it's called "special presentation" - most banks charge for this service, though.

My recollection is that you must telephone the drawer's bank, if the cheque is above 500 and you wish to sent it back as a Late Unpaid?

In message , Paul writes

No it isnt.

'Special Presentation' or 'direct remittance' as it is sometime called is when the clearing system is bypassed and the cheque is posted directly to the drawee by the collecting bank. The collecting bank then phones the next day to enquire about fate. The usual answer is 'the post hasnt come yet, ring tomorrow'. The cheque doesnt clear any quicker, in fact it takes a day longer for the dosh to work its way back through the credit clearing system to the collecting bank, but at least you know if its paid or not.

What I was suggesting is different in so far that the cheque goes through the automated clearing in the normal way and on the second banking day thereafter the collecting bank rings the drawee and enquires as to its fate. You then know for sure if the cheque is paid or not, but the drawee can defer an answer to after 3.30 if it wants and I've know some delay till 5.oo pm.

For further clarity: Is the collecting bank really where the cheque is paid in, even if this is not the bank where the payee holds the account to which the payment is to be credited?

In message , Ronald Raygun writes

Yes