You can shoot squirrels in your garden legally in the UK, but only if they’re grey squirrels. Red squirrels are considered an endangered species and, as such, are protected from hunting by law. Still, while you can shoot grey squirrels in the UK, you can only do so under certain conditions.

This article will look at the laws surrounding hunting red and grey squirrels in the United Kingdom and the most humane (and legal) ways to kill a grey squirrel. 

Is It Illegal To Shoot Gray Squirrels in the UK?

Grey squirrels are often labelled as pests in the UK, causing some issues for farmers and forestry staff. They are protected by the law, but not as wholly as red squirrels. 

It is not illegal to shoot grey squirrels in the UK, but it must be done under specific circumstances. You are legally obliged to shoot them once, and this must be fatal with no unnecessary suffering. This is why it is probably better not to shoot any grey squirrels in your garden.

Note: Obviously you have to legally own a gun too, and have an up to date license. That’s a whole different article, so I’m only dealing with the legality of shooting squirrels with a gun that you legally and safely own.

Even if they venture into your garden, you must follow the guidelines laid out by the government. This means not killing them unnecessarily and only doing so by shooting or using certified, legal traps (source: The British Association for Shooting & Conservation).

The government only permits this due to grey squirrels’ reputation as pests. If they are on your property and you follow the set guidelines, you can shoot them.

However, you cannot shoot grey squirrels if they are not on your property or you don’t have permission from the landowner (source: Pests Banned).

What’s the Actual Law on Squirrel Hunting in the UK?

Since grey squirrels are carriers of a virus which affects the red squirrel population, hunting them is allowed in the UK. This is permissible as long as you have permission from the landowner (or it occurs on your own property). 

The law on squirrel hunting in the UK states that you cannot cause suffering to any wild animal. According to the Wildlife Act, you can only shoot grey squirrels or trap and kill them using sanctioned methods. However, you are not permitted to hunt red squirrels in the UK since they are endangered. 

The Wildlife Act of 2006 allows the killing of grey squirrels either by no more than 2 blows at the back of the head or one shot in the head. However, unless you are a seasoned professional, you might end up breaking the law and causing the squirrel to suffer – so it’s always best to remain cautious (source: Bird Spot).

Additionally, the law specifies that you can’t set free any grey squirrel back into the wild (Source: Edinburgh Napier University).

You will need to report to your local wildlife conservation trust if you have killed a grey squirrel by lawful means in the UK.

Remember that you could be served a hefty fine for going against these laws, and you could even go to jail if you are found to have abused a wild animal (source: UK Government). 

How To Humanely Kill a Squirrel in the UK

The most humane way to kill a squirrel is with one shot to the back of the head. However, grey squirrels are very quick, so it’s best to do this using a trap. 

You are legally allowed to use certain traps in the UK, as long as they have been certified. Fenn traps are most commonly used. Additionally, many pest control experts have poison that will humanely kill grey squirrels, though this is not accessible to the general population (source: The British Pest Control Association).

Here is a rundown of the specifications you will need to bear in mind when using traps to kill a squirrel in the UK humanely: 

• Traps should be level on the ground at all times. 
  
• You must be able to inspect the trap at least twice a day. If you cannot do this, you should not be setting any traps. 
  
• If you catch a red squirrel, you will have to let it go since it is illegal for you to kill it. 
  
• You can only kill a grey squirrel with one gunshot to the back of the head or by no more than two sharp swipes to the head. If it takes more than this, you are being cruel and breaking the law. 
  
• If you are unsure you can do this, it’s better not to set traps at all. 

You will find that the laws regarding hunting are pretty stringent in the UK, so bearing in mind what you can and cannot do is essential (source: British Red Squirrel). 

Squirrels in your garden might not be ideal, especially if they destroy your tree barks and eat bird food. However, you should only kill them (humanely) if you are fully competent, and probably as a last resort.

Here are the different ways you can report someone driving without a licence in the UK:

1. Call the police on 101.
2. Contact Crimestoppers UK.
3. Message the police via 18001 101.

In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss the steps you can take to report someone driving without a licence in greater detail. I’ll also cover whether you can report it anonymously and the penalties associated with driving without a licence in the UK. Let’s get into it.

Call the Police on 101

Talking to the police is the best way to report someone driving without a licence in the UK. The key here is to make sure you call 101 and not 999. 

101 is the police’s non-emergency line, while 999 is strictly for emergencies and should never be dialled for anything less. Driving without a licence may be a crime, but it doesn’t amount to an emergency unless someone is already injured as a result of it.

Dialling the non-emergency number helps keep the emergency line available for those who really need it. So by choosing the right communication channel, you might help save someone from immediate danger by allowing their emergency call to go through.

If you’d rather not call, you can fill out this online form. It’ll narrow the report down to local police agencies that can directly handle the query.

When you establish contact, the police will ask you to provide the following information:

• In-depth information about the driver. This includes licence plate number and specifics about the vehicle, such as make and model. 
  
• The location of the offence. This means telling them which motorway you saw them driving on or letting them know their address if the person lives near you.
  
• Any other information you think will help their investigation. You may need to disclose your relationship to the driver and how you know they are driving without a licence.

You can ask for your call to be anonymous, meaning they won’t let the driver know you contacted them. However, they will likely keep your details on record for the purposes of the investigation, and that includes your name and contact number in case they need to get in touch with you (source: NI Direct Government Services).

Contact Crimestoppers UK

Crimestoppers is a charity in the UK that is dedicated to ending crime. They are entirely independent of the police, but they often work together to end all sorts of crimes, from minor offences to serious felonies (source: Crimestoppers UK).

Reporting to Crimestoppers is a relatively simple process. You can call their hotline and discuss the issue with complete anonymity, meaning your contact details and identity will not be tracked or kept in their records.

Everything you tell Crimestoppers is completely confidential, so rest assured that if you decide to contact them, the driver in question won’t know it was you who reported them (source: Crimestoppers UK).

Additionally, they often reward people for giving information about criminals. However, this is usually only if the crime is substantial, such as fraud or violence.

If you would like to report someone driving without a licence to Crimestoppers, fill out their anonymous form online or call 0800 555 111 to speak to one of their reps.

Caveat: Unless the driver is driving very dangerously without a licence, they may advise you to speak to the police. In this instance, you can ask them to pass on the information on your behalf to keep you out of the loop.

Generally speaking, it’s advisable to contact the police instead of Crimestoppers because:

• The police can handle the report directly, and the process will likely be much faster.
  
• Crimestoppers usually take on more significant matters, so your local police department is usually the better choice to report someone driving without a licence.

Message the Police Via 18001 101

The 18001 101 is the equivalent of 101, except it involves texting instead of calling. This non-emergency SMS service is primarily geared toward individuals with speech and hearing impairments. It works across all mobile networks and can be used to report crimes such as:

• Driving without a licence.
• Car theft.
• Minor traffic accidents.
• Property damage or theft, and more (Source: Durham Police).

Why Is It Important To Report Someone Driving Without a Licence in the UK?

Driving in the UK is usually a safe experience since numerous regulations prevent poor driving and prescribe multiple penalties for breaking the rules. Still, encountering an individual driving without a licence isn’t uncommon. While you’re under no legal obligation to report such individuals, doing so goes a long way to make our roads safer.

It’s important to report someone driving without a licence in the UK because it prevents accidents from occurring. It is a serious offence to drive without a licence, and it could end badly for pedestrians and other drivers. Reporting the driver will help keep the roads safe for everyone.

Before being able to drive in the UK, you must have acquired the correct licence for the type of vehicle you drive. This means that you can’t drive a lorry or bus if you only have a car licence, and you shouldn’t drive a car if you only have a motorcycle licence. It’s even worse if you have no licence at all (source: Greater Manchester Police).

Once you have reported them, the police will conduct an investigation to get the driver off the road. If the culprit cannot produce a valid driver’s licence for their vehicle, along with credible insurance and a recent MOT, the police will act accordingly (source: Gov.uk).

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a Licence in the UK?

The penalties for driving without a licence in the UK include a hefty fine, points on your future licence, and possible jail time. You could even get banned from driving for up to a year. The Road Traffic Act stipulates that it is illegal to drive without a registered licence.

You could end up with up to 6 points on your licence once you acquire one, which means you’re halfway to being banned from driving in the UK altogether (source: Gov.uk).

And if you kill someone driving without a licence, you will inevitably go to jail. You may also incur a more severe sentence since you shouldn’t have been operating a car in the first place.

Even if you are a learner, you cannot drive alone in a car without a registered instructor who has had their licence for a few years. Driving alone on a provisional licence is likely to lead to a fine of up to £1,000 (source: JMW).

Considering all this, it’s not worth it to drive without a licence in the UK. If you know someone who is, you are within your rights to report them, and doing so keeps Britain’s roads safer overall. Get in touch with Crimestoppers to ask about the process, or get in touch with the police for the formal procedure.

Although many of these “freedoms” have been pushed to earlier years, your 21st birthday still comes with quite a few perks, especially if you’re living in the UK.

Here are some things you can do at age 21 in the UK:

1. Adopt a child.
2. Hold a license to drive larger vehicles.
3. Attend 21+ functions, events, and clubs.
4. Supervise a learner driver.
5. Become an Uber driver.
6. Hold a transport pilot license.

Of course, you can do many other things as a 21-year-old in the United Kingdom, but this article covers specific actions you can legally do under UK law. Read on to learn how to make the best of turning 21 in the United Kingdom.

1. Adopt a Child

United Kingdom legislation is clear on who can be responsible for a child and at what age they can qualify as a legal guardian or act as a legal caretaker. The law states explicitly in the Children Act of 1989 that only adults of 18 years and older can take responsibility for their children (source: The National Archives).

However, adopting a child is another matter entirely. The Adoption and Children Act of 2002 details specific provisions for who and under what conditions one can adopt a child (source: The National Archives). 

In particular, Part 1, section 51 of the Act states that single 21-year-olds can adopt kids (source: The National Archives).

Adopting in the UK is easy, and you can apply to be a parent through an adoption agency. The Consortium Of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) has a directory to help you find agencies in your area. (source: CVAA Directory)

The process is pretty rigorous, and it usually takes six months before the state completes all the required examinations to ensure you are fit as a legal guardian. Adopting is free, but you might run into a few legal costs (source: Metro). 

There are a few provisions to the Adoption and Children Act of 2002, but you can adopt a child as a couple, provided that both of you are at least 21 years old (source: The National Archives).

2. Hold a License To Drive Larger Vehicles

You can apply to get a provisional driving license in the United Kingdom when you are 15 years and 9 months old. The law states that you can only drive invalid carriages and mopeds when you turn 16. 

However, you can drive motor bicycles, Agricultural or forestry tractors, and small vehicles when you turn 17. (source: The National Archives)

18-year-olds can drive good medium-sized vehicles in the United Kingdom, but you can drive every other kind of vehicle when you turn 21, according to the Road Traffic Act 1988. (source: The National Archives)

That means you can legally drive heavy-duty trucks, passenger buses, and other Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) as a 21-year-old in the United Kingdom.

There are a few provisions to this, and you need the state’s approval to get a license. However, you can easily apply for a special Class C driving license by joining a driver’s training scheme. (source: Gov.UK)

3. Attend 21+ Functions, Events, and Clubs

You can drink, sell and buy alcohol when you turn 18 in the United Kingdom, and you can legally enter most age-restricted venues in the country. However, several parties and clubs still require that attendees be at least 21 years to participate.

That means you can finally join those age-restricted gentlemen’s clubs and private events. 

Essentially, there are no functions, events, or clubs in the United Kingdom that can bar you from entry based on age when you turn 21.

4. Supervise a Learner Driver

In addition to driving any class of motor vehicle in the United Kingdom, turning 21 gives you the right to supervise other drivers and learner drivers all over the country. (source: Gov.UK) This right means that you can serve as the “guardian-in-vehicle” for minors and learner drivers. 

However, that also means you become the individual accountable for everyone in the vehicle.

You must have had a driving license for at least three years before you can qualify as a supervisor. There is no test to become one, and the United Kingdom issues no special permits to individuals interested in supervising learner drivers.

The only other requirement is that you must be licensed to drive whatever motor vehicle the learner driver is operating. For example, you must be authorized to drive a tractor if you want to supervise a learner driver that’s driving one.

Since you can supervise learner drivers, you can also apply to become a driving instructor. However, becoming a driving instructor requires a special license.

You can get started with the process by logging on to the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency website and following the prompts. The application process typically takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and costs £140 (source: Gov.UK).

5. Become an Uber Driver

Uber drivers serve as tour guides and chaperones in many countries worldwide, and you can become one as long as you’re a legal resident in a country. (source: Uber) Although you only need to be at least 18 years and have a driver’s license to be an Uber driver in other countries, Uber drivers in the UK must be at least 21 years old.

Here’s how to become an Uber driver in the UK:

1. Sign up online. Log on to the Uber website to get started. Of course, you’ll also need an email address and an internet-enabled device to sign up.
   
2. Get a private hire license. The private hire license enables you to legally use your car for private hire activities, including Uber. You can get a private hire license through Uber here.
   
3. Upload the required documents to the Uber platform. You’ll need to provide a driver profile photo, a bank statement, private hire insurance, and a valid UK driver’s license to proceed.
   
4. Get yourself a car. Uber has a couple of vehicle requirements in the UK, but their standards align with UK vehicle standards. Therefore, if it’s good for you and the UK, it’s suitable for Uber.
   
5. Complete the Uber virtual onboarding course. The course gives a rundown of the Uber experience and helps familiarize new Uber drivers with the tools of the trade. You can check out the course on the eduMe.
   
6. Activate your Uber account and start diving. You can now start driving and earning.

Being an Uber driver is a great way to make extra money on the side while working a regular job.

6. Hold a Transport Pilot License

Another benefit of turning 21 in the United Kingdom is that it gives you the right to hold special flying permits after completing the requirements for the license. 

An Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is a license for individuals interested in becoming commercial pilots. ATPL training is rigorous and only available for citizens at least 21 years old. (source: UK Civil Aviation Authority)

The training lasts for approximately 18 months, and you’ll need a Class 1 Medical certificate to get started. (source: UK Civil Aviation Authority) You’ll also need between £70,000 and £120,000 to pay for training and certification costs.

Although the ATPL training can be pretty demanding, it’s an excellent way to become a certified pilot and get into a profitable career path early in your life.

Is the Age of Majority 18 or 21 in the UK? Why?

The Age of Majority traditionally had several meanings in the UK. It was seen as the legal adult age and was considered the age of responsibility and when a child becomes an adult.

Although a few customs concerning the age of the majority have changed in recent years, the age is still an essential milestone in the life of individuals. (source: Historic UK)

The age of the majority in the UK is 18. Initially, it was 21 but was reduced in 1969 after the Family Law Reform Act was passed in 1969. (source: The National Archives) The government decided that 18 should be the age of majority after the Second World War since the minimum fighting age was already 18.

You can partake in most age-restricted activities when you reach the age of majority, and turning 18 in the United Kingdom opens you up to a host of opportunities. However, there’s a lot more 21 has to offer, as seen in this article.

Tesco sells several gift cards in the UK, including Adidas, Google Play, Microsoft Xbox, Airbnb, Spotify, and more. Tesco has partnered with various brands offering goods and services, ranging from essentials to entertainment. However, there are some gift cards they don’t stock. 

Tesco e-gift cards make excellent presents when you are running out of ideas for a friend’s or a family member’s next special event. Read on to find out whether their favorite brands are on the list of gift cards available at Tesco. 

Gift Cards Sold at Tesco: Full List

Tesco doesn’t provide a complete list of branded gift cards available at their physical stores, so bear in mind that smaller stores might have fewer options. Instead, they recommend customers visit or contact the nearest store locations for real-time information about gift cards in stock (source: Tesco). 

However, they regularly update their e-gift card offerings available on their website. Here is the full list of branded e-gift cards sold at Tesco as of writing (source: Tesco e-Gift Cards): 

• Adidas 
• Airbnb 
• App Store & iTunes 
• ASOS 
• Boohoo.com 
• Cineworld 
• Costa Coffee 
• Currys PC World 
• Decathlon 
• Dining Out 
• F&F 
• Fox & Ivy 
• Google Play 
• H&M 
• Homesense 
• Hotels.com 
• John Lewis & Partners 
• Mamas & Papas 
• Microsoft Xbox 
• Miller & Carter 
• Naked Wines 
• Nando’s 
• New Look 
• Nike 
• Not On The High Street 
• ODEON 
• One4all 
• Playstation 
• Primark 
• River Island 
• Roblox 
• Schuh 
• Spotify 
• Tesco 
• Theatre Tokens
• Ticketmaster 
• TK Maxx 
• Toby Carvery 
• Vue 
• Wagamama 
• Wayfair 
• Zalando 

Can You Get Amazon Gift Cards at Tesco?

You can get Amazon gift cards at Tesco stores in the UK. Customers can choose from various denominations ranging from ₤20 – ₤100. However, you cannot buy an Amazon digital gift card from Tesco’s online gift cards store – you have to visit in person.

Amazon gift cards make excellent gifts if you’re not sure what to buy your coworker or friend. You will have to go in-store to purchase one (source: Amazon UK).

Can You Get Roblox Gift Cards at Tesco?

You can get Roblox e-gift cards from Tesco’s website. They are available in ₤10 and ₤20 denominations. Each card includes an exclusive virtual item. Currently, the physical gift card is not available at Tesco stores in the UK. 

It is important to note that e-gift card holders must redeem their card’s value only at Roblox’s website to get Roblox credits. Be sure to check the Terms and Conditions to reap the maximum benefits of using the Roblox e-gift card. (source: Roblox).

Another thing to remember is that, unlike other gift cards, Roblox e-gift cards are not available for partial redemption. Tesco’s online store also limits the purchase of any similar branded e-gift cards, so you can buy a maximum of only five cards every seven days. 

Can I Get a Steam or Fortnite V Bucks Cards at Tesco?

You can get Steam and Fortnite V Bucks gift cards at Tesco’s physical stores in the UK. However, they don’t have e-gift cards available on Tesco’s online store. 

My grandsons are obsessed with fortnite and trying to find them V bucks was difficult at first. You can buy Steam physical gift cards in several denominations at Tesco retail stores in the UK, ranging from ₤5 – ₤100. On the other hand, V Bucks values range from 1,000 to 13,500 and can cost anywhere from ₤6.5 – ₤80. 

You can confirm if your nearby Tesco store has Steam gift cards and what predetermined denominations they have on hand using the Store Locator (source: Steam Support). I’ve successfully bought V Bucks a couple of times, but only the bigger Tesco stores tend to stock them. Game have them as well.

You can do the same to confirm the availability of Fortnite V Bucks cards at your local Tesco store. However, with V Bucks cards, there are additional territory restrictions in place, limiting your ability to use the gift cards outside of the country or region you bought them from (source: Epic Games). So if the gift is for someone living abroad, check this first.

Can You Get Starbucks Gift Cards at Tesco?

You cannot get Starbucks gift cards at Tesco brick-and-mortar or online stores. The famous coffee shop discontinued its e-gift card offering. Instead, customers can buy a Starbucks card at their local Starbucks store. 

You can now only purchase a Starbucks card at Starbucks (source: Starbucks UK). an excuse to treat yourself to a coffee when you’re going in to buy a gift card!

Are Xbox or PlayStation Gift Cards Available at Tesco?

Xbox and PlayStation gift cards are available at Tesco retail and online stores. PlayStation’s e-gift cards are available in ₤10 and ₤20 denominations, while Microsoft Xbox is available in ₤10, ₤15, and ₤25. 

However, the values of their physical and e-gift card offerings vary. Physical PlayStation and Xbox gift cards are available for up to ₤100, depending on your local store.

It’s best to ring and check if you’re making a special trip to get one. Bear in mind many games cost more than you think, especially if they’re new releases.

Tip: Don’t forget that Tesco sells their own Tesco Gift Cards as well, and you can use them for loads of things if you shop there often. For more information, read my guide on how to spend Tesco Gift Cards in the UK.

Can You Get Google or Apple Gift Cards at Tesco?

You can get Google and Apple gift cards with fixed values at Tesco stores. They are also available as e-gift cards. Google Play’s e-gift cards allow customers to customize the values between ₤10 and ₤100 during purchase, while you can customize App Store and iTunes e-gift cards from ₤15 – ₤100.

Customers can buy an e-gift combo including any two brands to send to a single recipient. So you can send a Google Play and an App Store & iTunes e-gift cards at once as a gift.

Can You Get Clarks Gift Cards at Tesco?

You cannot get Clarks gift cards at Tesco retail or online stores. However, Tesco has One4all e-gift cards that you can use at Clarks stores. You can select the e-gift card’s value between ₤10 and ₤100 before finalizing your purchase.

If you want an exclusive Clarks gift card, you can buy them at Clarks full-price stores and outlets in the UK and Ireland. You can load the card from ₤5 – ₤500 (source: Clarks UK). 

Are JD Sports Gift Cards at Tesco?

JD Sports gift cards are not available at Tesco. You can buy gift cards at JD Sports stores. You can also get physical and e-gift cards from the company’s website and choose the value from ₤5 – ₤300.

You can purchase a gift card from the JD Sports website and they will send it directly to the recipient (source: JD Sports UK).

Does Tesco Sell John Lewis Gift Cards?

Tesco sells John Lewis e-gift cards, which you can customize from ₤5 – ₤100. However, you cannot buy physical John Lewis gift cards at Tesco. You may purchase both physical and e-gift cards at John Lewis & Partners stores. 

You can also use the One4all e-gift cards available at Tesco’s gift card store for your purchases at select John Lewis & Partner shops. You can probably buy John Lewis cards at Waitrose as well, though I haven’t yet checked this.

Can I Get an eBay Gift Card at Tesco?

You cannot get an eBay gift card at Tesco. eBay gift cards are available at numerous retail stores around the world, but most UK retail store companies do not sell the product.

However, you can purchase eBay gift cards at various stores in the USA. (source: eBay) so if you really want one, you’ll have to see if you can get it from abroad. Our article on saving on customs charges might help with this as well.

Overall, Tesco sells several branded gift cards in-store and online in the UK. However, some stores offer only physical gift cards, while others only sell e-gift cards. It’s almost always a good idea to call your nearest store to confirm.

If you’ve been given a Tesco gift card, how do you spend it, can you use it for online purchases, and how do you check your balance? 

You can spend a Tesco gift card in any UK Tesco store, but you can’t use it for online purchases. You can check your Tesco gift card balance by visiting their website, and entering your gift card number and PIN. Alternatively, you can call 03450 757 757.

Read on to find out more about how to redeem a Tesco gift card and how to check your balance, including what you CAN’T buy.

Can I Spend a Tesco Gift Card Online in the UK?

Here’s the first thing that came as a surprise to me. I’ve got really used to buying things online (with Tesco, there are a lot more options on their site, rather than in most of their stores).

You can’t spend a Tesco gift card online, but you can spend it in any Tesco store in the UK (excluding Ireland). The gift card has some exclusions, including tobacco, vaping, photo, lottery ticket purchases, and more. 

My original idea was to buy a new coffee machine online but turns out that I couldn’t…. so I thought I’d put a list together of what you CAN spend your Tesco Gift Card on instead.

Here’s what you can spend your Tesco gift card on at any Tesco store: 

Things You Can Spend a Tesco Gift Card On

• Groceries: Not the most exciting thing to spend a gift card on, but as Tesco themselves say, every little helps – so why not use the gift card for your weekly shop? Hardly a treat, though.
  
• Homeware: At Tesco Extra stores, there’s a pretty good selection of homeware items. You can use your gift card to buy bedding, kitchenware, home decor accessories, DIY items, and storage solutions. Tesco is the only store to stock the exclusive Fox & Ivy homeware range, but they also sell other brands. This is where I ended up spending mine.
  
• Clothing: Tesco’s in-house clothing range, F&F, sometimes has some good pieces – I got a wool coat that was surprisingly high quality, but you have to spend some time digging around.
  
• Small appliances: Tesco sells a range of small appliances, such as toasters, kettles, and blenders. Your Tesco gift card could pay for one of these if you need a new one.
  
• Stationery and books: You can buy the latest bestselling novel at large Tesco stores or choose from stationery items, like pens, paper, and printer cartridges. All very practical.
  
• Tesco fuel: With fuel prices rising seemingly exponentially, you can’t go wrong by using your gift card to fill your tank at a Tesco fuel station.  I was surprised you could use it for this, so this might change in the future.
  
• Tesco fuel station kiosk items: These are just like mini versions of a Tesco store but they’ll also take the Gift Card as if you were in a bigger Tesco.
  
• Kids’ and baby items: Tesco stocks various kids’ and baby items, such as food, clothing, toys, and accessories. Using your Tesco gift card is the perfect opportunity to spoil the kids – but it’s YOUR gift card, so up to you!
  
• Tesco Cafe: Many larger Tesco stores have cafes, and you can use your Tesco Gift card to enjoy some coffee or a meal. Treating yourself to a nice spot of cake and tea is a good idea, too.

(sources: Tesco Homepage and Tesco Frequently Asked In-Store Questions)

As you can see, you can use your Tesco gift card to buy a wide range of items.

Things You Can’t Spend Your Tesco Gift Card On

There are, however, some exclusions. You can’t use your Tesco gift card to pay for any of the following: 

• Esso fuel: Some Tesco stores have an Esso fuel station instead of a Tesco one. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use your Tesco gift card at an Esso fuel station. 
  
• Lottery purchases: You can’t buy lottery tickets with your gift card. 
  
• Tesco Mobile stores: It can be tempting to spoil yourself by using your gift card toward a new mobile phone or accessory, but you can’t redeem it at Tesco Mobile stores.
  
• Non-Tesco photo labs: You can use your gift card for photo printing and services if it’s a Tesco brand lab or kiosk. 

(source: Tesco Frequently Asked In-Store Questions.)

How Can I Check a Tesco Gift Card Balance?

Tesco gift cards come in various denominations ranging from £5 to £150. If your Tesco gift card has a lot of money on it, you might struggle to spend it in one shopping session.

Thankfully, you can spend it partially and keep the balance for later. So, how do you check your Tesco gift card’s balance? Here’s the step by step instructions below:

You can check your Tesco gift card’s balance by navigating to the Tesco website, and entering your 19-digit gift card number and PIN. You can also view your recent transactions, which can be useful if you forgot how much you spent recently.

I’ll discuss how to do this in more detail below: 

FIrst, navigate to their website. Here, you’ll be asked to enter the 19-digit number that appears on the gift card and the PIN. The 19-digit number is embossed on the front of the gift card, which is similar to a credit card number. You can find the PIN at the back of the gift card, where you’ll need to scratch the paper off to view it. 

Check your email or text messages for your e-gift card details. If you have a Tesco e-gift card, check the email or text message containing your e-gift card which shows your e-gift card number and PIN.  

View your balance and recent transactions. After entering your gift card number and PIN, the website will display your gift card balance and your recent transactions. It can sometimes take up to two hours for transactions to appear, so bear this in mind if you’ve recently been shopping.   

Call 03450 757 757, if you prefer. If you don’t have internet access or you’d rather phone, dial 03450 757 757 and follow the prompts. Remember to have your gift card number and PIN handy. 

Check your till receipt. If you still have the till slip from your most recent Tesco gift card purchase, your gift card balance will be displayed at the bottom. 

(source: Tesco Gift Cards)

A Note on Tesco Gift Cards and Clubcard

If you have a Tesco Clubcard, you won’t earn points when you use a gift card to pay for items. The same is true for buying a Tesco gift card.

When Do Tesco Gift Cards Expire?

Your Tesco gift card is valid for five years, and you can’t reload it if it’s an e-gift card. Some credit card-type gift cards, however, can be reloaded. Hopefully you can find something to spend it on in five years! It’s also good if you find an old gift card down the back of the settee…

Overall, I hope this helps you if you’ve received a Tesco gift card and were wondering exactly how to use it and monitor your spending. Happy shopping!

If, like me, you’ve been stung with a “surprise” charge when your parcel arrives, you’ve probably wondered how best to (legally) avoid these sorts of customs charges when you get a delivery from the USA to the UK.

I’ve dug into ways of avoiding or reducing this charge, legitimately.

First you should know the actual rules – you will be charged customs duty if the value of the goods exceeds £135, unless the duty value comes to less than £7. The charge varies and is determined by the value of the goods, their origin and how they’re classified under the UK Trade Tariff.

If you need to pay customs, you’ll be contacted by Royal Mail or the courier service and have 3 weeks to pay the full amount before the goods are returned to the sender.

Some custom charges are unavoidable, but there are ways to lessen your customs charges legally. Here’s how!

Buy Cheaper Alternatives of the Same Product

Goods under £135 usually have no customs charge when imported from the USA. If what you’re looking to purchase is under this value, it’s unlikely that you will be charged extra at customs. 

If you’re looking to purchase items over this amount, look for cheaper alternatives or “dupes” of the goods to keep the price under this. 

There are loads of blogs about the best “dupes” – a good example is our very own articles on Olaplex dupes and Foreo Luna Dupes (though these are for UK buyers, but you get the idea).

Split Your Orders (If Delivery Is Cheap Enough)

This is one of those “obvious” ones that gets overlooked because people want all their items to arrive at the same time.

If you want to purchase multiple items, and don’t mind them turning up at different times, then order them at separate times rather than all in one go. This way, each parcel will be under the customs and duty threshold and you shouldn’t incur any extra charges. Remember, you’re charged per parcel, rather than per order.

Another option is to order at the same time, but ask the sender to send your items separately, or in fewer parcels. You’ll need to do some calculations on your customs and duty savings vs what you might pay in separate delivery charges, but sometimes it’s well worth it.

Have The Parcel Sent As a Gift

If your items are above £135, but below £630 and classed as a gift you will pay a lower charge at 2.5% and possibly even lower for some goods. 

If you have a friend or family member in the USA, you can get them to buy the goods on your behalf. Then, you can have them send the goods to you as a gift. HMRC will count the goods as a gift if this has been declared on the customs form. Note that some retailers won’t do this if you ask them – which is why it pays to have American friends!

Buy Direct From Individual Traders

Another way to minimise the customs cost is to have the seller send the goods directly to you. The government defines a gift as something bought and sent between two individuals.

Therefore if you’re buying from a platform like Etsy or similar, where usually the “company” is a one-person business, then you can ask them to send it direct from them to you.

However, when a product comes from a company these rules do not apply. Again, some individuals may or may not want (or be able) to do this, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Declare Some Goods as ‘No Commercial Value’

Having items sent as no commercial value rather than goods is another way to lower your customs cost. There are a few goods that are not subject to customs charges when sent this way. 

These goods are:

• Children’s toys
• Maps
• Books
• Antiques
• Music

These goods do not actually cost a lot, so, therefore, many are classed as of no commercial value meaning that they are not subject to customs charges. If it’s a larger order, you’re probably better off checking with HMRC first about the exact rules, but it’s worth knowing that “NCV” or “No Customs Value” exists.

Import the Goods for Your Business

Although this isn’t strictly a way of reducing customs charges, it’s still a saving. If you’re a UK business owner and are importing goods from the USA, you will not have to pay the US sales VAT as long as you are a VAT registered business.

Instead, the standard UK 20% will be charged on import. This amount can then be claimed on your tax return as an expense. This will lessen the VAT you have to pay when importing American goods. 

However, bear in mind that the customs duty can not be reclaimed as a tax expense. Only the VAT and delivery charges can be! 

Buying When You’re In the USA

If it’s not urgent and you’ve got a trip planned, you can wait to buy the goods until the next time you’re on holiday in the USA, so you won’t have to pay customs duty at all if you are under the allowance set. You can bring in goods up to the value of £390, or £270 if you arrive by boat or private plane. 

If you exceed this allowance, you will have to pay tax, customs allowance and duty on the whole amount rather than just the amount that exceeds it, so it’s not worth trying to bend the rules. 

However, if you have worn the clothing item or have taken it out of its box depending on what it is, this will count as a used item. If there is no receipt and the tags have all been removed, then it is unlikely that you will have to pay customs duty.

Ensure that you have done all your research before using this method, as if your bag is searched and tags are found on the clothing then it will not count as a used item.

Some people just do not declare what they have bought overseas and hope that they don’t get stopped. We would not recommend doing this as you may end up paying a hefty amount, compared to what you would have paid if you had declared them in the first place. 

Ensure You’ve Coded Your Goods Correctly

The codes on goods are known as Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs). These identify the customs that goods are being entered and removed from. There are also commodity codes, which classify what the goods actually are. These codes are then used to calculate the customs duty that must be paid. 

Some goods are more difficult to classify than others, meaning that you may end up paying more custom charges than you would due to incorrectly coding them. 

The goods that are harder to classify include:

• Computers and software
• Edible goods, including fruit
• Electrical equipment
• Ceramics
• Shoes and footwear
• Herbal medicines and supplements
• Leather
• Organic chemicals
• Leather
• Iron and Steel
• Plastics 
• Rice
• Textiles
• Tobacco
• Vehicles and parts
• Wood

Therefore if it’s a large order and you’re not sure what customs code to use – it’s best to ask HMRC or an experienced shipping or customs agent. Some codes are far less than others, and some even 0% due to free trade deals, so it’s always worth checking you’ve got the right customs code.

Choosing Sea Freight vs Planes

Sometimes, VAT and duty amounts are often dependent on the mode of transport used to ship the goods to the UK. When importing, you can choose to use either sea freight or planes. However, the length of time to receive the goods may vary depending on the method that you choose. 

Sea freight can take any time from 3 – 6 weeks to arrive in the UK, depending on what state the goods have been shipped from. Once they arrive within the UK, they typically take a few days. This tends to be more cost-effective for clothing goods or bulk goods.

The other option, planes, will usually take 2-3 days to deliver your goods into the UK, or 10-12 days if you go for a cheaper option. Again, once within the UK, your goods will take a few days to be delivered to your address. 

The most cost-effective version of shipping will depend on the size and weight of your package. Air freight tends to be the cheapest option for goods weighing up to 300kg or high-value goods.

Weight is less relevant for sea freight and is instead calculated on size. If your goods are larger than 2 cubic metres, but less than 15 then sea freight is a cheaper option.

For items larger than this size, you may have to purchase your own container to bring the items across. Discover the freight costs for both sea freight and air freight, from the USA to the UK, provided by Transporteca. 

Where to Get Help with Customs and Duty

If you are planning on purchasing and importing anything mentioned above, it’s best to get help to ensure you are coding it correctly. You can hire a person to deal with customs for you, or get in touch with HMRC for non-legally binding classification advice.

You can also ask HMRC to give you a legally binding decision on your goods. This can be a good option if your goods are hard to classify and informal advice has not helped. Or, if you’re receiving a new type of product. However, this decision can take up to 120 days to be made so it may not be suitable if you’re on a time limit.  

A Note on Excise Duty 

Excise duty counts on tobacco and alcohol products imported into the UK from the USA. The taxes are specific to the type of product and are dependent on the commodity code of the product, as detailed above. You’ll probably need specialist help (as mentioned above) if you’re importing large amounts of drink, cigarettes, etc.

I hope that after reading this blog post, you understand how to lessen customs charges better. As you can see, there are legal ways to lessen the customs charges when importing goods from the USA to the UK.

However, some charges are inevitable and you need to make sure that you are legally declaring anything that you have to avoid further charges or getting in trouble with the law. It’s always best to ask a legal professional for advice if you are unsure about anything. Happy shopping!

Since cheques are slowly being phased out, many people are unaware of filling in a blank cheque the right way.

Before you feel a bit silly about not knowing how to write a paper cheque (or forgetting if its been years), bear in mind that most large banks in the UK no longer give cheque books out as a standard practice, and fewer will automatically replace them when the time comes.

With that in mind, it’s no wonder that people don’t know how to write a cheque correctly. So you’re not alone!

There are plenty of reasons one may need to write a paper cheque. For example, many older people still use regular cheques, and cheques are a great way to make a surprise purchase as the transaction doesn’t show up right away on an online statement.

In the UK, the DVLA seem to still be keen on them – and that’s when I had to refresh my memory, and did all the research here.

This article will cover each of these and detail how to find the correct placements – including common errors that could make your paper cheque invalid!

How To Correctly Write Out a UK Cheque

Some people just write what they think should go on a paper cheque, and think the bank will interpret anything that is unclear. Unfortunately, cheques are one of the most error-sensitive ways of banking.

What Happens if I Write a Cheque Incorrectly?

If the information on a personal cheque is not accurate, the cheque will be useless and you’ll have to write another one, which can delay your payment for days.

Worse still, banks can charge fees to people who write bad cheques, or if a cheque “bounces” (meaning it gets returned, unpaid, to the sender’s bank). 

So, let’s go over the steps of writing a cheque, so you get it right 100% of the time. But, first, take a look at the image below:

As you can see, this is a sample generic UK cheque that includes examples of how each section should be filled. Although this isn’t for any particular bank, almost every normal cheque will look the same way. 

For example, Barclays, Tesco Bank, and Santander cheques look the same. The only real difference is the bank’s logo and where they put their address and information.

Sources: Tesco Bank, Nationwide, RTN-One, Barclays

1. Fill In the Date

The first thing to fill in is the date. Usually, you’ll fill in the date on which you wrote the cheque on the top right corner, and it must be written in day-month-year format. 

In the UK, the day always comes first, so be sure to double-check – especially if you’re from a country like the USA where it would be written differently. If you accidentally write November 1, 2020, as 11-01-2020, the paper cheque would be more than six months old and therefore considered out of date. 

Many banks refuse to accept cheques that are more than six months old from the date provided (Source: NatWest)

Therefore bear in mind that you CAN put a future date on cheques, but be careful if putting a past date on them.

It is possible to write a date in the future, should you know that it won’t be deposited within six months, or if you don’t want it to be deposited or cashed before a specific date. 

This is known as post-dating, and many people use it. For example, if you send someone money but need to be sure they don’t deposit the cheque before payday, you could put a future date on to be sure.

2. Write the Payee’s Name on the Top Line

In the middle of the cheque, there will be two to three lines. The top line will have the word “pay” or “payee” on the far left, indicating that this is the line on which you write the name of the person to whom you are giving the cheque, and therefore, the money.

It is vital that you write their name in full, as it appears on their bank statement. You might get away with writing Mr M. Collins, but it’s advised to write the names in full. 

Also, it’s better to write in capital letters to avoid any handwriting errors or confusion.

For joint bank accounts, you can write just one name on the cheque to save space. Then, provided it matches what’s on the account, the bank will take the cheque with just one account holder. 

If writing a cheque to a business, use the name given on the invoice. Though some companies may have public names, they could use a parent company for their banking. 

3. Write the Amount in Words, Including Pence

The one or two lines under the “Pay” line are for the amount to be paid. 

On these lines, you’ll write the total amount in words, using capital letters to make it as clear as possible. 

For example, £63.57 becomes sixty-three pounds and fifty-seven pence.

After this, you need to write the word “only” so that nothing else can be added. In this case, it would say sixty-three pounds and fifty-seven pence only.

If the amount is a small number, like ten pounds only, you should draw a line that extends to the end of the given space. Again, this is to prevent anyone from amending the amount after the fact. 

You can see this in the image above.

4. Fill the Amount in Numbers in the Box Provided

In addition to having the amount written in words, you’ll also need to write it out in numbers in the box provided. This box is always under the date and is a solid box on its own.

There will be a pound sign to the left of the box, and you just need to fill in the numbers. 

This number must match what’s written on the left, down to the last penny. The idea is to help prevent mistakes or fraud. 

5. Sign on the Signature Line

Under the date and number-amount box, there will be a small line. This is where you sign the check.

This signature should be identical to the one on your bank records, or there will be an issue in the clearing process. 

Cheques are cleared through a third-party company, and they will use the information on the front (the account number and sort code) to access your current account. In doing so, they will check that you have enough money to send and that the signature and name matches. 

6. Add a Note to the Memo Section or Cheque Stub (Optional)

This final part is optional, but it will help in keeping track of your money. 

The cheque in your book should be attached to a small slip on the left-hand side, called a memo or stub. In this part, you can write the person’s name and the amount of money you wrote the cheque for. 

You can also add a note about the payment, such as rent or car payments. 

There is also a number printed on here that matches the cheque number found on the cheque itself. That way, you can also compare the cheque to its number, should you run into any problems.

Final Thoughts

You never know when you might need to write a cheque, so hopefully, you can use this article as a guide and get it right the first time. Remember that the day must come first in the date section and that you should write as clearly as possible to avoid confusion.

To deposit a cheque in the UK, you can either use the mobile banking app for your bank, visit the bank and use an ATM, or go to the counter with either a paying-in slip or your account card. Alternatively, cheques can be deposited through the Post Office with paying-in slips for certain banks.

The rest of this article will go into detail about the various cheque depositing methods, including in-person and online.

How to Deposit a Cheque Online

One of the easiest ways to deposit a cheque is to do so online. That way, you don’t need to make any special trips to the bank or the Post Office (more on that later). In most cases, this refers to the use of a mobile banking app.

To deposit a cheque online, download and open your bank’s mobile app. Then, you’ll need to log in using a customer number, or in some cases; the bank will send you a small device used to work with your card. 

From there, the steps are usually as follows:

1. Locate the account to which you want to deposit the cheque.
2. Open the settings or the menu.
3. Tap on “deposit” or “make payments.”
4. Enter the amount, and any other information asked.
5. Take a picture of the front and back of the cheque.
6. Click “deposit” or “continue.”

Some apps will have a section for cheques; others will likely have it in the “manage money” section. If you’re unsure where to find it in your bank’s app, run a quick online search for “how to deposit a cheque with *insert bank name* app.”

If you’re uncertain whether your bank even has an app, it’s more than likely that it does.

As of 2020, five of the most used banks in the UK are:

• Lloyd’s Bank Group – 25+ million customers
• Barclays – 24+ million customers
• Natwest – 19+ million customers
• Nationwide – 16.3+ million customers
• HSBC UK – 15+ million customers

Source: Statista

Each of these banks has an associated mobile banking app available in the App Store and the Google Play Store, making banking easy for iPhone and Android users. 

Of course, as there are more than 300 banks and over 50 building societies operating in the UK as of 2021, it’s essential to keep in mind that while most will offer online banking, not all will have mobile banking apps. 

Of those that have an app for mobile banking, not all of them will offer cheque deposits.  

In the table below, you’ll see which of the top UK banks – and a few smaller banks – have a banking app and offer cheque deposits.

Sources: Lloyd’s Bank Group, Barclays, Natwest, Nationwide, HSBC, Monzo, Revolut, The Co-Operative Bank, The Yorkshire Bank

Monzo and Revolut are new, online-only banks whose accounts are created and managed entirely via an app. That is why neither offer in-branch banking and why they are not connected to the Post Office. 

Neither offers cheque deposits on the app, though Monzo does allow customers to mail cheques for deposit. You just need to remember to take a picture before sending it, so you have a record should it get lost somehow. 

Interestingly, even though Nationwide is one of the top banks in terms of customers, they do not offer cheque deposits through their app. Compare that to the smaller Yorkshire Bank, and you can see that the latter offers more when it comes to services. 

Generally speaking, though, most larger banks do have apps that allow customers to deposit cheques from the comfort of their own homes.

Remember that the cheque will not clear right away, so be sure to keep it for at least a week or until you see the money has been deposited.  

How to Deposit a Cheque Using a Bank Account

Even before the pandemic, banks have been trying to make the push towards paperless usage and more online customers. That’s why so many have banking apps and why they’re trying to offer as much via their apps as possible.

Of course, online banking isn’t for everyone, or maybe you’re just in town and happen to be near your local branch. In that case, you can simply go inside and deposit the cheque in person. 

To deposit a cheque using a bank account, you’ll need the cheque to be in your name and have the card associated with the account into which you wish to deposit the money. Alternatively, you can use another form of ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, as proof of identity.

Some banks ask for a cheque deposit slip (a paying-in slip), which you need to fill in before reaching the counter. Although, this is usually only for people depositing multiple cheques at once. 

However, many branches are moving away from in-person banking and deposits. For example, at Nationwide, if you have a FlexDirect current account, you must be depositing a minimum of £300 in cheques to be served in the branch.

Source: Nationwide

Can I Deposit a Cheque at the Post Office?

It is possible to deposit a cheque at the Post Office for most larger banks, including Barclays, Co-Op, Halifax, and Lloyd’s. To deposit a cheque, you need it to be made out in your name, have a paying-in slip from your bank, and a bank-specific envelope, which is available at the Post Office.

Paying-in slips are only obtainable from your bank, though they can often be found in the back of your chequebook. 

If you don’t have a chequebook, you will need to call your bank or visit your local branch and order paying-in slips. They typically come pre-printed with your relevant information, such as your bank account number and sort code. 

Sources: Lloyd’s, HSBC, Barclays

In addition to the paying-in slip, you also need a cheque envelope, which the Post Office provides. These are branded with your bank’s name and address and can fit up to 50 cheques in one. 

Check out this short video that explains this process further:

Source: YouTube: NatWest

As mentioned above, not all banks work with the Post Office and those that do, don’t all offer cheque deposits. Nationwide, for example, only allows for cash withdrawals and balance enquiries. 

Here are some of the top banks that offer cheque deposits through the Post Office:

• Bank of Ireland
• Bank of Scotland
• Barclays
• Co-Op
• Halifax
• Santander
• TSB

Source: Post Office

Can You Deposit a Cheque at an ATM / Cash Machine?

It is possible to deposit a cheque at an ATM/cash machine, and all you need is your account card and PIN. Put the card into the machine, enter your PIN, find “deposit cheque” on the menu, and insert it into the slot. Check that the amount is correct before you confirm the deposit.

It’s also a good idea to take a picture of the front and back of the cheque before you put it into the machine; that way, you have proof of its amount before it’s put into the system.

Santander and TSB offer cash withdrawals, balance enquiries and cheque and cash deposits at their cash machines. These will work in the same way as you would expect, and all you need is your PIN and card. 

When the time comes, it may ask you to confirm the amount to be deposited before you insert the cheque. Then, after you insert the cheque, the machine will scan it and show you an image on the screen. Finally, it will display the amount, and if there is a discrepancy, it should give the original cheque back to you.

Sources: Santander, TSB

This differs slightly with Nationwide, though, as they require a cheque envelope. The good news is that they provide this to you as part of the process. After you enter the deposit amount, the slot will open, and an envelope will come out. Put the cheque inside and put the envelope back into the slot. 

Source: Nationwide

Other banks, such as Barclays, NatWest, and HSBC, have separate machines used for deposits and other banking functions. The idea is to keep the cash machines free for people with fewer and faster needs. 

These self-service machines are usually found inside the branch and work in a similar way to an ATM. You will need your card and PIN and then navigate to the “deposits” section. 

That said, Lloyd’s uses Cardless Immediate Deposit Machines, which work without the need for a card at all. Unfortunately, you will need your account number, which many people don’t know off-hand. 

At NatWest, you’ll need to deposit each individual cheque, and they will give you a receipt with an image of each cheque, along with a detailed breakdown of your transaction. The process is the same at Barclays and HSBC machines.

Sources: Barclays, NatWest, HSBC, Lloyd’s

Depositing Large Cheques in the UK – Guidance

Depending on the bank, limits are set on how much you can deposit per cheque and per day.

For example:

• Halifax – cheques must be under £1,000 each, and you can only deposit up to £2,000 per day.
• NatWest – mobile deposits can only be up to £750 per day. 
• Lloyd’s – cheques must be under £1,000 each, and you can only deposit up to £2,000 per day.
• HSBC – cheques must be under £500 each, and you can only deposit up to £2,500 per day.

Sources: Halifax, Lloyd’s, NatWest, HSBC

Anything above these limits, and you will need to go into the branch to be helped. In the case of smaller sums (a few thousand pounds), they will just need a form of identification.

However, for higher sums (upwards of £10,000), they will need proof of where the money came from. This is in accordance with anti-money laundering policies, which state that banks must report unusual transactions to the authorities. 

If you have a cheque with a high amount, you will need to prove where it came from. The best way to do this is by bringing the person who wrote the cheque to the bank. Or, if it was a part of an inheritance, bring a death certificate. 

Sources: HSBC, BankTrack

Can Someone Else Deposit a Cheque For Me?

Someone else can deposit a cheque for you through the Post Office or at a bank if you give them the paying-in slip and the relevant information, or if you already have the cheque deposit envelope. Otherwise, only you can deposit cheques as you need your account card and PIN to access the account.

As it’s a deposit and not a withdrawal, there are fewer risks when asking someone else to make the deposit for you. So, with a pre-filled paying-in slip, a family member or friend would have no issues doing this. 

The cheque just needs to match the name on the slip, and it needs to be signed by you. Also, in many cases, you will need to endorse the back of the cheque with your signature and the phrase “for deposit only.”

Source: Pocket Pence

Of course, if the person is someone you trust, and it’s an emergency, they will be able to deposit your cheque via the ATM or self-service machines if you give them your card and PIN. 

Never share your PIN with anyone unless you absolutely have to.

Similarly, if you give someone else access to your mobile phone, and therefore, the banking app, they can perform the deposit for you. 

However, third-party deposits are being cracked down on. And since cheques are becoming less common, it’s possible that branches will start to phase out paying-in slips. That means you will need to make the deposit as the account holder.

Source: Which

The only other exception to this would be people named on the account. 

Can I Deposit a Cheque at Any Bank, or Just Mine?

It is only possible to deposit a cheque at your own bank, though you can use any branch. You just need a paying-in slip or your account card. The cheque will be scanned and the image sent to the cheque clearing service. Once cleared, the money will be deposited into your account. 

It used to be very commonplace that people used and paid with cheques, and it would have been very inconvenient if they had to go to a specific bank every time. So, not too long ago, you could deposit a cheque at any bank.

That’s why they created the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company. Before the new cheque imaging system was introduced, cheques were collected at the end of the day and sent to the local company to be cleared. Now, banks send images of the cheques, which are cleared and deposited much faster. 

Source: BACS

However, now it’s only possible to deposit a cheque at the bank in which you have an account and as mentioned, this can be any branch of that bank.

Final Thoughts

Depositing cheques can be complex since they’re not as widely used anymore. Hopefully, this article cleared up the confusion and answered any questions you had. 

Most banks in the UK authorise cheques to be valid for 6 months from the initial date of issue. The banks also reserve the right to refuse cheques older than 6 months. However, blank cheques and cheque books don’t have an expiration date and can be used at any time.  

In this article, I’ll explore the validity of cheques in the UK and if they expire. I’ll also provide tips on what to do if you come across an out-of-date cheque that you want to deposit. Keep reading to learn more. 

How Long Are Bank Cheques Valid for in the UK?

There is no legislation dictating the validity of cheques in the UK. However, banks are at liberty to set the timeframe for which they’ll accept paper cheques, and most UK banks tend to impose a limit of 6 months. 

Many bank cheques in the UK remain valid for 6 months. If you’re attempting to deposit a cheque older than 6 months, the banks reserve the right to refuse your request based on their discretionary period. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the UK’s biggest banks and the timeframe for which they’ll accept paper cheques: 

Source: Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Bank, Twitter: Santander UK, TSB

Although the vast majority of banks set their limit to 6 months, Santander has a much longer period of 12 months, meaning you have up to a year to cash a cheque before the bank can refuse your request. 

While most UK banks have these limitations, there may be times when you’re able to cash a cheque beyond the 6 or 12-month period. 

According to a forum on Money Saving Expert, some people found success in depositing their out-of-date cheques in the ATM instead of through the bank teller. Going this route allows the cheques to be checked digitally, thus, a greater chance that the date on the cheque may be overlooked.

This method isn’t guaranteed, but it could be an easy way to deposit your cheque, especially if it’s only out of date by only a few days or months.

But if you have a cheque that’s out-of-date by several years, you may need to consult with the issuer and request an updated cheque. 

Another method is to use your bank’s cheque imaging services, which allow you to digitally deposit your cheque, instead of having to go directly to the bank. This may enable you to deposit an outdated cheque if the date on the cheque goes unnoticed through the online system. 

If you opt to go to the bank directly, you could also get lucky with the bank teller scanning over the date and agreeing to deposit it anyway. If you aren’t able to deposit it at one bank branch, try another.

Source: Money Saving Expert, Cheque and Credit

Do Cheques Ever Expire in the UK?

Cheques don’t necessarily expire in the UK, but they may only remain valid for a specified period. Depending on the issuer, some cheques can have an expiration date printed directly on the cheque. Cheques can also expire if the payer or bank puts a stop to them. 

For example, if you receive a cheque from HMRC, such as a tax return payment, the cheque will usually have an expiration date listed on the front. If you don’t deposit the cheque before the indicated date, you won’t forfeit the funds, but you’ll have to contact the agency and request the cheque to be reissued.

This can often be a tedious and lengthy process, and means you’ll have to wait longer to get your payment. 

However, according to Mark Hodgson from Tremark Associates, if the cheques don’t have precise dates indicated on them, they may be valid for up to 6 years, instead of 6 months.

So, if you can’t find clear answers from your bank on its acceptance of cheque policy, and the cheque itself doesn’t indicate a date of expiration, you could be entitled to an extended period to deposit the cheque, and without worrying about a cutoff point. 

Source: Twitter: HMRC, Tremark Associates

There are other instances in which cheques can expire. These can include the sender cancelling the cheque or the bank putting a stop to the payment. According to Checks and Credits, one of the most common reasons cheques aren’t successfully processed is the sender failing to have adequate funds in their bank account to issue the payment. 

If you’re having trouble depositing a cheque that is still within the period of validity, you should contact the cheque’s issuer or speak with your bank for further information.

Source: Checks and Credit, Money Helper, Compare the Market, Nationwide

Do Cheque Books or Blank Cheques Expire?

Cheque books and blank cheques do not expire. They can be issued at any time, but as soon as the issuer writes a date on them, the cheques may only be accepted by most UK banks within 6 months of that date. 

Although cheques aren’t as popular as they once were, they are still legally acceptable and can be deposited at banks across the UK. This means that, as long as you have the available funds in your account to issue the cheque, you’re able to write cheques from your cheque book at any time. 

Furthermore, if you’re aren’t writing cheques regularly, it may take you months or years to use all of the blank cheques in your cheque book. And since cheque books don’t expire, you can safely continue using your cheque book for as long as you want.

If your cheque book gets lost or stolen, you should call your bank immediately to cancel your personal cheques, as this will prevent others from writing cheques and cashing them from your account. Your bank will be able to void your lost or stolen personal cheques and will likely issue you a new cheque book.

How Long Do I Have To Cash a Cheque?

You will usually have around 6 months to cash a cheque from the date that it was initially issued. If you’re receiving a cheque from a business or government agency, the cheque may have an expiration date printed on it, and you’ll need to deposit it within the specified time frame. 

However, if you’re trying to deposit a cheque within its period of validity, there are a couple of instances where you may have to wait longer than usual. 

You may have to wait longer to cash your cheque if you’ve attempted to deposit it after your bank’s cutoff time, or if you’ve sent your request through on a weekend or bank holiday. You should check with your bank about its cheque clearing cycle, as this can vary from bank to bank.

For most banks in the UK, the cheque clearing cycle is approximately 24 hours if there are no issues with the cheque. 

Cheques can also take longer to process if they lack required information, such as signatures and dates. If your bank needs to perform further checks on the transaction, this can also delay your cheque’s processing times.

So, if you’ve missed the deadline to deposit a cheque, you can rest assured knowing there are ways to still get it deposited. Hopefully, you found this helpful article, and you’ll know what to do next time you come across a cheque. 

Source: Barclays

After watching American programmes like “Storage Wars” and “Storage Hunters” I wondered – are there storage auctions in the UK, too? 

Turns out that yes, there are storage auctions in the UK – you just have to know where to look! 

Some specialise in the entire contents of shipping containers, and others are just regular auctions that are abandoned self-storage that people have “done a runner” from and never paid for. Most sell for really small amounts, like £1. Others (especially if they’re full) go for hundreds. 

I’ve put together this list of all the British storage auction companies I’ve found, where their storage facilities are, and a link to where you can bid. But first, there’s some important info you need to know if you’re a wannabe storage hunter like me. 

What You Need to Know When Bidding with a UK Storage Auction House 

I’ve bid once or twice on these auctions and this is what I’ve learned: 

1. There Are Additional Fees

If you’ve never bid at auction before, bear in mind that all auctions usually have a buyer’s premium – it’s how the auction house makes their money. The premium is a percentage you pay on top of your bid amount. This can range from 10% to 25% and sometimes has VAT on top of that, so always read the auction terms and conditions carefully to add up how much your bid will really be.

Also, you need to know that storage companies often charge a “cleaning deposit”. From looking at existing auctions this seems to be around the £100 mark.

When you win the storage auction, this will be held on your card. You get it back when you FULLY empty the storage unit.

If you leave anything in the unit for the storage company to throw away, they might keep your cleaning deposit. This is to stop people “cherry-picking” the valuable items and leaving the junk behind! 

2. The Contents Usually Aren’t Valuable – But There Are Gems

My daughter (who also writes for this site) used to work in TV, and when she told me that the American TV shows like “Storage Hunters” were almost all faked (and ‘set dressed’ with nice things in the storage) it ruined it a bit for me! 

Don’t expect to find abandoned suitcases full of cash, pallets of Macbooks and all the rest of it. There’s a reason people have abandoned their storage – usually because whatever they left in there wasn’t worth paying the bill for. 

The other common items you see are things that are a pain to move, like exercise equipment, washing machines or large bits of furniture. You can get things like this cheap if that’s what you’re after. 

However, there have been gems. A friend of mine used to mock a young lad who always bid for what looked like rubbish – bin bags full of old clothes or jigsaws. One day the contents included what looked like old, out-of-date video games – but they turned out to be rare 1980s ones that collectors were paying hundreds for. They didn’t laugh any more! 

I’ve also seen storage units full of designer shoes, or signed sports memorabilia. I have no clue about either of these markets so I didn’t bid, but for someone, these were huge bargains. 

Basically what I’m saying is don’t get your hopes up, bid on what you know about, and don’t pay over the odds for something you can’t see!

3. Be Prepared if you Win

Some people bid online and then are surprised when they win… and they’re not ready to go to “their” unit, which might be across the country. Be serious if you’re bidding at storage auctions, and: 

– Look at the time you’re given to come and clear it out. It’s usually not that long, like 72 hours

– It becomes “your” unit when you win – so bring a padlock! You’d be amazed how many people forget this. The existing padlock will have been removed in order to auction it, of course. 

-Sort out transport and boxes. Some units are deceptively big and there are LOTS of things in them. You’ll need to move the whole lot to get your cleaning deposit back (mentioned above). 

4. Some Items Have to Be Returned to the Owner 

Some personal items have to be returned to their original owner, if you find them in your storage facility. These items include things like:

• Passports or ID
• Legal documents or certificates
• Tax or company paperwork
• Deeds, wills, etc.

This is pretty sensible and it’s just common sense to have these returned to their rightful owner. The auction house will probably tell you their rules, or it will be written in their terms and conditions.

Storage Unit Companies That Hold Online Auctions in the UK 

Proper storage auctions are few and far between, but there are some. Here are the ones I found:

IBidonStorage

Probably the site with the most active online storage auctions at any one time. Bidding starts at £1 and they have locations all around the UK including Bristol, Derby, Buckinghamshire, London, Devon, Sussex, Hampshire and Worcestershire. Click here to see their current auctions. 

eBay

It sounds obvious but lots of companies who used to run their own auctions now just do it on eBay because it’s easier for them to manage bidders and listings that way. Click here to see which companies are auctioning storage units on eBay.

Space Station

They have a private “mailing list” that you can ask to join. They say there are over 1000 people on that list, so it must be popular. Then you’ll get an actual email from them when they’re auctioning off a storage unit, and you can place a bid directly with them. Here’s their page where you can sign up. Their locations are mostly in and around London and Birmingham.

The UK Storage Company Ltd

They have written an interesting article about some of the background on storage auctions. They say they “very occasionally” have ones auctioned, usually because the person has stopped paying or has moved back abroad. Interestingly they reckon that they have never made enough money back to cover the cost of the owed rent!

They use Ebay to auction their abandoned units. Visit their site here.

Storage Giant

Storage Giant used to post about their auctions on Facebook but haven’t in a while, and I’m not sure they’re still doing them. Best to call them and ask. They operate mostly around the South West and Wales area.

Ask locally

this is probably one of the best ways to get “first dibs” on storage, and that’s to ask your nearest self-storage place. These days they’re in most towns and cities. This would be a good way to fend off the competition, because if it’s an online auction, everyone can bid – but if it’s just in your town, you’ll have a smaller pool of competing bidders!

In conclusion, do some research before you start looking, and don’t just assume that everything has value. Remember, if you end up winning anything, make sure you sort out getting it moved from wherever it was stored. But most of all – have fun! That’s what it’s really all about, for me anyway!