Smile Banking

You can transfer cash electronically from another bank account.

cash

you can pay in cash via any UK Post Office or any branch of The Co-operative Bank free of charge using your ATM card. You can also pay money into some other bank's branches, although they may charge you for this

cheques

You can pay in cheques at any UK Post Office when you request the special envelopes we provide or at any branch of The Co-operative Bank. You can also post it to us in an envelope along with a paying in slip to:

smile
FREEPOST NEA 14877
Northampton
NN4 7BR.

Remember to jot your sort code and account number on the back of each cheque. You can also pay cheques into some other UK bank's branches - although they may charge you for this.

how long does it take to clear?

Cash paid in at a branch of The Co-operative Bank is available immediately if you use your card or by the end of the day if you use a slip for cheques, including those paid in at a branch of The Co-operative Bank.

You should allow up to 5 working days (T+4) for the money to be available for withdrawal for cheques posted, you should allow up to 5 working days (T+4) from the day the cheque is paid into your account (T) for the money to be available for withdrawal.

Please note that cheques can be returned unpaid up to close of business on the 7th working day (known as T+6). You will be able to withdraw the funds before this, although we advise that you allow the full 7 working days, as the cheque could be returned unpaid.

The Co-operative Bank (smile) will debit your account for cheques which are later returned unpaid.

The central clearing cycle in England and Wales takes 3 working days. All timescales are subject to the transactions being made within the working day cut off time. For Internet and phone requests it is 9pm, for The Co-operative Bank deposits using a paying in slip it is 4.30pm and for UK Post Offices it is 2.30pm - 3pm depending on the outlet.