If you’ve just moved to the United Kingdom, you’re probably just figuring out day-to-day living and the tasks that go along with it. One of the biggest learning curves when getting used to somewhere new is banking.
Have you ever been in a scenario where you’d like to deposit cash or a cheque, but your bank is closed and there are no ATMs to be found? Consider using the Post Office. That’s right—post office banking services have become a vital lifeline for millions of UK customers, especially in rural areas and small towns, where bank branches are few and far between.
At Remitly, we know how hard settling in abroad can be. In this guide, we’ll explain which banks work with the Post Office, what transactions you can complete at these locations, and important limitations that you should be aware of.
What is Post Office banking?
Post Office banking allows customers to access basic financial services at postal counters. The collaboration between the UK Post Office system and banks began in the 1990s and has expanded significantly since then. Now, over 11,500 branches in the UK offer these services, making them more accessible than traditional banks in some cases.
What are some key features of this programme?
- You can access personal and basic business banking services, including cash deposits and withdrawals, balance enquiries, and cheque deposits.
- Each Post Office handles transactions on behalf of your bank using secure systems.
- It’s managed independently by postal staff, not as your bank’s satellite location.
Banking at the Post Office allows customers to take advantage of longer operating hours, as many branches have longer operating hours than banks. You can easily find locations that are open from around 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, including on Saturdays.
Which services are available at Post Office counters?
You might think Post Office counters offer fewer services than regular banks. But that isn’t the case. The truth is, you’ll be able to complete most of the common banking transactions that you’re used to. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Cash transactions
Post Office banking lets you deposit and withdraw cash from your personal or business account, right at the counter.
Typically, each individual bank sets a daily limit on how much money you can withdraw, and it’s usually between £300 and £500 GBP. Check with your bank to learn about any daily limits.
You’ll also be able to deposit cash into current and savings accounts and, in most cases, conduct a balance enquiry or receive a mini statement.
Cheque services
If you have a cheque that needs to be deposited, you can do that at the Post Office. In most cases, you’ll need a deposit slip and envelope from your banking institution. But if you frequently deposit cheques, you can keep some of this bank-specific paperwork on hand so that you’re always ready to make a deposit at any location.
Keep in mind that cheques deposited at the Post Office typically take a little longer to clear. It will take one to two business days for your bank to receive the cheque from the Post Office. From there, normal cheque processing times apply.
A few banks, like Lloyds and Halifax, are phasing out cheque deposit capabilities at the Post Office by the end of 2025. Be sure to always check in with your bank to know what transactions are supported.
Complete list of participating banks
Most banks in the UK have partnered with the Post Office to facilitate basic transactions. We’ve included some of the top collaborating financial institutions here, but be sure to check with your bank to learn about what specific services are supported at the Post Office.
High-street banks
You’ll have access to Post Office banking services in the UK if you hold a current account, savings account, or basic business account at any of the leading high-street banks, including:
- Barclays
- HSBC UK
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Lloyds Bank
- Halifax (business accounts not supported)
- Bank of Scotland
- Nationwide (business accounts not supported)
- NatWest Group
- NatWest
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Santander
Building societies
A building society is a member-owned, mutual financial institution that offers services similar to traditional banks, such as savings accounts. The following building societies support Post Office banking services:
- Nationwide
- The Co-operative Bank
- Yorkshire Building Society
- Clydesdale Bank
Other financial institutions
From online banks to digital financial platforms, these alternative financial institutions allow for most Post Office banking services:
- Metro Bank: Doesn’t support cash withdrawals or balance enquiries.
- Cahoot: Digital-only bank that doesn’t support business accounts at the Post Office.
- Countingup: Digital banking platform with support for business accounts and cash deposits only.
- Thinkmoney: Financial service provider where business accounts and cheque deposits aren’t supported.
These are just a small selection of banks that partner with the UK’s postal service. Check out the full list on the official website.
How to bank at the Post Office: step-by-step guide
If you’re ready to try a bank operation at the Post Office, follow these steps to ensure success:
- Step 1: Find a participating Post Office location. Use the Post Office Branch Finder tool to find a location that offers banking services near you.
- Step 2: Bring your bank card. For most transactions, you’ll need your debit card and PIN number to use counter services.
- Step 3: Complete your transaction at the counter. Let the worker at the counter help you complete your transaction. If you’re depositing cash, you’ll be asked to hand over the amount to the postal worker. If you’re depositing a check, you’ll need a bank-specific deposit slip and envelope. Balance enquiries are printed onto a receipt at the end of your transaction.
- Step 4: Review your transaction at your bank. After completing a banking transaction at the Post Office, log onto your banking website or app to see if the transaction is reflected in your account.
Fees and charges
Most transactions into and out of personal accounts are free at the post office.
However, each bank might set its own fees. While uncommon, fees are typically minimal and less than those charged by other banking solutions, like ATMs.
You can find more information about Post Office banking fees on the official Help and Support page.
Important limitations and considerations
Post Office banking makes budgeting and overall financial management easier for you. However, there are some important limitations to keep in mind when using these services.
Account type
Although the Post Office offers your typical banking services, it only supports existing personal and business accounts.
If you’re looking to open a new account, settle up direct debits, order full statements, or complete complex enquiries, you should do so at your bank’s branch office.
Transaction limits
Your bank, not the Post Office, sets daily limits on transactions like cash withdrawals. Usually, the withdrawal limit is capped at around £300 GBP.
There may also be maximum deposit amounts that can be processed at the Post Office. Deposit limits are usually around £1,000 to £3,000 GBP per day, depending on your bank and account type. There may also be annual deposit limits.
Limits set by banks apply to the entire account, not each individual cardholder. This means that if you have a joint account, your limit could be affected by other users.
There are typically no time restrictions on consecutive transactions.
Geographic availability
Post Office banking is a solution that provides more options for banking customers. Although widespread and continually growing, not every Post Office offers banking services.
To check if your local Post Office participates in banking services, use the online Branch Finder.
Processing times
Cash deposits will typically reflect in your bank account on the same day.
If you’re depositing a cheque, you should anticipate about one to two days of delivery time for your cheque to reach your bank. Then, your bank’s regular cheque processing time will apply.
Post Office locations might have daily cut-off times for same-day processing, usually from 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Check with your local Post Office branch for processing time limits.
Taking advantage of Post Office banking
Overall, Post Office banking in the UK developed as a convenient way for customers to access financial services. By utilising regular banking capabilities at the Post Office, you can complete financial transactions during extended hours and gain access to a broader range of geographic availability.
If you’re ready to try banking at the Post Office, check your bank’s participation and locate your nearest participating postal branch. Head in with your required documents and try a simple transaction, like a cash deposit or withdrawal. Who knows, this could be the start of a faster, more flexible banking experience.
FAQs
Can I deposit cash into any UK bank account at the Post Office?
Typically, yes. Most UK bank accounts can receive deposits from the Post Office. However, the availability of this service can depend on your bank and account type.
What identification do I need to bank at the Post Office?
You’ll need an official photo identification, like a passport or driver’s license, and proof of address. You can use a current bank statement, utility bill, or rental agreement to prove your address.
Are there additional fees for using Post Office banking services?
For personal bank accounts, the answer is usually no. If you’re using a business bank account or an international banking service, there may be additional fees involved when banking at the Post Office.
What are the daily limits for cash withdrawals at Post Office counters?
Daily limits for cash withdrawals are set by your bank, not the Post Office. Typically, there is a limit of between £300 and £500 GBP. However, these limits can vary greatly depending on your bank and account type. Check with your bank to learn more about withdrawal limits.
If I deposit a cheque at the Post Office counter, how long will it take to clear?
Cheques deposited at the Post Office will be processed slightly slower than if deposited directly at your bank. It usually takes about one or two business days for the Post Office to deliver the cheque to your bank, plus the usual cheque clearing cycle.
Can I use Post Office banking for business accounts?
Yes. However, confirm with your bank if any additional fees apply when accessing your business bank account at the Post Office.
Do all Post Office branches offer banking services?
No, not every Post Office offers banking services. However, most of them do, from high-street institutions to online banks. Check the Post Office website and confirm with your bank to see where financial services are offered.