The 2-4-6 changes set a maximum time limit of two, four and six working days for each of the stages after paying in a cheque to a current or basic bank account. The changes cover cheques, bankers' drafts, bankers' cheques and building society cheques paid in to sterling current and basic bank accounts

For savings accounts the maximum time limit for withdrawal is longer (6 days, rather than 4).

Benefits for businesses and consumers

From the end of November 2007, changes known as 2-4-6 came into force. These changes have increased clarity and certainty when paying in cheques to a bank or building society account.

For the first time, after paying in a cheque, you can be sure that at the end of six working days, the money is yours. You are protected from any loss if the cheque subsequently bounces, unlessyou are a knowing party to a fraud. The changes also set maximum times when customers start earning interest on money paid in and when it will be available for withdrawal.

How to find out more

We've produced some information and guides to explain how the 2-4-6 changes will work and the benefits for both businesses and consumers.

To find out more follow the links below:

2-4-6 consumer information leaflet
2-4-6 business information leaflet

APACS and the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company have produced an animated guide to the 2-4-6 changes.