Your paying-in book CAN still be stamped

Ms S.M. writes: I asked the cashier at NatWest in Bury St Edmunds why my paying-in book had not been stamped when I deposited cheques. I was informed that it is the bank’s policy not to do this any more, but I could have a receipt. Surely the paying-in book is proof that you have deposited cheques? What happens if a cheque is lost?

IF A cheque is lost, you have to go to the trouble of getting a replacement, which means the person who gave you the cheque has to ask their bank to put a stop on the original cheque before they give you a new one. But this saves the NatWest cashier the trouble of stamping your paying-in book, so that is all right.

Or it would be if this was in fact NatWest’s policy. But it is not. The bank assures me there has been no policy change – and paying-in books are still stamped. Your branch manager has now reminded staff that anyone who wants to make a deposit and have their book stamped as proof should have their request met.