We use cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience. By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. You can find out more and set your own preferences.

Common questions

Help and advice about banking with Isle of Man Bank

Payments

Getting started

How it works

Switching to us

Payments

What’s a Direct Debit?

A Direct Debit is a way of paying an organisation at regular intervals without you having to do anything – other than make sure the money is in your account.

You can pay the same amount or different amounts each time. Direct Debits are a convenient way to pay things like gas, electricity and telephone bills.

Back to top

How do I set up a Direct Debit?

You set up a Direct Debit with the organisation you want to pay. They’ll give you a form which you need to complete and return. They send the form on to us and we do the rest.

Back to top

What’s a standing order?

A standing order is a way of paying someone at regular intervals without you having to do anything – other than make sure the money is in your account.

Standing orders are always for a fixed amount. If the amount changes each time, you’ll need to set up a Direct Debit instead.

Back to top

How do I set up a standing order?

You can set up a standing order either of two ways:

  • by completing the standing order form, which you get from whoever you want to pay.
  • by telling us directly - online or by telephone banking

Back to top

What does cleared daily balance mean?

Your cleared daily balance is the amount in your account, not including anything you've paid in or any cheques you've written that haven't yet been 'cleared'.

Back to top

What do cleared and uncleared mean?

When you write someone a cheque, you are promising to pay them an agreed amount. When they pay the cheque in, the amount is 'uncleared' because the money is still in your account. The cheque then goes through the banking system and arrives at your branch. As long as you have enough money in your account, the cheque is then 'cleared'.

Back to top

What’s an unpaid cheque?

When someone writes you a cheque, they are promising to pay you an agreed amount. After you pay the cheque in, the cheque goes through the banking system and arrives at the branch where the person has their account. If they don't have enough money in their account, the cheque cannot be 'cleared' so it comes back to your branch 'unpaid'.

Back to top

Getting Started

How do I apply for an Isle of Man Bank current account?

You can choose your account and see our apply details online

Back to top

Which current account is best for me?

We offer a whole range of current accounts to meet different needs and lifestyles - basic no-frills accounts, accounts with an overdraft, extra benefits accounts, accounts for young people and accounts for children.

Find out more about our range of current accounts

Back to top

I’ve applied for a current account. What happens next?

If we accept your application, you’ll receive an application pack in the post. Simply check the information is correct, then sign and return the application form. You’ll also need to send us any documents we may have asked for, using the pre-paid envelope.

Back to top

I’ve signed and returned my current account application form. What happens now?

As soon as we receive your signed application and any documents we may have asked for, we’ll complete our final checks and send you confirmation of your new account details. Shortly afterwards we’ll send you your card and PIN, then your account welcome pack.

Back to top

I need to change some details on my current account application form. How should I do this?

Simply cross out what’s wrong and write in the correct details. Add your initials to any changes and return the application in the pre-paid envelope. As we’ll need to re-process your application, we may need to carry out a new credit reference search.

Back to top

I’d like to change the type of current account I applied for. How do I do this?

Unfortunately you’ll need to start again with a fresh application, as different terms and conditions may apply. As we’ll need to re-process your application, we may need to carry out a new credit reference search.

Back to top

What ID do I need to show before I can open a current account?

We usually ask to see something that proves who you are and confirms where you live. We’ll let you know exactly what documents you need when we write to you. They must be originals, not photocopies, and if you’re applying for a joint account, we’ll need documents for both of you.

See the full list of documents for proof of identity and confirmation of address

Back to top

I already have an Isle of Man Bank account. Why do I need to show ID again?

We have to do this by law when you apply to open a new account. It also helps protect you and us against fraud.

Back to top

How it works

What do I need to do to get a new chequebook?

Nothing – we’ll send you one automatically as you come to the end of your current chequebook. If it hasn’t arrived before your old book runs out, drop into your local branch or call our telephone banking service on 01624 637190.

Back to top

How long does it take for a cheque to clear?

Sometimes it’s difficult to understand when you can withdraw money after a cheque has been paid into your account. Please view our clearing guide to help you calculate when your money begins to earn interest, when money can be withdrawn from the account and when you can be sure that the cheque has cleared.

These timings are for sterling cheques. For foreign currency cheques, ask at your branch.

For more information, see What do cleared and uncleared mean?

See also Is there any way to find out early if a cheque has cleared?

Back to top

How soon after paying a cheque into my account can I use the money?

If you pay a cheque into your account on a Monday, you can expect to earn interest (if the account pays interest on credit balances) two working days later on Wednesday (Transaction day +2). This is also the point at which this money will reduce the amount of your overdraft interest charged (if applicable). Funds can be withdrawn by day five, Friday (Transaction day +4). By the end of day seven, the second Tuesday (Transaction day +6) the money cannot be reclaimed after this time (i.e. as a result of a cheque being returned unpaid). Any unpaid cheques returned too late, i.e. after Transaction day +6, will not be debited to your account.

Please view our clearing guide for more information.

See also How long does it take for a cheque to clear?

Back to top

Is there any way to find out early if a cheque has cleared?

Yes. We can do this as a special service – for a small charge. Ask at your branch.

This can be useful if you’re selling something and need to know the money is there before you let the goods go.

Back to top

When can I make use of cash I pay into my account?

As long as you pay it into an Isle of Man Bank branch before 3.30pm on a weekday, you can usually use it the same day.

Back to top

Which cash machines can I use without paying a fee?

You won’t pay a fee for drawing cash from your current account at any of our cash machines. Nor, usually, from any other UK bank’s cash machine. If there is a charge, you’ll be told this on the screen before you take out your money, so you won’t have to go ahead if you don’t want to.

Back to top

How can I draw cash from my current account other than using a cash machine?

Many supermarkets and other retail outlets let you take ‘cashback’ at their check-outs or sales desks – usually there’s no fee. Then there’s the good old-fashioned way – call into your Isle of Man Bank branch and show your debit card or write a cheque. If you call us 24 hours in advance we can authorise a cash withdrawal in a NatWest onshore branch.

Back to top

How can I pay money into my current account?

You can pay cheques or cash in over the counter at any of our branches.

Of course, if you’re registered for Internet Banking, you can also transfer money between accounts online.

Back to top

Can I pay into my current account at another bank?

Yes – you can pay cheques and cash into your Isle of Man Bank account at any other bank, but some may charge you, so always ask first.

Back to top

When do I receive interest on my current account?

As long as you’re not overdrawn, we add interest to your account every month.

Back to top

How do you work out the interest on my current account?

You earn interest on what we call your ‘cleared daily balance’. This is the amount in your account at the end of each day.

Back to top

How do I change the PIN for my card?

You can change your PIN at any Isle of Man Bank or NatWest cash machine. Simply insert your card and follow the on-screen instructions.

Back to top

What happens if I enter the wrong PIN for my card when I’m buying something?

If you enter the wrong PIN three times in a row, the retailer’s machine will lock your PIN and you won’t be able to use your card. This is a safety feature and will happen even if you enter the number incorrectly in three different places.

If you remember your PIN later, you can unlock your pin at any Isle of Man Bank or NatWest cash machine. Select ‘Account Services’ then ‘Unlock PIN’. If the unlocking is successful, a message will appear on screen. If not, contact your branch.

Not sure of your PIN? Don’t guess – call us in 01624 637190.

Back to top

I’ve forgotten the PIN for my card. What should I do?

Either go along to any Isle of Man Bank branch or call us 01624 637190.

Back to top

I’ve lost my card or had it stolen. What should I do?

Call us right away on 01534 620050. We’ll cancel your card and send you a replacement.

Back to top

How can I check the balance of my current account?

You can check your balance at a cash machine or at any Isle of Man Bank branch.

You can check online if you’re registered for Internet Banking

Or you can check by phone if you’re registered for telephone banking

Back to top

How can I keep track of my current account in between statements?

You can check your balance, see recent transactions or order a statement at a cash machine. But if you want to check other things, such as when payments are due, the best way is to register for Internet Banking or telephone banking

And of course, you can always call in at any Isle of Man Bank branch.

Back to top

Switching to us

How do I move my bank account to Isle of Man Bank?

It’s easier than you might think. We have a dedicated team on hand to help. We’ll take care of setting up any regular payments on your new account and cancelling them on your old one. We’ll even give you letters to pass on to your bank letting them know about the switch and to your employer telling them your new bank details.

Back to top

I have standing orders with my old bank. Will I have to set them up again when I switch?

No - you can leave that to us. We’ll tell your old bank to cancel any standing orders or Direct Debits you have, then we’ll set them up again on your Isle of Man Bank account.

Back to top

Do I have I tell my old bank that I’m switching to you or will you tell them?

We like to make things as easy as possible, so we’ll give you a letter to pass on to your bank telling them you’re Switching to Isle of Man Bank and asking them to cancel all payments, close your account and transfer the balance to us.

Back to top

How long does it take to switch my bank account to Isle of Man Bank?

Between two and four weeks. Read More on what happens when you switch to Isle of Man Bank

Back to top

Will I need ID to switch my bank account to Isle of Man Bank?

Yes - we usually ask to see something that proves who you are and confirms where you live. We’ll let you know exactly what documents you need when we write to you. They must be originals, not photocopies, and if you’re applying for a joint account, we’ll need documents for both of you.

See the full list of documents for proof of identity and confirmation of address

Back to top

Can I check my Direct Debits and standing orders before you set them up on my new current account?

Yes - but this may increase the changeover time by up to three weeks. Here’s how it works: We’ll send you a list of the payments set up on your old account for you to check. You’ll need to tell us within 10 days which you want to keep and when you want them paid. If we don’t hear from you within the 10 days, we’ll set up all your payments exactly as they are on your old account and advise your old bank to cancel them.

Back to top

If I switch my current account to the Isle of Man Bank, can I have the same overdraft as I have now?

We're happy to look at matching your existing overdraft, as long as you pay your main source of income into your new Isle of Man Bank account. Even better, any agreed overdraft is interest-free for six months.

Back to top