We are very pleased to announce that The Access Bank UK has joined the three key UK payment clearing systems: Bacs (Bankers’ Automated Clearing Services), C&CCC (Cheque and Credit Clearing Company’s Image Clearing System) and Faster Payments.

This completes our transition to become a direct member of the UK payment clearing system which will offer an enhanced level of service to our customers and a sustainable programme for growth of our business.

The Access Bank UK Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, a Nigerian Stock Exchange-listed company, and the UK plays a key role in the group’s vision to be the world’s most respected African bank. Central to this aspiration is the organisation’s focus on service and commitment, to build long-term relationships with its business and consumer customers.

The Access Bank UK’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Simmonds said:

“This is a great landmark for us, enabling us to build a sustainable platform with direct entry into the UK payment clearing system. This will enable us to enhance the level of service our customers receive.

We have a clear commitment to strong customer service and we anticipate and respond quickly to market needs with the right technology, products and services. Joining the UK payment clearing system is a clear example of meeting the needs of our customers”.

NPSO (New Payment System Operator) is the UK’s leading retail payments authority. From Bacs to Faster Payments and cheques.

Bacs

Bacs is the company which runs Direct Debit in the UK. They also run the Bacs Direct Credit Scheme, which is used to pay salaries and settle invoices from suppliers; this is commonly referred to just as Bacs.

The benefits of Bacs range from offering safe and secure payments, helping save money on banking charges to reducing admin time and resources. It also means that payments are processed and delivered in a timely manner and automated bills can be generated.

C&CCC Cheque and Credit Clearing Company’s Image Clearing System

The Image Clearing System was launched in the UK as a phased roll-out on 30th October 2017. As banks and building societies connect their various deposit channels into this new clearing infrastructure, it enables them to exchange images of cheques electronically for clearing and payment, significantly speeding up the clearing process.

This system simplifies payments and speeds up the clearing process. As well as clearing sterling cheques drawn on UK bank accounts and other eligible debit items (bankers’ drafts, postal orders, warrants, government payable orders and travellers’ cheques) the paper clearing system and the Image Clearing System process bill payments (credits) accompanied by cash or cheques.

Faster Payments

Faster Payments Scheme Limited (FPSL) is the company that enables mobile, internet, telephone and standing order payments to move quickly and securely, almost at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day. At its launch in 2008, Faster Payments was the first new payments service to be introduced in the UK for more than 20 years.

It provides 24/7 real-time payment service. The Faster Payments Service is an electronic payment method, which will speed up the way you make and receive electronic payments. In most cases the money will be available within two hours, rather than the three working days it takes currently.

About the New Payment System Operator