See our question on cheque clearance cycles.

With our Instant Access feature, you don't have to wait for the normal cheque clearing cycle to complete before you can use your money. You can start drawing against a cheque from the day it's paid in to your account (if before 3.30pm), so long as you are sure it won't bounce (subject to status and limit). There's no charge for this service.

To use this facility, you need to pay the cheque into a Barclays branch. Cash can be withdrawn instantly or spent against the uncleared cheque at any time until the cheque clears. You should only do this if you are confident the cheque won't bounce. If it does and you go overdrawn, for example, you get charged any normal account charges.

The amount you can withdraw or spend is dependent on your account and status at the time. The standard limit is for the total uncleared position - not for each cheque. These limits are as follows:

Personal current accounts: £1,000

Student and graduate current accounts: £200

Premier current accounts: £2,500

The following do not have this facility: Children's Savings, Barclayplus, Young Person's Account and Barclays Cash Card Account.

The Instant Access Feature is only for customers aged 18 and over.