What Time Do Banks Update Accounts in the UK?

Waiting for a payment that is taking forever to process?

You’re not alone. Sometimes, there’s no problem to solve and you might just have to wait for the bank to update your account.

But, what time do banks update accounts in the UK? 

Let’s dive in!

When Does My Bank Pay Out?

BACS, which is now known as Bacs Payment Schemes Limited, is the standard bank transfer method in the UK and is responsible for processing payments between banks.

This means that when you make a payment to someone else’s bank account, the money doesn’t leave your account right away. BACS, formerly known as Bankers’ Automated Clearing System, processes the payment and then sends the money to the bank of the recipient, where it is credited to their account.

This process usually takes a few hours, but can sometimes take up to three working days. This is because the clearing house only processes payments during workdays (excluding bank holidays). 

If you need to make a payment that needs to reach the recipient’s account immediately, you can make a “same day” payment. This type of payment costs more than a standard BACS payment.

Types of Direct Payments

There are three ways to get a Direct Payment: a holding account, an “information only” account, or an “own account”.

Holding accounts are opened by Direct Payments teams who manage payments on your behalf. Once the account is opened, you can either choose to have the money paid into your own account, or you can leave it in the holding account and use it for purchases. 

Having an “own account”, on the other hand, means you will receive direct payments into your own personal bank account. You will be responsible for all employment responsibilities, including paying for care and support, keeping records, and making payments to HMRC.

With an “information only account”, you will be given information about how much money is available to you, and you will be responsible for using this money to purchase your care and support needs, but they won’t go directly into your account.

It is important to remember that, regardless of which payment method you choose, you will still be responsible for ensuring that your care and support needs are met.

Employer-to Bank-to Employee Cycle of Payment Transfer

The employer-to bank-to employee cycle of payment transfer in the UK follows this pattern:

1. The employer sends the employee’s salary to their bank.
2. The bank processes the payment and adds the funds into the employee’s account.
3. The employee can then withdraw the money from their account, either by using an ATM or by visiting a branch in person.

If you get paid on Saturday, most banks will release your funds on Friday or Saturday morning.If your payday is on a Sunday, some banks will release your funds on Friday, while others may wait until Saturday.If your payday falls on a Monday, most banks will release your funds by Saturday.

If the salary is sent during a holiday period, the employee may have to wait until the next working day for the money to appear in their account.

What Time Do Banks Update Transactions For The Day?

Here’s when some of the most popular banks in the UK deposit funds into customers’ accounts:

• Lloyds payment times ⇒ 12:00 – 1:00 a.m.
• RBS payment times ⇒ 2:00 – 8:00 a.m.
• Santander payment times ⇒ Same working day.
• Natwest payment times ⇒ 11:59 p.m.
• Barclays BACS payment time ⇒ up to 3 working days.

If you’re paid monthly, then your bank will likely process your salary payment on the last working day of the month. 

However, if you’re paid weekly or fortnightly, your bank will probably process your salary payment on the day after your employer has sent the funds.

When Will My Benefit Payment Be Available?

The payment schedule usually depends on the type of benefit you are receiving.
Most benefits in the UK are paid into bank accounts on a weekly or monthly basis. Still, there are some benefits that may be paid fortnightly or every four weeks. 

For example, disability allowance and child benefits are usually paid every four weeks, while pension payments are typically made monthly.

The exact date of when you could access the benefits depends on your bank’s policies. The majority of benefits are paid into accounts on Mondays or Tuesdays.

Bottom Line

Banks in the UK update account information at different times of the day. This can cause confusion for customers who are expecting their balance to be updated immediately after a purchase or other transaction. Most banks do that in the morning, but there are some that update accounts after midnight.

If you’re unsure how your bank operates, you can always check its website or contact its customer service team.