What can I do with a (UK) cheque if I don't have a UK bank account?

[ShonkyCat]

A relative currently has a couple of cheques that are made out to me and would like to "pay them in for me". The problem is, I live abroad and no longer have a UK bank account. I have checked with my bank here and they won't take them.

When I am finally able to get back to the UK will I be able to do anything with these cheques??! I think the total sum is under a tenner so there is no point doing anything with them that would incur a handling fee.

Obviously, I am not in desperate need of this money but would rather not just "throw it away" without checking if there is anything I can do.

Grateful for any ideas!

Ask the person who issued the cheque for an alternative payment method?

For less than a tenner I wouldn't bother

If you’ll be back within six months and open an account, you could pay them in then... technically the cheques are valid for six years but banks are supposed to get them to be reissued when they are over six months old.

There used to be cheque cashing companies but I’ve never used them and I believe they take a percentage so it probably wouldn’t be worth it for a tenner...

It's from an old investment so not sure the company can/will reissue.

I think I will just contact them and make sure they don't keep sending cheques!

You are right, for less than a tenner it isn't really worth it. I just wondered if there was a straightforward way that I didn't know about.

I will be back visiting but not permanently for the foreseeable future so don't suppose any bank would want me! If they are even allowed to open accounts for non-residents?

I actually now wish I had kept open my Post Office account with £17.42 in it!

For under a tenner, I'd honestly just email the company and tell them you're unable to cash the cheques so can they cancel them and donate the money to charity.