While digital transfers dominate everyday UK banking, paper cheques remain necessary for formal payments, postal applications, and paying certain tradespeople. If you hold a Bank of Ireland current account that includes a cheque facility, you can order a new or replacement cheque book through your digital banking profile, over the phone, or in a branch.
When you submit a request, the bank prints and dispatches the cheque book to the residential address registered on your account profile. Verifying your personal details beforehand prevents postal delays and protects your account against identity fraud.
Key Information on Ordering a Cheque Book
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Methods | 365 Online Banking, Mobile Banking App, Telephone Banking, or Branch visit |
| Processing Time | Standard postal delivery generally takes 5 to 7 business days |
| Eligibility | Active Bank of Ireland UK current account holders with cheque facilities enabled |
| Key Requirements | Up-to-date registered postal address and valid 365 Online security credentials |
Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering Online
Requesting a replacement cheque book through 365 Online follows a straightforward administrative sequence:
- Log in to 365 Online: Enter your user ID and complete your two-factor security authentication to access your main account dashboard.
- Select Your Current Account: Choose the specific current account linked to your cheque facility from your list of active accounts.
- Open Account Services: Navigate to the service requests or account management menu where stationery and administrative orders are located.
- Select Order Cheque Book: Locate the option to request a replacement cheque book. Some accounts may ask you to confirm whether you require a standard or large format book.
- Verify Your Postal Address: Review the delivery address displayed on the screen. Banks will only mail cheque books to your registered residential address for security reasons.
- Submit and Confirm: Authorise the request. Take note of the on-screen reference message or confirmation notification for your records.
Troubleshooting Common Ordering Issues
Technical hurdles or security barriers can occasionally interrupt a stationery request. Here is how to resolve three frequent problems:
1. MFA or One-Time Passcode Delays
Cause: Security codes sent via SMS or push notifications may fail to arrive due to weak mobile signal, network congestion, or outdated contact details.
Simple Fix: Ensure your device has an active cellular connection and check that notifications from your banking app are not silenced or sorted into a spam folder. Wait 60 seconds before requesting a fresh passcode.
Fallback Action: If the verification code does not arrive, call Bank of Ireland UK telephone banking to complete your cheque book request with a customer service agent.
2. Browser Session or App Freezes
Cause: Stored browser cache data, ad-blocking extensions, or using an older mobile banking app build can cause the order confirmation page to hang.
Simple Fix: Clear your browser cookies and temporary site data, or update the Bank of Ireland mobile app through your device's official app store before attempting the order again.
Fallback Action: Switch to a different digital channel—such as moving from a mobile device to a desktop computer—or contact customer support for manual processing.
3. Locked Account or Digital Access Restrictions
Cause: Entering an incorrect password multiple times or triggering an automated security flag can temporarily restrict access to self-service features.
Simple Fix: Use the "Forgot User ID" or "Reset Password" link on the login portal to verify your identity and restore standard account access.
Fallback Action: Visit a local branch with valid photo identification or call the official support line to unlock your profile and order your cheque book by phone.
Pro-Tip: Check your registered postal address in your account profile before submitting a cheque book order. Because banks mail financial stationery exclusively to your verified home address, requesting a cheque book after moving without updating your details first will result in delivery to your old address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn't my replacement cheque book arrived yet?
Imagine you ordered a replacement cheque book ahead of a scheduled payment, but eight business days have passed without a delivery. Standard postal fulfillment involves printing the numbered cheques, binding the book, and dispatching it via standard Royal Mail service, which generally takes between five and seven working days. However, public holidays, industrial postal action, or severe weather can extend this timeframe. If ten business days have elapsed, call Bank of Ireland customer support so an agent can check whether the book was dispatched or if the shipment was returned to sender.
Can I order a cheque book for every Bank of Ireland account type?
Suppose you recently opened a secondary account for everyday spending and want to order a cheque book for it. Cheque facilities are attached to standard retail current accounts, whereas basic bank accounts, online-only savings accounts, and certain digital accounts do not support paper cheques. A limitation of these streamlined accounts is that the "Order Cheque Book" option will not appear within your online services menu. To check your eligibility, review your account terms in the 365 Online app or speak with a branch advisor about upgrading to a current account that includes cheque facilities.
What should I do if my cheque book was posted to my previous address?
If you recently moved home and ordered a cheque book before updating your banking profile, the parcel will be sent to your old address. This creates a security risk because physical cheques containing your sort code and account number could be intercepted. UK banking security protocols prevent customer service agents from rerouting a cheque book once it is in the postal system. Your practical next step is to call Bank of Ireland immediately to cancel the serial numbers of the dispatched cheque book, update your registered address with valid proof of residency, and order a fresh book.
