CAF bank - now charging for CAF cash account - options?

Valli

I am the treasurer of a school PTA which is a registered charity. At the moment we bank with the Charities Aid Foundation, (CAF) and have a CAF Cash account, which provides us with a chequebook; we can write cheques to third parties (eg visitors in school). Upgrading to the CAF Gold Account is probably not for us as there is no cheque book and payments cannot be made to third parties.

When I was first appointed treasurer we received a small amount of interest on the bank balance. Then the interest was cut.

Today I have received a letter stating that we will now be charged £ per cal. month for banking (not that we ever received £5 pcm interest but there you go). Our balance is typically a few £k.

In order to give best value we need to find free banking so

Is there a high street bank which offers free banking for charities?

I am looking for recommendations and experiences. Ideally we would like a bank account with a chequebook (and paying in facilities)

thank you

Savvy_Sue

It wouldn't surprise me if they were all going this way, but the other two 'obvious' choices are Triodos Bank and Unity Trust. I know Unity have started charging us at work (charity), but they haven't so far told the small walking group for which I'm treasurer that we'll have to pay.

GazHatesBanks

The Co-op account may be of use, not as many branches as some but you can pay in at a Post Office http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/business/community/community-directplus

Valli

GazHatesBanks wrote: »

The Co-op account may be of use, not as many branches as some but you can pay in at a Post Office http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/business/community/community-directplus

Brilliant! I will check this out. Not least because I bank there and there a really conveniently-situated branch in my town!

It won't be my personal decision but we are on 60 days notice but won't be meeting until the new term starts, so I need options available to present to the committee.

Savvy_Sue

BTW, if the Coop turns out not to be any good, or you want to offer a choice, I know Unity Trust offer paying in and encashment facilities via other nominated banks and Post Offices. I'm sure Triodos would do similar, because neither have an extensive branch network - if any at all!