Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS)
What is CHAPS?
The Clearing House Automated Payment System (CHAPS) is the United Kingdom’s premier real-time gross settlement (RTGS) payment system used for high-value and urgent sterling transactions. Operated by CHAPS Clearing Company Limited, it facilitates the immediate and irrevocable transfer of funds between banks and financial institutions.
Key Features of CHAPS
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Real-Time Settlement: Payments are processed individually and settled instantly with finality.
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High-Value Payments: Typically used for large transactions, such as corporate payments, interbank transfers, and property purchases.
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Sterling Only: CHAPS processes payments exclusively in British Pounds (GBP).
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Availability: Operates during UK business hours, Monday to Friday.
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Secure and Reliable: Employs robust security measures and is overseen by the Bank of England.
How CHAPS Works
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A customer initiates a payment instruction through their bank.
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The bank sends the payment instruction to CHAPS.
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CHAPS settles the payment immediately and irrevocably by transferring funds from the sender’s settlement account at the Bank of England to the recipient bank’s account.
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The recipient bank credits the beneficiary’s account, usually on the same day.
Uses of CHAPS
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Corporate Payments: Large-value payments between businesses.
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Property Transactions: Settlement of property purchase payments.
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Interbank Transfers: Settlement between banks in the UK.
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Urgent Payments: Situations requiring immediate clearing and settlement.
CHAPS vs Other Payment Systems
| Feature | CHAPS | BACS | Faster Payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settlement | Real-time, gross settlement | Deferred, batch settlement | Near real-time, batch |
| Value Limits | No upper limit | Low to moderate values | Typically up to £250,000 |
| Speed | Same day, immediate settlement | 3 working days | Within minutes |
| Currency | GBP only | GBP only | GBP only |
Benefits of Using CHAPS
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Immediate payment finality, eliminating settlement risk.
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Ideal for time-critical and high-value payments.
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Widely accepted among UK banks and financial institutions.
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Helps support the integrity and stability of the UK financial system.
Summary
CHAPS is a vital payment system for urgent, high-value sterling transactions in the UK, providing real-time settlement and immediate finality. It plays a crucial role in corporate finance, property settlements, and interbank transfers, ensuring funds are transferred quickly and securely.