Frequently Asked Questions
What is a payable order?
A payable order performs the same function as a cheque. Sample payable order formats and order forms can be obtained from your Account Adviser.
How is the serial number on the payable order allocated?
The serial number is allocated by OPG and is a self-checking number. The last digit in the serial number is a check digit and has a mathematical relationship to the preceding digits. It enables the OPG computer to check it has correctly read the numbers from the payable order and provides an automatic check on the accuracy of numbers quoted by customers making enquiries.
What is a schedule?
When issuing a payable order an authorisation schedule should be completed and sent to OPG. This enables OPG to electronically match all items presented for payment, thereby helping to detect and prevent fraud. Schedule information can be sent to OPG electronically using Masterline Payments
or Masterline Bulk Schedules.
If I spoil a payable order, can I omit it from the schedule?
Where data is supplied to OPG on paper schedules there must be an entry in the amount column for every serial number used on a schedule. If, for any reason, a payable order is not issued "NIL" must be shown opposite its serial number in the amount column. However, electronic schedule data sent to OPG using Masterline Payments
or Masterline Bulk Schedules may contain gaps.
Can you tell me more about your electronic banking service, Masterline?
Masterline is a PC based desktop banking service. The Masterline Reports module provides account balance and transaction information, together with forecast details.
Masterline Payments allows you to send payable order schedule data to OPG, make RFT payments, CHAPS payments to pre-designated accounts and monthly PAYE/NI payments to Inland Revenue.
Click here for more information.
Can I make Standing Order payments?
Yes. The OPG Standing Order service is for regular (ongoing) payments to recipients outside the OPG and Bank of England system - typically to commercial bank accounts.
Click here for more information.
How do I make payments to other NHS accounts?
You can make payments to other OPG customers by internal transfer using Masterline Payments or form
RFT1A which can be downloaded here.
How do I open a new account?
An application form
BS243
can be downloaded here or obtained from your OPG Account Adviser. Depending on the services you require you should allow 4-6 weeks for the account to be fully operational (eg ordering payable order stationery and setting up local facilities).
Can I open a separate account for our charitable funds?
Yes. NHS customers may hold Charitable Funds, Endowment Funds and Patients Monies in separate OPG accounts, at a reduced standing charge. An application form
BS243
can be downloaded here or obtained from your OPG Account Adviser.
Is it possible to make direct debit payments from my OPG account?
OPG have now received agreement of the Treasury to the Direct Debit scheme under which you can pay your suppliers easily. A set of simple safeguards have been added to those already present in the BACS Direct Debit scheme.
Click here for more information.
How do I move my BACS sponsorship to OPG?
OPG can transfer existing BACS User Numbers sponsored by other banks to the Bank of England provided they are already registered as "Grade 3" users.
Click here for more information.
Can I request foreign currency through OPG?
Any payments required in foreign currency are currently made by the Bank of England on behalf of OPG customers. Forms GS9 [Draft] or GS9 [Swift] can be obtained from your Account Adviser and once completed and signed by two members of your GS4 panel can be sent to OPG for onward transmission to the Bank of England.
Can I make euro payments from my OPG account?
A euro denominated payments and receipts service is available through OPG. The system is simple, offers a same day service and gives clear visibility of euro transactions without the need to operate your own euro denominated account (unless you specifically wish to).
Click here for more information.
Does OPG provide local banking facilities?
OPG provide local banking facilities through NatWest (now part of the RBS Group) branches and centres. Set up could take from 4 weeks upwards depending on complexity.
Please click here for more information or
contact your Account Adviser.
Does OPG provide investment facilities?
NHS Trusts, Trading Funds and certain NDPB’s can earn interest on all daily balances held in their existing accounts at OPG. It is possible to earn higher rates of interest via the NLF Temporary Deposit Facility operated by HM Treasury. The facility offers money market rates for sums of £1Million or more (in round £000s) for agreed periods of between 7 days and six months.
Click here for more information.
For more detailed information on OPG services please refer to the Banking Services User Guide held electronically in Masterline Reports.
