About this collection
Gift cheques were an innovation on the British banking scene when they were launched by Midland Bank (now HSBC UK) in March 1955. The colourful cheques could be purchased in a branch by any member of the public, including children. They were given on special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and Christmas. Dip into this snapshot to see some of the advertising and cheque designs that proved popular with customers. You can also view a television commercial dating back to 1956. This was Midland’s onscreen debut – and a first for British banks.
