Payments:Unpacked @ Mike Chambers

Baked Beans, Spaghetti Hoops & Macaroni Cheese


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Baked Beans, Spaghetti Hoops & Macaroni Cheese

A Light Hearted Tinned Food Tour of UK Payment Systems


📌 Episode Summary:

In this fun and food-themed episode of Payments:Unpacked, host Mike Chambers serves up a light-hearted comparison of the UK’s most common payment schemes — Faster Payments, Bacs, and the cheque clearing system — using a trio of classic tinned foods. 

From the future-ready baked beans of Faster Payments to the reliable-but-slow Spaghetti Hoops of Bacs, and the dusty shelf-sitter Macaroni Cheese that is the cheque, we explore how Britain’s financial infrastructure works — and which tins you want in your cupboard.

Whether you're a finance nerd or just here for the beans, this episode will leave you with a smile and a better understanding of how money moves in the UK.


⏱️ Episode Timestamps:

  • 00:00 – Intro
    Why we're comparing financial infrastructure to tinned food (and why it totally works).

  • 01:14 – Faster Payments = Baked Beans
    Speedy, reliable, and always ready when you are.

  • 02:41 – Bacs = Spaghetti Hoops
    Slightly dated, slightly slow, but still gets the job done.

  • 03:40 – Cheques = Tinned Macaroni Cheese
    Technically still edible, but best left untouched unless desperate.

  • 04:39 – Which Tin (Payment System) Is Right for You?
    A quick guide on when to use each option.

  • 05:37 – Final Thoughts + Outro
    Beans are the future. Cheques, not so much.


  • 🧠 Key Takeaways:

    • Faster Payments is fast, available 24/7, and ideal for real-time transfers.

    • Bacs is reliable for scheduled payments like salaries and direct debits, but takes 3 days.

    • Cheque clearing is outdated, slow, and fading from everyday use.

    • Each system has its place — but only one feels like it belongs in the 21st century


      🛒 Final Thoughts: What’s In Your Financial Cupboard?

      The next time you reach for a tin — or make a bank transfer — ask yourself:
      Am I moving money like it’s 2025… or 1975?

      Because the baked beans of banking are hot, fast, and ready. Just like your money should be.


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    Payments:Unpacked @ Mike ChambersBy Mike Chambers and guests