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Share certificates

It's free to transfer share certificates into your EQi account; alternatively, one-off trading for share certificates is available through Equiniti's Shareview service

  • Transfer

    It is free to transfer share certificates into your EQi account. 

    • They must be in the same name as the account holder
    • They need to be UK share certificates

    To consolidate your shares into your portfolio, simply fill out a CREST Transfer form for each individual shareholding and send it to us with your share certificate(s).

  • Buy & Sell

    As we are part of the Equiniti group, you can buy and sell share certificates through Equiniti's Shareview service. Shareview offers one-off trading for share certificates without setting up an account.

    • Online share dealing is available for companies where Equiniti is the registrar
    • Telephone trading is available for all other UK share certificates. To place a trade by phone, please call 03456 037 037 between 08:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday (excluding UK public holidays)

The pros and cons of share certificates

Many investors still hold share certificates, a paper certificate that confirms their shareholding in a company.

They detail the shareholder’s name, the company in which the shares are owned, and the number of shares held.

  • Pros

    There is no limit on the number of share certificates you can hold, and as paper certificates do not need to be held in an account, no fees are incurred unless you want to sell.

  • Cons

    The downside is that share certificates can be lost and there are costs as well as admin to face if you want to replace them. Plus, although no date has been set yet, there are plans to phase out paper certificates.

  • EQI EXPLAINS

    Stocks and shares explained

    What are stocks and shares, how are they priced and can you time the market?

  • TOOLS

    Search stocks and shares

    Find stocks and shares listed on the UK and global markets

  • EQI EXPLAINS

    Make more of your shares

    Attend AGMs, receive annual reports and dividend payments from companies

  • Online

    FAQs

    Visit our dedicated FAQ site for investment terms and definitions, as well as guidance on how to use both EQi & Shareview services.

Investment Risk Warnings

The value of investments can fall as well as rise and any income from them is not guaranteed and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

EQi does not provide investment advice. If you are in any doubt as to the risk or suitability of an investment or product you should seek advice from an independent financial adviser.

The extent and value of any ISA tax advantages or benefits will vary according to the individual's circumstances. The levels and bases of taxation may also change.

Information relating to transfers and the sale of part of EQi

Transferring share certificates

It is free to transfer share certificates into your EQi account; alternatively, one-off trading for share certificates is available through Equiniti's Shareview service.

 

Step-by-step guide to buying and selling share certificates

  • Step 1

    Place the trade

    You can buy or sell share certificates online in UK companies where Equiniti maintains their share register. 

    Telephone trading is available for all other UK share certificates. To place a trade please call 03456 037 037 between 08:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday.

  • Step 2

    Send certificate(s) and CREST form

    Once you have placed the trade online or by phone, you will be sent a pre-filled CREST transfer form in the post. Send your share certificate(s) and the signed CREST transfer form to finalise the sale. 

    We recommend sending your certificate(s) via registered post. Send your documents to: Equiniti, PO Box 4976, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, BN99 6DA, United Kingdom

  • Step 3

    Payment

    Once we have received your documents and finalised the trade, the money will be sent to you by your choice of BACS or a cheque.

    If your bank details cannot be validated, then you will be issued a cheque.

    BACS usually takes three working days to show in your account, from the day the payment is released.

How long does it take?

This timeline provides an indication of the earliest possible time that each part of the sale process can be completed.

  • Day 1

    The sale is placed, you have entered into an agreement with Shareview Dealing to sell your shares on the UK stock market.

  • Day 2

    A contract note confirming the sale and pre-filled CREST Transfer form will be sent to you via first class post.

  • Day 2 to 3

    Your contract note and CREST Transfer form should have arrived by post. By signing and returning the form and your share certificates quickly, you’ll be able to receive the money from the sale at the earliest opportunity.

  • Day 3

    The sale of Equiniti registered shares will be settled. If you have already sent your documents, you can now expect the money to be transferred to you. Shares that are not registered with Equiniti will settle on day 11. 

  • Day 8 and 16

    For share sales, if you have not sent in your documents, a reminder letter will be sent to you. By sending in your documents as soon as possible, we can finalise the sale of your shares and make your payment. 

  • Day 23

    Please note that if we do not receive your documents by day 23, we have to buy back the shares. You will still be charged the trading commission, additional charges (duties and levies), as well as paying for any change in the share price.

  • How much does it cost?

  • Why choose Equiniti?