How Existing CATMHS Members Renew Membership and Pay

Updated

Existing members renew by paying their subscription through the CATMHS website's payments page — there is no separate renewal form to complete. CATMHS accepts four payment methods: direct bank transfer, cheque, cash, and PayPal. For anything over £50, the society asks members not to use PayPal and to pay by direct bank transfer instead, because PayPal charges the society a fee.

How renewal works

Renewal is handled as a subscription payment rather than an application. The site states: "You can renew your membership simply by paying your subscriptions here," linking to its Payments to CATMHS page. So the practical steps are:

  1. Go to the CATMHS website and open the payments page linked from the "Existing members" section of the home page.
  2. Choose a payment method (see the comparison below).
  3. Pay your subscription amount.
  4. If paying by bank transfer, use the account details below and include a reference so the society can match the payment to you.

New members join separately, through the online membership application — renewal and joining are different routes on the site.

Payment methods compared

Method Cost to CATMHS When to use it
Direct bank transfer Free Preferred option, and specifically requested for payments over £50
Cheque Free Acceptable alternative
Cash Free Acceptable alternative
PayPal Fee charged to the society Convenient for smaller amounts; avoid for payments over £50

The fee figures given on the site are:

  • £10 paid via PayPal incurs a cost of 3.4%
  • £60 paid via PayPal incurs a cost of 1.75%
  • £6000 paid via PayPal incurs a cost of 1.4%

The pattern is clear: the fee is proportionally heaviest on small sums and falls as the amount rises, but it is never zero. That is why the society's guidance is conditional on amount rather than a blanket rule — PayPal is fine for small subscription payments, but for more than £50 the society asks you to use direct transfer instead.

Bank transfer details

If you pay by direct bank transfer, the account is:

  • Account name: The Cumbria Amenity Trust
  • Sort code: 60-07-10
  • Account number: 50607790

The site does not state a payment reference format, so include something that identifies you (for example your name as held on your membership) when making the transfer.

Common points to watch

  • Don't use PayPal above £50. This is the one explicit instruction on the page, and it exists to stop the society losing part of your payment to fees.
  • Renewal is not the same as joining. If you are not yet a member, use the online membership application instead of the subscription payment route.
  • Payments go to "The Cumbria Amenity Trust", not "CATMHS". Use the account name exactly as listed, or the transfer may not be recognised.
  • The site does not publish subscription rates on the home page. Check the payments or membership page for the current amount before you pay.