6 dumb mistakes which you make while writing Cheque’s – Dont do it !

POSTED BY Jagoinvestor ON October 7, 2013 COMMENTS (92)

One of the most common ways to pay money to someone is through cheque’s. Cheque’s give you the flexibility to make payments to someone at some later date (post dated cheque) by writing it now at this moment. Writing a cheque seems to be such a simple task, but do you know that there are many weak links in writing cheques which can create a big problem for you.

If you are not careful while writing a cheque, it can be misused by someone else and potential of monitory loss to you along with unwanted headache. Today’s generation is very causal when it comes to writing  the cheques. In this article, I will cover 6 must know points which you should always practice writing the cheque’s . You can see these 6 points as a step by step recipe to write cheques. Lets see them one by one

1. Do not leave spaces between words or numbers

Its a no-brainier. When you write numbers and words in the cheque, be it Name or amount, never leave a space or gaps between them, because that gives a chance to add some alphabet or number and change the whole cheque.

Imagine you issue a cheque to “ANKIT SHARMA” , but put sufficient space between “ANKIT” and “SHARMA” and it looks like “ANKIT    SHARMA” . One can add an additional “A” after “ANKIT” and the name can become “ANKITA SHARMA” . However if you just leave exact one small space between “ANKIT” and “SHARMA” , its going to be tough to add another alphabet in between.

Dont leave space or gap while writing cheque

2. Make sure you cross the cheque saying “A/C Payee” 

If you are going to pay to some person and want to force that the payment should go to the same person bank account, in that case, you should be putting a double cross line on the left-top corner of cheque and write “A/C Payee” or “Account Payee“, which ensures that the money will get credited only to a bank account and not be handed over to someone as CASH over the counter.

Add AC/Payee on top left corner while writing cheque

A lot of people forget to do this, and if the cheque is misplaced or lost, someone can pose himself as the target person and take the money from bank, I hope you know how easy it is to steal someone’s identity and misuse the documents.

3. Add a line after the name and amount till the end 

I recently learned this point, where you add a running line like —————————- after the name and the amount in the cheque, which ensures that one cant add anything after the name and amount and misuse it .

add running line after name amount in cheque

4. Cancel the word “Bearer”

If you look at your cheque closely, in the “Pay” section, there is space for the name and then on the right corner it ends with “Or Bearer” , which means that either the person whose name is written in the cheque or anyone else who is bearing the cheque can encash it , provided the “A/C Payee” is added to cheque as mentioned in 2nd point above. So you should always cancel the word “Bearer” from the cheque, unless you really want it. This ensures additional safety of the cheque.

5. Add a sign of “/-” after the amount”

Now this might sound so small, but this has lots of wisdom inside this simple trick . There is huge difference between Rs 37,000 and Rs 37,000/- . In first option of Rs 37,000 , you can add more numbers at the end and can make it Rs 37,00000 if there is enough space ahead of it, but in case of Rs 37,000/- , You cant do anything . Below is a simple example of how it can be misused.

Corrent way of writing amounts on cheque

6. Keep the details of Cheque’s issued, even if it sounds boring !

And finally, when you give a cheque to someone, write down the cheque number, account name, amount and the date when it was issued or dated, because you might need this information incase you want to cancel the cheque. A lot of times, it happens that you need to cancel the payment, but do not remember the details. Having recorded this information would be handy at times and will help you to act faster.

ICICI Bank also has a small tutorial on correct way of writing cheque’s, which I have added below, just have a look at it and you should understand most of the things.

Some more tips (From Readers Inputs in Comments section)

  • Rishi Bhatia says – “Generally, while giving a cheque, i also make a point to use a cello tape on the name and amount, so that no one can change these”
  • Jitendra says – “In the present era of mobile phones, when most of us have camera enabled cell phone, it is better idea to get a snapshot of Cheque before handing over. This way all your details will be maintained.”

Use these 6 things everytime you issue a cheque

Next time you write a cheque, just make sure you have done all these 6 things, and the chances of misuse of your cheque will be close to ZERO because each and every step add a security layer. Let me know if you have any tips on writing cheque  in correct manner or any real life experience on this issue.

 

92 replies on this article “6 dumb mistakes which you make while writing Cheque’s – Dont do it !”

  1. Rohit kumar says:

    I m Rohit, m I issue sbi a payee cheque,
    (1)on the front side of cheque
    crossed a/c payee, valid date, valid signature, valid amount written in figure a
    nd words,
    (2)on the back side of cheque
    written account number, my mobile number, valid signature, name, from my sbi account to my ib account

    Even then how my cheque got boounce
    fyi amount under 50000
    so not needed pan number

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      The balance may not be there in the target account!

  2. Pravin Harale says:

    for larger amount of cheque it is good practice to mention payee account no after the name at front sode just after pay section .

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Thanks for sharing that Pravin

  3. Sir, i have a small doubt. My brother want to give me a check of 20000 and that check has crossed line. So he has to write my A. C number, name and mobile no to the back side of check or he has to write his detail to the back side of the check?

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      Front side ..

      He can mention his details in backside, but its optional!

  4. Shahidur Rahman says:

    Can I write 1000 rupi as 1000/00?

    1. Jagoinvestor says:

      I don’t think you should do that.. cheque will get bounced !

  5. srikantha says:

    i write a self cheque and i crorred it it will clear or hav to sign where i crossed

  6. saravana says:

    hello sir,i did a mistake and worrying for tat for a month,i had a cheque for about 3 years written as in rs 70,0_____.. . two months back i used it for ECS purpose for advertising ,representative ask me for a cancelled cheque and i gave tat cheque by simply scribling in middle like 2 to 3 lines continuously (dont know how to cancel a cheque at tat time) after tat he ask me to sign for sample and i did and gave to him. until now no problem came up…later i browse through net an came to know about canceling cheque…. and i saw that cheque was UNUSED until last week through NET BANKING .i stopped the cheque through on line is that ok or any thing to worry….reply me sir…

    1. What is your question ?

  7. Neeraj says:

    If i issue a chueqe to any firm then “M/S” is mandatory before the firm’s name or not.

    1. No , its not mandatory

  8. Lakhan says:

    One small silly mistake…i got one cheque from another person but
    A/C Payee was written by that person in his handwriting
    and i wrote accout number using my handwriting
    will the cheque be cleared or it will get bounced?

    1. It will get cleared . Nothing to worry !

  9. salman says:

    hi sir i gave a cheque to front party put a wrong date in that cheque

    1. So whats your query ?

  10. Rishav says:

    Can I write my name & phone number on the back of the cheque? Will the banker dishonor my cheque if I do so?

  11. robinson says:

    7,736/- but i wrote ‘seven thousand seven hundrend thirty six’ will the cheque be dishonored?

    1. I think you wrote the right thing only . .Why will it get dishounered !

      Manish

      1. robinson says:

        i wrote ‘hundrend’ instead of hundred

        1. Bubay mullick says:

          Not that wouldn’t Cause any problem as far but still if you really want to make sure ” just circle that unnecessary or excess letter you written mistakenly nd Signature near to it . That’s it .

  12. Heerak says:

    Sir, i want to write a cheque amounting Rs 1,000/- then can i write the amount in words as “one zero zero zero only”. Please reply.

    1. I am not sure on that . If you can do it ! ..

    2. Nishant Sharma says:

      No,that would have your cheque dishonoured.
      It is an amount in money and not a UPSC Roll No.,isn’t it?

    3. alva says:

      Bank will dishonour the cheque written as one Zero zero Zero for Rs 1000/-

      1. Yes, you need to write one thousand !

  13. prakash2012@ymail.com says:

    The article is very good, thank you very much!

  14. Aashish Pathak says:

    I always put up an extra signature on the back side of the cheque drawn. Is it ok to pust such a signature on backside of the cheque ?

    This article is indeed very good and informative.

    Thanks.

    1. Yea its perfectly fine and a good practice !

  15. vikash says:

    Dear manish awesome post…one more thing I want to clarify. …like if I have crossed the cheque and written “AC Payee” on the corner and leave the “or bearer” side on the other side…will there be any issue like can the bearer also deposit the money in his account

    1. There wont be any issue if you have put “ac payee”

  16. Satish says:

    I always write my cell no below my signatures but above the white strip. In case you lose the cheque, some samaritan can contact you and also the bank can contact you on your present number in case there is any problem in passing the cheque,say difference in signatures or any other mistake.

    1. Nice tip I would say ~

  17. Rajesh Skin says:

    This was an amazing tips for all the new check users , i was also one of the victim who lost 5o thousand when i have written as 5 thousand but finally i got my money back after lot of follow up and lot of time was . so pleas follow it .

    1. What happened in your case ? Any details ?

  18. p.b. lakshman says:

    very useful information

  19. p.b. lakshman says:

    Good Information. As an accountant I have caught one of my staff misusing a cheque by inserting additional alphabet because of more space
    in between the name …………lakshman

    1. Thanks for sharing this ! . Its like a real life confirmation on this topic

  20. Sanjay says:

    Very informative. Thanks

  21. Puru says:

    Very good information. I was not following some of these like canceling the bearer. Will keep in mind now

    1. Welcome . Spread the knowledge !

  22. Ravi says:

    I also always write the amount as one word “Tenthousandandfivehundredonly “

    1. Thanks for sharing that !

  23. Aniket says:

    Valid points, but it is surprising how many of us do not follow these. I guess writing cheques are taken for granted and often ignored. Also to record the cheque details, the cheque book often has the counterfoil or slips at the end of the cheque books, filling that will be sufficient record of the cheques.

    Slightly off topic, the other practice is to sign twice, it only makes sure that the cheque is not dishonored due to mistake in signature… have seen it often on cheques.

    1. Thats a good point , I never heard someone telling me to sign 2 times ! 🙂

  24. ASHOK says:

    One more Eye opening doc..

  25. Mahesh A says:

    Dear Manish,

    Here is one more foolproof way of writing a cheque & ensuring that it goes to the right a/c & person. Write the name of the Bank, complete A/c no & name on the Pay line: for e.g. PAY Bank of Baroda SB A/c 000123456789123 Manish Chauhan. Most of the time, this is sufficient.

    More Tips:
    1. You can also cross the cheque A/c Payee & Not Negotiable.
    2. If the cheque is for large amounts, you can also write “Not over Rs.______.”
    E.g. if the cheque amount is, say, 100,000/- , you may write “Not over Rs.100,000/-” This is generally done in commercial transactions. But there is no reason why individuals cannot do the same.
    3. Use a reverse carbon. That is, beneath the cheque leaf, place a carbon sheet, reverse side up, before writing the cheque. Whatever you write, shows up as a mirror image on the reverse of the cheque. Helps to identify any tampering.

    Hope this helps

    Best Regards

    1. Thanks for those tips !

  26. Avinash says:

    Putting a cello tape on the name and amount on cheque seems better idea since paper gives 100% fibre tearing if removed with cello tape and one can’t tamper it by any means… just wanted to understand whether banks accepts such kind of cheques with a cello tapes on it ???

    1. I think they will take it, only that the cheque should be processable through machines !

  27. Joel Trinidade says:

    Dear Manish,
    I agree with you on the statement “Today’s generation is very causal when it comes to writing the cheques.”

    But still would like to ask what makes you say this ?

    Regards
    Joel

    1. I have seen cases like that 🙂

  28. Joel Trinidade says:

    Statement : provided the “A/C Payee” is added to cheque as mentioned in 2nd point above.

    Correction: provided the “A/C Payee” is NOT added to cheque as mentioned in 2nd point above.

  29. Chetan says:

    Good information Manish !!

  30. Nirmal says:

    The A/C Pay can be written somewhere in the middle of the cheque. If you write it at the corner then there is a possibility that portion of cheque can be torn.

  31. Sushil says:

    Manish..here i want to share one incident…………IT department issued me a cheque of Tax Refund. I went to bank to deposit the cheque and person at the counter insisted me to drop the cheque in dropbox but i insisted to give me a recipt which he did not agreed. I dropped the cheque in dropbox and as per my expectation , cheque was lost by bank . Later on inquiry i was told that no such type of cheque was deposited and i m telling a lie……So what is the option for me when i have no proof….

    1. Bank can not force you to drop cheque in dropbox. you can approach to branch manager and ask him to sign and bank seal on counter folio. Bank Manager can’t deny, and if he is denying ask him to give me in writing that customers have to drop cheque in dropbox and branch manager / staff will not sign on it. After that you can approach banking ombudsman.

      1. Sudheer M says:

        Yes, RBI has clearly stipulated in the circular that bank has to give an acknowledgement to the customer in the link given below.
        http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=3217&Mode=0

    2. The best thing is to file a RTI , They cant deny in the RTI about it !

  32. Sreedhar says:

    Excellent information Manish. These points really educated me, definitely next time i will be more confident when i am writing cheques.

    thank you once again for such a wonderful information.

  33. bharat shah says:

    good compilation of important information for safety. thank you.

  34. Zankhana S Tikhe says:

    good info 🙂

  35. Pratik says:

    Hi Manish,
    As usual simple but very useful info.
    One point I can add is that when we hand the cheques to our insurance agents for paying the premium of policies, we should write the policy name and policy number at the back of the cheque. This will make sure that agents dont use that cheques to sell us some fresh/new policies. Such practices have happened in the past.
    So i think mentioning policy details at the back of the cheque will be helpful. However writing too much details at the back of cheque can cause hindrance in clearnace of cheque.

  36. Vijay says:

    Some banks (particularly in the US) provide some space to write down the purpose of the check (like house rent, some traffic violation,….). This was really beneficial since we tend to at times forget about the check and try to unsuccessfully recall only after looking at the account statement!

    Entering this information on the back of the check is an option, but it’s not quite as useful. We either try to keep a scanned copy of check or a snapshot using ever-rising megapixel numbers of the smartphone and save the file with a name that identifies its purpose as well.

    1. thats a very good point, I think we can anyways write the purpose at the back of the cheque !

  37. Sudheer M says:

    One more point.

    It is always better to write on the cheque, “Amount less than Rs.XXXX” in case you are giving the cheque to an unknown third party, which can reduce the fraud chances.

    1. Thanks for sharing that Tip , Didnt knew that we can do this

  38. Sudheer M says:

    Good info Manish,

    I would like to add that always fill the cheque yourself, with your pen only. There is no rule which says that if the ink is different, cheque will not be honoured etc., which are absolutely baseless.

    There has been instances where in an insurance agent for a car insurance has told prospective buyer of an insurance for a new car, to use his pen for writing the cheque (he has written the insurance company name in the cheque) citing that different pens may cause a dishonour of the cheque. The buyer used the pen and later on found that a big amount has been withdrawn, as it was a pen where in the ink can be erased.

    So, it is better to use once own pen and also to write the cheque ourselves rather than just signing on the cheque written by some one.

    1. Thanks for sharing that incident .

  39. I haven’t used /- in rupees word (e.g I wrote “Seven Thousand Only” not “Seven Thousand Only /-“)
    But in Rupees Number i always used 7000/-
    Is this ok?

    Until now i haven’t used running lines and word “A/C Payee” but crossed two lines.
    Now onwards i will follow your way, thanks manish.

    1. I think even this much is pretty good enough for security

  40. Satish Ramankutty says:

    Awesome Article…. These are some common mistakes that we do. Just two days back i signed a cheque for 70000/- without the AC Payee and realised it later and had to open the envelop again and make necessary corrections and then send it 🙁

    1. Thanks for mentioning how important you felt is was 🙂

  41. Jitendra says:

    In the present era of mobile phones, when most of us have camera enabled cell phone, it is better idea to get a snapshot of Cheque before handing over. This way all your details will be maintained.

  42. Jagdish says:

    really very important information provided. I have signed many cheques but never thought of point no 3 ever. Thanks

    1. Now start implementing that

  43. Rishi Bhatia says:

    Generally, while giving a cheque, i also make a point to use a cello tape on the name and amount, so that no one can change these.

  44. Ambrish Bhargava says:

    Add an image of cheque which covers all the points mentioned above and high light each and every point it.

  45. Kishore says:

    Nice tips. Thank you very much.

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