How Many Different Types of Bank Cheques in India

Types Of Cheque

There are several types of financial instruments that can be used for payment, including cash, checks, credit and debit cards, electronic transfers, and digital currencies. Cash is the most commonly used form of payment, but it can be easily lost or stolen. Cheques, which are written orders to pay a specific amount from an account, can be used to pay bills or withdraw cash. Credit and debit cards allow consumers to make purchases or withdraw cash using a credit or debit card account. Electronic transfers, such as wire transfers and ACH transactions, enable the transfer of funds between accounts. Digital currencies, like Bitcoin, are decentralized digital assets that can be used to make payments.

What is a cheque?

One of the most commonly used financial instrument to make payment and receive payment is cheque. A cheque is a written order to a financial institution to pay a certain amount of money from a person's account to the person in whose name is written on the cheque. A cheque can be used to pay bills, purchase goods or services, or withdraw cash. A cheque must be signed by the account holder and the payee's name and address must be provided. Cheques can be cashed at banks or deposited into an account. It is important to ensure that the cheque is filled out correctly and that sufficient funds are available in the account before writing a cheque to avoid bounced cheques.

There are several types of cheques that can be used for various purposes, including bearer cheque, order cheque, crossed cheque, open cheque, and traveller's cheques and many more.

Bearer cheque

A bearer cheque is a type of cheque in which the holder of the cheque has the right to receive the payment. The person who presents the cheque to the bank for payment will receive the funds, regardless of who the cheque is made out to. Bearer cheques are considered to be less secure than other types of cheques because they can be easily lost or stolen and cashed by anyone who has possession of them. Bearer cheques are now phased out in many countries and are not in common use. They are only used in some cases for the movement of funds between the banks.

Order Cheque 

An order cheque is a type of cheque in which the payment is made to a specific person or entity. The person or entity named on the cheque, also known as the payee, is the only one who has the right to receive the payment. The payee must endorse the cheque by signing it before it can be cashed or deposited. Order cheques are more secure than bearer cheques because they can only be cashed by the payee, and it is difficult for fraudsters to cash someone else's cheque. Order cheques are commonly used for personal, business, and other financial transactions. They are considered as the standard type of cheques in most countries.

Crossed Cheque

A crossed cheque is a type of cheque that has been marked with two parallel lines, usually across the top left corner of the cheque. This marking indicates that the cheque can only be deposited into a bank account and cannot be cashed. A crossed cheque is considered to be more secure than an open cheque because it can only be deposited into the account of the payee, and it is more difficult for fraudsters to cash someone else's cheque. Crossing of cheques are also useful when the cheque is lost or stolen, as it can only be deposited in the payee's account. In some countries, Banks may allow the depositing of cheques in other banks with the same clearing network.

Open cheque

An open cheque is a type of cheque that can be cashed or deposited by anyone who has possession of it. Unlike crossed cheques, open cheques do not have any special markings, and do not indicate the account to which the funds should be credited. Open cheques are considered to be less secure than crossed cheques, as they can easily be lost or stolen and cashed by someone other than the intended recipient. They are also more susceptible to fraud. Open cheques are less common in use and most of the time banks discourage using them. They are mostly used for transactions between known parties where there is trust between them.

Post-Dated Cheque

A post-dated cheque is a cheque that is written for a future date. The cheque can be deposited or cashed only on or after the date written on the cheque. This type of cheque is commonly used when the payer wants to ensure that the funds will be available on a specific date, such as a rent payment or a loan repayment. It is also used when the payer wants to make a payment on a future date but wants to issue the cheque now. The payee should not deposit the cheque before the date written on the cheque. Post-dated cheques are considered to be less secure than other types of cheques because they can be lost or stolen and cashed before the due date.

Stale Cheque

A stale cheque is a cheque that has been written for a long time and has not been deposited or cashed. The cheque is considered stale after a certain period of time, usually between 3 and 6 months, depending on the country or bank's policy. A stale cheque is not valid for payment, and the bank will not honour it. In some countries, the bank will return the cheque to the payee as "stale cheque" or "expired cheque" with a reason. It is the responsibility of the payee to ensure that the cheque is deposited or cashed within the validity period. It is also recommended that the payee should not rely on a stale cheque as a form of payment, as the funds may not be available.

Traveller's cheques

Traveller's cheques are a form of pre-printed, negotiable cheques that can be used for travel expenses. They are issued by banks and financial institutions and can be replaced if lost or stolen. Traveller's cheques are a popular form of payment for travellers because they offer a level of security and convenience.

Banker’s Cheque

A Banker's cheque, also known as a cashier's cheque, is a type of cheque that is guaranteed by the issuing bank. It is considered as good as cash and can be used for large transactions or when the payee requires a guaranteed form of payment. The bank issues the cheque and deducts the amount from the account of the person who requested it. The cheque is then made payable to a specific payee. Because the bank guarantees the funds, the cheque is considered to be very secure and is often used for transactions such as real estate purchases or car sales. Banker's cheques are considered to be safer than personal cheques and are less susceptible to fraud.

In conclusion

Cheques come in different forms, each with its own unique purpose and features. It is important to choose the right type of cheque for the intended transaction to ensure that the payment is processed smoothly and securely. It is also important to check and ensure the cheque is filled out correctly and that sufficient funds are available in the account before writing a cheque to avoid bounced cheques.