Last Reviewed: September 2026 | Based on RBI CTS-2010 cheque standards and Negotiable Instruments Act 1881
RBI CTS-2010 Cheque Standard — What Changed in India
All Indian bank cheques since 2010 follow the CTS-2010 (Cheque Truncation System) standard mandated by RBI. Key rules:
- Cheques are processed digitally as images — physical cheque no longer travels between banks
- Any overwriting, correction fluid (whitener), or tampering causes automatic rejection by CTS scanning
- If you make a mistake — cancel the entire cheque leaf and start fresh on a new one
- Use blue or black ink pen only — pencil or red ink rejected
- All 6 fields must be filled — date, payee name, amount in numbers, amount in words, crossing, signature
- Cheque is valid for 3 months from the date written — expired cheques cannot be encashed
one step at a time — How to Write a Cheque in India 2026
Step 1: Write the Date (Top Right Corner)
- Write date in DD/MM/YYYY format — example: 18/09/2026
- Some cheques have 8 small boxes — fill DDMMYYYY: 1 8 0 9 2 0 2 6
- Always write today’s date unless it is a post-dated cheque
- Post-dated cheque: Future date — used for loan EMIs, rent payments
- Cheque valid for exactly 3 months from written date
Step 2: Write Payee Name on “Pay” Line
- Write the full legal name of the person or company
- Start from the leftmost edge — leave no blank space before name
- Use block letters for clarity
- For company: write exact registered name — example: “Reliance Retail Limited” not “Reliance”
- Strike a line through “or bearer” printed on the cheque — this makes it an order cheque, safer than a bearer cheque
- For self cheque: write “SELF” on Pay line to withdraw cash from your own account
Step 3: Write Amount in Numbers (Amount Box, Right Side)
- Write amount in Indian number format — ₹1,25,000 not ₹125,000
- Start from leftmost edge of the box
- Add /- after the amount — example: 25000/-
- Draw a line after the amount to fill remaining space — prevents fraud alteration
Step 4: Write Amount in Words (“Rupees” Line)
- Always start with “Rupees”
- Always end with “Only”
- Example: Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only
- For paise: Rupees Five Hundred and Seventy Five Paise Fifty Only
- Start from extreme left — draw a line after “Only” to fill remaining space
- Amount in words must exactly match amount in numbers — mismatch causes rejection
Step 5: Cross the Cheque (Top Left Corner)
- Draw two parallel diagonal lines in the top left corner
- Write A/C PAYEE ONLY between the lines
- This means the cheque can ONLY be deposited into the named person’s bank account
- Cannot be encashed over the counter — prevents misuse if cheque is lost or stolen
- Always cross cheques unless the recipient specifically needs a bearer/cash cheque
Step 6: Sign the Cheque (Bottom Right)
- Sign in the signature box at bottom right
- Use the exact same signature registered with your bank — any mismatch causes rejection
- Sign after filling all other fields — never pre-sign a blank cheque
- Never use a stamp or typed name as signature
Amount in Words Examples — Cheque Writing 2026
| Amount in Numbers | Amount in Words on Cheque |
|---|---|
| ₹500 | Rupees Five Hundred Only |
| ₹1,000 | Rupees One Thousand Only |
| ₹5,500 | Rupees Five Thousand Five Hundred Only |
| ₹10,000 | Rupees Ten Thousand Only |
| ₹25,000 | Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only |
| ₹50,000 | Rupees Fifty Thousand Only |
| ₹1,00,000 | Rupees One Lakh Only |
| ₹1,25,500 | Rupees One Lakh Twenty Five Thousand Five Hundred Only |
| ₹10,00,000 | Rupees Ten Lakhs Only |
Types of Cheques — 2026 Guide
| Type | How to Write | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Order Cheque | Strike “or bearer” — write payee name — cross A/C Payee | Most common — safe payment to specific person |
| Bearer Cheque | Do NOT strike “or bearer” — payee name optional | Cash payment — anyone can encash. Risky if lost |
| Crossed Cheque | Two parallel lines + A/C Payee Only | Bank deposit only — safest method |
| Self Cheque | Write SELF on Pay line | Withdraw cash from your own account at home branch |
| Post-dated Cheque | Write future date | EMI payments, advance rent, security deposits |
| Cancelled Cheque | Draw two lines + write CANCELLED | KYC proof — cannot be used for payment |
Cheque Writing — Common Mistakes and Legal Consequences 2026
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Overwriting or using whitener | CTS system rejects cheque automatically — payment delayed |
| Amount in words and numbers mismatch | Cheque rejected — bank uses words amount if minor difference |
| Signature mismatch | Cheque returned — update signature at branch if changed |
| Cheque presented after 3 months | Cheque expired — cannot be encashed — issue fresh cheque |
| Insufficient funds when cheque presented | Cheque bounce — Section 138 NI Act — criminal offence — up to 2 years jail + fine double the amount |
| Blank space before payee name or amount | Fraud risk — someone can alter the cheque |
| Not striking “or bearer” | Anyone who finds the cheque can encash it |
Cheque Writing for NRI Customers — UAE and Gulf 2026
- NRI customers in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Gulf countries sending cheques to family in Kerala can issue cheques from their NRE or NRO account chequebook
- Always cross cheques A/C PAYEE ONLY when sending by post or courier to Kerala — prevents misuse
- NRE account cheques in Indian Rupees — valid for 3 months like all Indian cheques
- For large property payments in Kerala — issue demand draft instead of personal cheque for added security
- Post-dated cheques issued from Gulf for Indian loan EMIs must have sufficient balance on each due date
- Cancelled cheque from NRE/NRO account accepted for KYC by Indian investment platforms
Frequently Asked Questions — How to Write a Cheque India 2026
How to write a cheque in India in 2026?
Write today’s date DD/MM/YYYY top right. Write payee’s full name on Pay line and strike through or bearer. Write amount in numbers in the box ending with /-. Write amount in words starting with Rupees and ending with Only. Draw two parallel lines top left and write A/C PAYEE ONLY. Sign bottom right exactly as registered with bank. Never overwrite — cancel and use fresh cheque if mistake.
How long is a cheque valid in India in 2026?
A cheque in India is valid for 3 months from the date written on it. After 3 months the cheque expires and cannot be encashed or deposited. If your cheque has expired, the payee must return it to you and you must issue a fresh cheque with the current date.
How to write amount in words on a cheque in India?
Always start with Rupees and end with Only. Example: for Rs 25,000 write Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only. For Rs 1,00,000 write Rupees One Lakh Only. Start from the extreme left of the Rupees line and draw a line after Only to fill any remaining space and prevent fraud alteration.
What is A/C Payee Only crossing on a cheque?
A/C Payee Only crossing means drawing two parallel diagonal lines in the top left corner of the cheque and writing A/C PAYEE ONLY between them. This restricts the cheque to be deposited only into the named payee’s bank account — it cannot be encashed over the counter. This is the safest way to issue a cheque in India.
What happens if I make a mistake while writing a cheque?
Under RBI CTS-2010 rules, any overwriting, correction fluid, or tampering causes automatic cheque rejection. If you make a mistake, cancel the entire cheque leaf by drawing lines across it and writing CANCELLED, then start fresh on a new cheque. Do not use whitener or write over mistakes.
What is a self cheque and how to write it?
A self cheque is written to withdraw cash from your own bank account at your home branch. Write SELF on the Pay line instead of a payee name. Self cheques are not crossed — they are encashed over the counter. Present with your passbook and ID proof at the home branch counter.
What is the legal penalty for cheque bounce in India 2026?
Cheque bounce in India is a criminal offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881. The penalty includes imprisonment up to 2 years, fine up to twice the cheque amount, or both. The payee can file a complaint within 30 days of receiving the cheque return memo from bank.
Can NRI customers in UAE issue Indian bank cheques for family in Kerala?
Yes. NRI customers in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Gulf countries with NRE or NRO account chequebooks can issue Indian Rupee cheques for family in Kerala. Always cross cheques A/C PAYEE ONLY before posting or couriering to India. Cheques are valid for 3 months from the written date.
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- Income Tax Calculator India 2026-27
In this one step at a time guide, you will learn how to fill a cheque, What are the details required to fill a cheque leaf, What are Important factors to remember while writing a cheque etc.
How to write a cheque: Complete Guide
Cheque writing is a simple yet essential skill that everyone should be familiar with. When we are writing a cheque to someone, we often neglect a few simple details that make it easy for the cheque to be cashed fraudulently.
To pay the bill, make a payment, etc., we have to write it so many times. However, carelessness on the part of the person writing the cheque can easily lead to fraudulent activity or the cheque being rejected.
We no longer use chequebooks since we conduct all of our financial transactions online through Internet banking.
In this day and age of mobile banking and Internet banking, we no longer require chequebooks to deposit or withdraw money.
If you do need to use a chequebook, though, there may come a time when you are concerned about how to properly fill it out.
There may be anything incorrect with the check that we just filled out. But you have nothing to worry about because the next article will teach you how to write a check.
What are the details required to fill a Cheque leaf?
A cheque has a front and back page.
All your details like your branch, address, IFSC code, Account number, cheque number, MICR code, etc are printed on the front page of the cheque, so you don’t have to worry about making any mistakes.
You need to fill in only the name of the name of the person to whom you are permitting the withdrawal of the money, withdrawal amount, and date.
If other parties are going to withdraw the money on our behalf, write the name of the party on the front page of the cheque.
How to fill the chequebook?
Fill in the following particulars carefully in the blank spaces on your cheque leaf.
Cheque Date:
You are required to include the date that the withdrawal will be processed.
The date must be expressed in the format of DD/MM/YYYY. For example 12/08/2022 (August 12, 2022).
Payee’s Name:
You have a responsibility to provide the name of the person who will be making the withdrawal from the bank.
It is necessary to write “SELF” in the Payee area of the cheque if you intend to withdraw the money.
The identity of the payee is critically significant because, once they have possession of the check, dishonest individuals cannot put a new name on it or otherwise alter its purpose.
Amount in words:
To get the most accurate representation possible, write the amount in words and in full capital letters.
Be sure that you do not leave any vacant spaces that are too large and that may potentially fit extra letters in between them.
Amount in Figures:
To get the most accurate representation possible, write the amount in words and in full capital Always write the amount in the square box using the appropriate format, and mention it whenever you can.
Don’t write Rs. 4523; instead, write Rs. 4523/- minus the decimal point.
Simply follow the slash with a hyphen, as seen in the above example.
Make sure that the amount in words and figures is the same. The sign above the printed name of the drawer in the lower right corner of the cheque.
Also, ensure that the cheque is signed as per the signature given in the bank account.
As soon as you have finished filling out the cheque leaf, you will be able to move on to the next step, depositing the cheque to either make the payment or for the cash withdrawal.
Also, make a note of the information that is contained in the acknowledgement part of your chequebook for your future reference.
In that case, you risk losing track of the person to whom you handed the cheque.
Cheque Validity
There is a validity period of three months for a cheque. If you have money in your account at any point during the three-month term, you can also present the cheque at any time during that period.
Do you have to write down your full name on the cheque?
Yes, your name should be written out on the cheque the same way as in the passbook.
If you want to take the money out of your account, you must re-sign the cheque using your complete name on the reverse side of the cheque.
Important factors to remember while writing a cheque
- Date of payment
- Name of Beneficiary (Payee)
- Written amount
- The signature on the passbook should be the same
- MICR Code
What are the rules of the cheque?
Before making payment against the cheque, when the beneficiary submits the cheque for encashment, the banks collate with the details available in the issuer’s cheque, so while filling out the cheque, write the details correctly as in your passbook.
Also, the signature you gave at the bank should be the same as the one you signed in the cheque. The details are compared with the details provided to the bank through Positive Pay.
What is a Self Cheque?
A self-cheque is a cheque in the drawer’s name. In this case, the drawer and the payee are the same. You have to write the word ‘self’ in the namespace on the cheque.
It can be submitted only to the drawer’s bank. A self-cheque is for use when you want to withdraw money from your account.
Can I write a cheque to myself?
The most common question is whether you can write a cheque yourself. But the answer is yes. However, it can be a bit more complicated than that.
If you are trying to move funds between two banks yourself, you can write yourself a cheque.
One thing to note, if you write a cheque to yourself, but you don’t have funds in your account to cover it, the cheque will bounce.
The bank will be charged enough fines from you. So write the cheque only after looking at the bank balance.
You can transfer funds online from one bank to another, so there’s no need to write a cheque. But it may take up to three days to get your money online.
A cheque may be faster if you visit the bank to cash it or deposit it.
Types Of Cheques
Different types of cheques are issued in the Indian banking system. Most people do not know about it and the features of the cheque.
Below are the details about the different types of cheques:
1) Bearer cheque:
A bearer cheque is a type of check that can be cashed for money without the bearer, any person mentioned on the cheque, or any other person’s authorization or identification is required.
2) Order Cheque:
An order cheque is created from a bearer cheque when the issuer of the bearer check decides to cancel the bearer cheque.
Checks for placing an order should be made payable either to the person whose name is shown in the beneficiary column or to any other individual whom the original beneficiary has allowed.
3) Self Cheque:
A self-cheque is a type of cheque that allows the account holder to cash his cheque or withdraw money from his account without the assistance of another person.
In the beneficiary column of the self-cheque, write “SELF” in place of the actual name of the person receiving the funds.
4) Crossed Cheque:
An account payable cheque, also known as a crossed cheque, is created when the upper corner of an issued cheque is crossed twice with two parallel lines.
This transforms the cheque into a crossing cheque.
It is impossible to deposit an Account Payee check anywhere other than the beneficiary’s bank account.
During completing commercial transactions, merchants often utilise these types of cheques, which are regarded as the safest type of cheques and are used to pay employee salaries, unpaid invoices, and other expenses.
5) Traveller’s Cheque:
A traveller’s cheque is a special kind of cheque that people take with them when they travel internationally so that they don’t have to worry about their money being stolen.
6) Canceled cheque:
When the account holder completely crosses out the cheque, it is transformed from a normal cheque into a cancelled cheque.
Cheques that have been paid back are sometimes required to verify specific financial facts regarding businesses or people.
7) Post-Dated Cheque:
If the drawer plans to make a payment of a certain amount to any person or institution on a certain day in the future, then they will need to write a check that is post-dated.
A check that has been post-dated is only valid for payment on a particular date that is in the future and cannot be cashed before that date.
8) Blank Cheque:
In the case of a commercial transaction involving the signing of an open-ended contract with a firm for dealerships, bills, or any other services, a blank cheque is the payment instrument of choice.
9) Gift Cheque:
Gift Cheques are a specialised form of a check that is used for awarding prizes, such as cash or other items won in competitions or other types of unique occasions.
Gift cheques have huge and elaborate designs. Awards at tournaments for cricket, football, and tennis are typically given out in the form of cheques.
10) Mutilated Cheque:
Mutilated cheques are those cheques that have been damaged due to any reason, especially in the MICR code. A mutilated cheque cannot be encashed due to the authenticity of the cheque.
In the upper right-hand corner, write down the date. Your check will not be cashed if no date is written on it.
Write the name of the recipient – It is essential to write down the name of the individual or business for whom the check is being issued.
In the rectangle box, using the correct notation, you should always write the amount, and you should specify the amount.
Amount in Words– you will need to write the amount in letters on the line that comes after the term “RUPEES.” The number should be written as a word.
Put your signature on the check on the designated line that is provided. – Place your signature on the cheque directly above your name, which is already printed on the cheque.
