What is Cheque Number
16 September, 2024
Synopsis
A cheque number is a unique 6-digit number that helps banks and account holders track transactions.
You can find the cheque number on the bottom mast of each cheque leaf, next to the MICR Code.
You can typically issue three types of cheques self-issued cheques, bearers cheques and payee cheques.
When you open a bank account, your bank gives you several instruments and services through which you can manage your account and withdraw funds. There’s the debit card that you can use at ATMs and PoS centres, the net banking facility that allows you to move and transfer funds from one account to another, and then, of course, there’s the oldest instrument, that continues to remain extremely relevant even today – the cheque book. Let’s learn a little more about cheques, what cheque numbers are and how to find cheque numbers, when needed.
What is a Cheque?
A cheque is a financial instrument or a written order addressed to a bank, instructing it to pay a specific amount of money to an individual, organisation, or entity from your account. A cheque can be addressed in your own name (self), to a bearer, or by crossing it on the side, addressed to a payee.
While self-cheques and a bearer cheque instruct the bank to immediately provide the cash equivalent of the amount mentioned in the hands of the bearer, payee cheques are meant to be deposited in the payees’ bank accounts and are cleared within a few days.
What is Cheque Number?
Your bank typically gives you a cheque book comprising 10-25 cheque leaflets. Each cheque leaf comprises certain specific details linked to your account, such as your name, account number, the bank’s IFSC code and a MICR Code. While these are the common details on each cheque, there is one number that is unique to every cheque in the cheque book – the cheque number.
A cheque number is a unique 6-digit number printed on each cheque. It helps both, the bank and the account holder track which cheque is issued in which payee’s name. As the account holder, when you issue a cheque to someone, you can use the index section in the cheque book to write their name, cheque issue date, cheque number, and amount to maintain a record of your cheque transactions.
Where is Cheque Number Mentioned on a Cheque?
Whether you wish to deposit a cheque issued by someone in your bank account, or maintain a record of cheques you have issued to someone for your reference, you need to know where to look for the cheque number on a cheque leaf. The answer is rather simple.
The issuing bank typically prints the 6-digit cheque number on the bottom mast of each cheque, next to the 9-digit MICR code which represents the bank and branch from which the cheque was issued. If you do not have much banking experience, and are confused between the cheque number and MICR code, you can also cheque the first page of the cheque book which mentions the cheque numbers’ series, e.g. 100001 to 100025, so you can easily identify the cheque numbers.
Writing a Cheque – The Basic Etiquette
How you write a cheque depends on who you are issuing one to, and it involves some basic rules.
A Self Cheque
When writing a cheque addressed to yourself, you need to cancel the word bearer, enter the date (which is typically the present date), the amount (in figures and words) and sign in the indicated space. In this age of digitisation, you would typically write a self-named cheques only while withdrawing significantly large sums of money. For smaller transactions, you can always use your debit card.Bearer Cheques
A bearer cheque is typically addressed in the name of an individual, instructing the bank to hand over cash from your account to them. The bearer must present the cheque at the cash counter at the issuing party’s (also known as drawer’s) bank. As the issuing party, can write this cheque in the same way as you would write a self-issued cheque, but without cancelling the word ‘bearer’.Payee Cheques
A Payee check is typically addressed in another individual/entity’s name, wherein money is not meant to be withdrawn in cash. Instead, funds are to be transferred into the payee’s account. In such cheques, you need to cancel the word bearer, and draw two parallel lines on the top-left corner of the cheque. Plus, you need to mention the payee’s name, the amount (in figures and words) and the date, which could be current or post-dated.
Manage Your Cheque Transactions Easily With HDFC Bank
As an HDFC Bank account holder, you get an annual complimentary cheque book containing up to 25 cheques. The cheque book also comprises a dedicated index section for your to record your cheque transactions. You can open your HDFC Bank Savings Account online to efficiently manage your finances.
*Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.
