Cheque Leaf: 5 Top Facts You Need to Know

Published on: 11 August 2023

A cheque leaf is a primary financial instrument for all account holders. You receive a chequebook when you open a bank account. This chequebook contains the bank cheque leaf in varying numbers, such as 5, 10 or even 25. 

Prior to digitisation in the financial sector, a bank cheque leaf was considered one of the most popular non-cash payment forms. Even today, many people prefer initiating transactions through cheques. This is especially common to rental payments. 

Read on to know more about the cheque leaf meaning and how to write a cheque as well as other pertinent information. 

What is a Cheque Leaf?

A cheque leaf is basically a single cheque in your chequebook. You can use it to withdraw cash or even deposit and transfer funds from one account to another. When you write a cheque, it instructs the bank to debit your account and credit the account of the payee, as mentioned in the cheque.

Here are a few essential elements of a cheque:

• Date
• Amount to be written in words and in numerals
• Signature of the drawer or the person writing the cheque
• A 6-digit cheque number in a cheque present at the bottom left
• A 9-digit MICR code following the cheque number
• An alphanumeric 11-digit IFSC code
• The bank name in whose favour the cheque has been drawn

Read about Best banks for saving accounts in 2023

How to Write a Cheque?

Follow this process when initiating the cheque leaf filling process:

• Write the date on the top right of a cheque in the prescribed format
• Mention the name of the payee
• Write the amount in words and then in the numeral form in designated spaces
• Add the word only after writing the amount in words
• Sign the cheque

What are the Different Types of Cheques?

Here are some kinds of cheques you need to be aware of. Remember that each cheque follows a different format and is used for different purposes.

• Self cheque: Used to withdraw funds from a bank account, as the payee is the account holder
• Bearer cheque: An uncrossed cheque that does not require any endorsement to execute transactions
• Account payee cheque: This cheque instructs the bank to deposit funds in the payee’s account as mentioned in the cheque
• Banker’s cheque: Guaranteed cheques issued by a bank, which cannot bounce

How to Cancel a Cheque Leaf?

You can cancel a cheque easily by drawing two parallel lines across the cheque. Then, you have to write the word ‘CANCELLED’ in block letters within these lines. Make sure not to strike off essential details such as your name, account number, etc. One of the most critical points to remember in a cancelled cheque format is that it does not have a signature.

Make sure not to overwrite a cheque as the bank may consider the same invalid. In such instances, you can always sign close to the section where you have overwritten. It is also important to handle a cheque carefully and use the same signature when you write one. 

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FAQs on Cheque Leaf

How to write a cancelled cheque?

Take a new cheque leaf and draw two parallel lines across it. Once you draw them, write ‘CANCELLED’ in block letters between the lines. When drawing parallel lines, ensure they do not cover essential details such as your account number, your name, MICR code, etc. Remember not to sign on a cancelled cheque.

How to find the cheque number in a cheque?

The cheque number is mentioned at the bottom left of every cheque leaf. In simple words, it is the first six digits you normally find in a cheque before the 9-digit MICR code.

How to get a cancelled cheque online?

To get a cancelled cheque online, access your bank’s website and navigate to the customer service section. After that, click on the respective option, ‘Order copy of the cheque.’ Select the account and cheque type to get a cancelled cheque online.

How to write an amount on the cheque?

You need to first write the amount in words in the designated space mentioned ‘Rupees.’ When writing in words, make sure to start from the extreme left side and add ‘only’ after you complete writing the amount. After this, add the same amount in numerals in the respective box you can find on the right side of the cheque.

Can banks issue cheque leaves?

Yes. Banks are authorised to provide chequebooks containing cheque leaves to their customers after opening accounts. However, banks will not issue individual cheque leaves to customers. 

Can I get a cheque leaf online?

You can get a chequebook online by placing an online request on the bank’s net banking portal. However, you will not get individual cheque leaves online.

Does a cheque leaf expire?

Cheque leaves don’t come with an expiry date. The validity of a cheque starts from the date it is drawn. A cheque comes with a validity of 3 months from the date it has been presented.

What is the difference between a cheque and a cheque leaf?

Both are similar, and there is no difference. A single cheque from your chequebook is known as a cheque leaf.