While Singapore is becoming a cashless country, cheques are not completely obsolete.
Cheques are one of the most commonly used methods of payment in Singapore, especially for businesses. They are accepted by many businesses, both large and small.
When you need money urgently, cheques might not be the best option. This might.
This blog post will discuss what cheques are and how to cross them properly. Let’s get started!
What Is A Cheque?
Cheques are typically used as a form of payment for goods or services.
A cheque is a written order from one person (the drawer) to another person or business (the drawee) to pay a certain sum of money. The drawer must sign the cheque and usually contains the account number of the drawee.
There’s a problem: You can’t use them forever.
Your cheque is valid for up to six months from the date it is written. However, some cheques may last for a shorter period depending on their conditions.
How Long Do Cheques Take To Clear In Singapore?
The money doesn’t appear immediately.
Cheques usually take one to three working days to clear in Singapore. This means that the drawee will receive the money from the cheque within that period. However, some circumstances may delay the clearing of a cheque.
Here’s what you should do to avoid delays:
- Ensure that the date, amount, and payee’s name are correctly written on the cheque.
- Write legibly so that your cheque can be easily processed.
- Avoid writing post-dated cheques as they may be dishonored.
Remember that: Cheques aren’t cleared on the weekends. So, if you write a cheque on a Friday, the earliest it will be cleared is the following Monday.
If you make a purchase using a cheque on a Friday, you won’t receive the goods until Monday at the earliest.
What Is A Crossed Cheque?
A crossed cheque is a cheque that has two parallel lines drawn across its face.
You don’ do this for fun, though.
The crossing of a cheque serves as a security measure to prevent it from being cashed at just any bank. A crossed cheque can only be cashed at the drawee bank or deposited into the payee’s bank account.
Some businesses will not accept an uncrossed cheque as it is more susceptible to fraud. To avoid any issues, you should always cross your cheques before paying.
How Do I Cross A Cheque?
Crossing a cheque is simple. All you need to do is draw two parallel lines across the face of the cheque.
You can also add “& Co” or “Not Negotiable” between the two lines. This further protects your cheque from being cashed by anyone other than the intended payee.
How Do You Write A Cheque In Singapore?
Now that we’ve discussed what cheques are and how to cross them, let’s move on to writing cheques. In Singapore, there is a standard format for writing cheques. This format is as follows:
- The dateline should be written in the top right-hand corner of the cheque.
- The payee’s name should be written next, followed by the amount in words.
- The amount in figures should be written on the line below, to the left of the word “Singapore Dollars.”
- Your signature should be written at the bottom of the cheque.
How Do You Deposit A Cheque In Singapore?
There are two ways to deposit a cheque in Singapore.
1. Go into a bank branch and fill out a deposit slip. Once you have filled out the deposit slip, you will need to hand it over to the teller along with your cheque. The funds from your cheque will then be credited to your account within one to three working days.
2. Use an ATM. Insert your ATM card into the machine and enter your PIN. Once you have done this, you will be given the option to make a deposit. Select “Cheque Deposit” and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to insert your cheque into the machine, and the funds will be credited to your account within one to three working days.
Do take note that when you are depositing a cheque into your bank account, you will need to write your name and account number on the back of the cheque. This is so that the bank can appropriately credit the funds to your account.
How To Stop Cheque Payment In Singapore?
If you want to stop cheque payment, you will need to contact your bank immediately and request a stop payment on the affected cheques. There is usually a fee associated with stopping a cheque payment, so be sure to check with your bank first.
Once you have requested a stop payment, the bank will stop the affected cheques and will not allow them to be processed. This means that even if someone tries to cash one of your stopped cheques, they will not be able to do so.
In Conclusion
Cheques are common ways of paying in Singapore, but sometimes they can bounce or delay.
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