How to Fill In a Cheque Correctly in the UK

A cheque in the United Kingdom serves as a traditional method of payment, instructing a bank to transfer a specified sum of money from one account to another. While digital transactions are now prevalent, cheques remain in use for particular payments, such as those made by certain businesses, charities, or for specific personal transactions. Understanding the proper procedure for completing a cheque ensures accurate and secure processing.

Filling Out Your Cheque

Begin by locating the date field, typically found in the top right corner of the cheque. The date should be written in the UK day-month-year format (DD/MM/YYYY), such as 25/08/2025. You can either use the current date or post-date the cheque if you intend for it to be processed at a later time. Banks may not process a cheque if the date is incorrect or too far in the future.

Next, identify the “Pay” line, where you will write the full name of the person or organization receiving the payment. It is important to write clearly and accurately to prevent any processing issues. Ensure the payee’s name matches the name on their bank account to avoid delays.

Below the payee line, write the amount of the payment in words. For example, “One Hundred Pounds and Fifty Pence” or “Two Hundred Pounds Only” if there are no pence. After writing the amount, draw a line through any remaining blank space on this line to prevent unauthorized additions.

In the small box on the right side of the cheque, write the numerical amount, including both pounds and pence (e.g., “£100.50” or “£200.00”). The numerical amount must precisely match the amount written in words for the cheque to be valid. Position the first digit close to the pre-printed pound sign to minimize the risk of fraud.

Finally, sign the cheque on the designated line, typically located in the bottom right corner. Your signature must closely match the one held on file by your bank for the cheque to be processed. A mismatched signature can lead to the cheque being rejected.

Ensuring Accuracy When Writing Your Cheque

Always use a non-erasable blue or black ink pen when filling out a cheque. This choice of ink helps prevent tampering and ensures the details remain legible for processing and scanning.

Clear handwriting for all details is also important to ensure the bank can accurately read the information.

For enhanced security, you should cross out the words “or bearer” on the cheque. This is often done by drawing two parallel lines across the cheque’s face and writing “A/C Payee” between them. This instruction ensures the cheque can only be deposited into the specified payee’s bank account, rather than being cashed over the counter by anyone who possesses it.

If you make a significant error while writing a cheque, it is generally advisable to start over with a new cheque. While minor, unavoidable errors might sometimes be initialed, creating a new cheque provides greater clarity and security.

After You’ve Written the Cheque

After completing a cheque, it is good practice to record its details in your cheque book stub or a personal ledger. This record should include the date, the payee’s name, and the amount paid. Maintaining accurate records helps you track your expenditures and reconcile your bank statements.

When delivering the cheque, ensure it is done securely, whether by hand or by post. For cheques sent via mail, especially those for higher values, using a tracked postal service is recommended for added security.

Cheques in the UK typically have a validity period of six months from the date they are issued. While some banks may, at their discretion, process cheques older than six months, there is no guarantee, so it is best for the payee to deposit it promptly.

Always keep both blank and completed cheques in a secure location to prevent them from being stolen or misused. Regularly monitoring your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions is also a recommended security practice.