Quick Cheque: Fast Ways to Verify Payments in Minutes

Quick Cheque Checklist: What to Do Before Cashing a ChequeCashing a cheque sounds simple, but overlooking a few steps can cost you time, money, or even expose you to fraud. Use this comprehensive checklist to make sure your cheque is legitimate, endorsed correctly, and processed smoothly — whether you’re using a bank branch, an ATM, or a mobile deposit app.

Check the payer’s name and contact details. Confirm they match what you expect and, if unsure, reach out to the payer directly using a known phone number or email.
Inspect print quality and paper. Genuine cheques typically use high-quality paper with consistent printing; blurred text, smudges, or low-resolution logos can be red flags.
Look for security features. Many cheques include watermarks, microprinting, heat-sensitive ink, or security threads. Hold the cheque to light and inspect edges and logos.
Confirm the bank’s routing number and cheque number format. Routing numbers are typically nine digits in the U.S.; if the format looks off for the issuing country, be cautious.

Date: Ensure the cheque is dated (not post-dated for a future date unless you plan to wait). Some banks may refuse excessively old cheques — check your bank’s policy on stale-dated cheques (commonly 6 months in many jurisdictions).
Payee line: The cheque should be made out to you (or your business name) exactly as it appears on your ID or bank account. Watch for “bearer” or “cash” which can be risky.
Numeric and written amounts: Both the numeric box and the written amount should match precisely. If they differ, banks usually use the written amount.
Signature: Confirm the signature matches the payer’s usual signature; look for signs of forgery (uneven pressure, shaky lines).

Examine ink consistency. Different inks, erasures, or retracing can indicate tampering.
Look for white-out, overwriting, or suspiciously darkened areas.
Confirm all fields are completed — blank spaces (especially after the payee or amount) can be maliciously filled in later. If there’s extra white space, draw a line through it.

If the cheque is large or from an unknown payer, consider contacting the issuing bank to verify funds. Provide the cheque number, account, and routing details. Banks may not always disclose account status, but they can sometimes confirm whether the cheque is genuine.
Ask the payer for a secondary verification method when possible (receipt, invoice, electronic transfer confirmation).
Be cautious with overpayment scams: if someone sends a cheque for more than the agreed amount and asks you to return the difference, verify funds first — that returned money may be reclaimed later when the cheque bounces.

Endorsement: Sign only the back in the designated endorsement area. Avoid signing until you’re ready to deposit if you’re concerned about loss or theft. For mobile deposits, many banks require you to write “For mobile deposit only” under your signature.
Restrictive endorsement: Consider writing “For deposit only to account #XXXX” to reduce risk if the cheque is lost or stolen.
Mobile deposits: Take clear, well-lit photos. Follow your bank’s instructions (check that both front and back images are included). Retain the physical cheque for the bank’s recommended period (commonly 14–30 days) before securely destroying it.
ATM or teller deposits: Use bank ATMs located at branch sites or deposit with a teller for large or suspicious cheques.

Funds availability: Banks commonly place holds on cheques, especially from out-of-state banks, new accounts, or large amounts. Typical holds range from a couple of business days up to 7–10 business days for unusual items.
Stale-dated and post-dated cheques: Many banks won’t accept cheques older than six months; post-dated cheques may be refused until the date.
Returned cheque fees: If a cheque bounces, your bank may charge you a fee and reverse deposited funds. Ask your bank how they handle returned cheques and whether they seek reimbursement from you if you’ve spent the funds.
Foreign cheques: International cheques take longer and may incur processing fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

Keep copies: Photograph or scan the front and back of the cheque before depositing. Save bank deposit receipts and confirmation emails.
Reconcile accounts: Verify deposits clear and match your records. If a cheque is returned, reconcile immediately to catch overdraft risks.
Retention period: Keep digital or physical records for at least the bank’s recommended hold/return period, or longer if related to business bookkeeping or tax purposes.

Overpayment/refund schemes: Scammer sends a cheque, asks you to return surplus funds via wire or gift cards; the cheque later bounces.
Urgent requests: Pressure to cash quickly — slow down and verify.
Unsolicited cheques: Receiving a cheque from someone you don’t know, especially unexpectedly, should trigger extra caution.
Inconsistent details: Different company names, mismatched logos, or suspicious email domains when communicating about the cheque.

Contact your bank immediately. Provide the cheque copy and any communications.
Alert the payer (if known) to verify whether they intended the cheque and whether their account has issues.
For fraud, report to local law enforcement and your country’s financial fraud reporting service. Provide dates, amounts, and copies of the cheque and correspondence.
Consider freezing related accounts or changing account numbers if you suspect targeted fraud.

Electronic transfers (ACH, Zelle, Faster Payments) are faster and often safer.
Bank-issued cashier’s cheques or money orders for large payments — but verify these too, as counterfeits exist.
Wire transfers for immediate, irrevocable funds (ensure payer’s identity and correct account details).

Summary checklist (quick glance)

Following this checklist will reduce your risk when cashing cheques and help ensure funds clear smoothly.