If you’ve been asked to submit a cancelled cheque and you’re wondering, “Where do I even get one?” — you’re not alone. It’s a common requirement in financial paperwork, yet surprisingly unclear to many who are encountering it for the first time. Whether you’re opening a salary account, completing your KYC, applying for a loan, or setting up investment mandates — a cancelled cheque is often requested to verify your bank details.
As someone who has worked in the finance industry for over a decade, I’ve helped countless individuals — from freshers starting their first jobs to business owners managing vendor payments — navigate this small but important task. In this blog, I’ll explain not just how to get a cancelled cheque, but also why it’s needed, how to use it safely, and what alternatives you can consider if you don’t have a chequebook handy.
Let’s break it down in the simplest, most practical way — so you can move forward without any confusion.
What is a Cancelled Cheque?
Let me explain this in simple terms — because if you’ve never dealt with banking formalities before, the word “cancelled cheque” can sound confusing.
A cancelled cheque is just a regular cheque from your chequebook, but you’re not going to use it to pay anyone. Instead, you take a blank cheque, draw two parallel lines across it, and write the word “CANCELLED” in capital letters between those lines. That’s all. No date, no amount, no signature.
Here’s why it’s done:
Even though this cheque can’t be used to withdraw money, it still displays your account number, IFSC code, bank name, and branch details. So, it’s a safe and easy way for companies or institutions to verify your bank account without risking any transactions.
Think of it like showing your ID — you’re just proving the account exists and belongs to you.
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When Do You Need a Cancelled Cheque?
Now you might be wondering — “Why are people asking me for a cancelled cheque in the first place?”
Here’s where you’ll typically need one:
🔹 Opening a Bank or Demat Account
Banks and financial institutions ask for a cancelled cheque to verify your account details during the account setup process.
🔹 KYC (Know Your Customer) Processes
Whether you’re investing in mutual funds or applying for any financial product, KYC is mandatory. A cancelled cheque is a standard document required to confirm your banking info.
🔹 Loan Applications
When applying for a home loan, personal loan, or even a credit card, lenders use a cancelled cheque to validate your repayment account details.
🔹 EPF Withdrawal
If you’re withdrawing your Employee Provident Fund (EPF), the EPFO often requires a cancelled cheque to ensure the funds are transferred to the correct bank account.
🔹 Insurance or Mutual Fund Setup
To set up automated debit (ECS/NACH) or link your bank account to your policy or investment plan, a cancelled cheque is commonly requested.
🔹 Salary Account Verification
Many HR departments ask for a cancelled cheque when onboarding new employees to ensure that salaries are deposited into the correct bank account.
If you’re facing any of these scenarios, don’t stress. Just grab a blank cheque, cancel it as explained, and you’re done. It’s a routine document in finance, and now you know exactly what to do.
How to Get a Cancelled Cheque (Step-by-Step)
If someone just told you, “Submit a cancelled cheque,” and you’re left staring at your chequebook wondering what to do next — relax. This is one of the easiest documents to prepare.
Here’s a simple, no-confusion step-by-step guide I’ve used to train new employees and junior team members over the years:
✅ Step 1: Take a Cheque from Your Existing Chequebook
Grab any unused cheque from your chequebook. Make sure it’s linked to the same account you’re submitting details for.
✅ Step 2: Draw Two Parallel Lines Diagonally Across the Cheque
Using a black or blue pen, draw two neat diagonal lines from one corner to the other — top left to bottom right or vice versa.
✅ Step 3: Write “CANCELLED” Between the Lines
In capital letters, write “CANCELLED” clearly between the lines. Don’t smudge, and avoid writing over your name or account details printed on the cheque.
✅ Step 4: Do Not Sign the Cheque
This is important. A cancelled cheque does not require your signature. Signing it may create unnecessary risk or confusion.
✅ Optional Step: Write Account Holder’s Name (If Asked)
Some companies (like insurance firms or fintech platforms) may request you to mention your name or contact number on the back of the cheque. Only do this if explicitly requested.
That’s it. Your cancelled cheque is ready to go — and it should only take you a minute or two.
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Can You Get a Cancelled Cheque Without a Chequebook?
Now, here’s a common issue:
“What if I don’t have a chequebook?”
Good question — especially for users with digital or salary accounts that don’t come with one. Here are a few practical solutions I’ve advised clients and team members to follow:
🔄 Request a Chequebook from Your Bank
The most straightforward option is to request a chequebook through your bank’s mobile app, net banking, or by visiting the branch. Some banks even issue chequebooks for basic savings accounts upon request.
📄 Use a Bank Statement or Verification Letter
Some organizations accept a bank statement or an account verification letter that includes your name, account number, IFSC code, and bank details. Just make sure it’s stamped and signed by the bank manager if required.
🏦 Visit Your Branch for a Printed Cancelled Cheque
Certain banks offer a cancelled cheque leaf printed on official letterhead as a paid service. It looks like a regular cheque but is marked cancelled by the bank itself. This is useful when you’re in a rush and need to meet a deadline.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check with the person or institution requesting the cancelled cheque if they accept alternatives — this can save you time, especially when you don’t have a chequebook handy.
Digital Alternatives to a Cancelled Cheque (When You Don’t Have One)
Now let’s say you’re in a situation where you can’t access your chequebook — maybe you never received one, or it’s misplaced. Don’t worry. Over the years, I’ve seen many banks and financial institutions accept digital alternatives to cancelled cheques, especially in KYC or document collection processes.
Here are a few options you can try:
📄 1. Bank Account Verification Letter
Most banks will issue an account verification letter on their official letterhead. This document includes your name, account number, IFSC code, and branch details — everything a cancelled cheque usually shows.
Just visit your branch or request it through internet banking (some banks allow this online). Make sure the letter is stamped and signed.
📘 2. First Page Copy of Passbook
If your passbook has your photo, name, account number, and IFSC code, you can submit a scanned copy of the first page. This works well for government processes like PF withdrawal and often accepted in place of a cancelled cheque.
🌐 3. Cancelled Cheque Image from Net Banking
A few banks, like ICICI or Kotak, offer the option to download a sample cancelled cheque directly from your internet banking portal. It contains your account details along with a watermark or “Cancelled” stamp.
✅ Important: Always confirm with the requesting party if these alternatives are accepted before submitting.
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Dos and Don’ts of Using a Cancelled Cheque
Over the years, I’ve seen people make simple mistakes that can delay approvals or raise unnecessary red flags. So here’s a quick checklist I always give to interns or new employees when dealing with cancelled cheques:
✅ Do:
- Use only your own bank cheque — the name printed should match your official documents.
- Keep a scanned copy on your device or drive if you need to submit it multiple times. Saves time.
❌ Don’t:
- Don’t sign the cheque unless someone specifically asks for it. Cancelled cheques don’t need signatures and signing them unnecessarily can cause confusion or security concerns.
- Don’t write personal info like phone numbers, email, or Aadhaar number unless the company instructs you to do so. A cancelled cheque is meant to be clean and simple.
By keeping these small things in mind, you can avoid rejections, delays, or — worse — exposing your banking details in the wrong way.
If you’re unsure whether your document is acceptable, it’s always better to call the institution and ask. A 2-minute confirmation can save you a lot of back and forth.
Conclusion
A cancelled cheque may seem like a small, simple document — but it plays a crucial role in verifying your bank account details safely and securely. Whether it’s for opening accounts, completing KYC, applying for loans, or processing your EPF withdrawal, this piece of paper helps financial institutions confirm your identity and ensure smooth transactions.
To avoid last-minute hassle, it’s a good idea to keep one or two cancelled cheques ready and safely stored — either as physical copies or scanned images. This way, whenever you’re asked, you’ll be prepared and can submit them without delay.
And remember, if you’re ever unsure about how to prepare or submit a cancelled cheque, or if alternatives are acceptable, don’t hesitate to reach out to your bank or the requesting institution for clarification. It’s always better to confirm and get it right the first time.
With this knowledge, you’re now fully equipped to handle cancelled cheque requests like a pro!
FAQs
1. How can I get a cancelled cheque?
To get a cancelled cheque, simply take a blank cheque from your chequebook and draw two parallel lines across it diagonally. Then write the word “CANCELLED” clearly between the lines. Do not sign the cheque. This makes it unusable for transactions but valid for verifying your bank details.
2. How do I get a cancelled check?
If you have a chequebook, follow the steps above to mark a cheque as cancelled yourself. If you don’t have a chequebook, you can request one from your bank or provide alternatives like a bank account verification letter or a scanned copy of your passbook’s first page.
3. How do you request to cancel a cheque? How do I ask my bank to cancel a check?
If you want to stop a cheque payment you issued, you need to request a cheque stop payment from your bank, usually by submitting a written application or using your internet banking. However, this is different from a cancelled cheque for verification purposes. For verification, you cancel the cheque yourself by marking it “CANCELLED” as explained above.
4. Do you need a signature for a Cancelled cheque?
No, a cancelled cheque does not require your signature. In fact, signing a cancelled cheque is not recommended, as it is meant to be a non-negotiable document used solely to verify your bank account details.