If you’re just starting to manage your finances, cheques can seem confusing — especially when someone asks, “Can you write a cheque on my behalf?” Suddenly, you’re unsure what to write, where to sign, or whether it’s even allowed.
Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many people new to banking face the same question when helping a friend, family member, or colleague. And while cheques may seem old-school in today’s digital world, they’re still widely used for official payments, rent, reimbursements, and more.
In this guide, we ’ll walk you through exactly how to fill a cheque for another person — step by step. Whether you’re issuing it to someone or filling it out for someone else, you’ll learn the right format, common mistakes to avoid, and how to keep it legally valid. Let’s make this simple and stress-free.
Can You Write a Cheque for Someone Else?
✅ Yes, you can write a cheque for someone else — but only with proper consent or legal authorization.
Filling out a cheque on behalf of another person is legally allowed, but it must be done carefully. Just like signing any financial document, writing a cheque is a sensitive action that involves trust — you’re essentially initiating a payment from someone else’s bank account.
Authorization and Consent Required
Before you write a cheque for another person:
- ✅ Make sure the account holder knows and agrees to the transaction.
- ✍️ It’s always safer to have written authorization, even if verbal consent is given — especially for large amounts.
- 🧾 If you’re managing someone’s finances regularly (like an elderly parent, business partner, or employer), it’s best to have a Power of Attorney (POA) or written mandate filed with the bank.
Once you have the right permissions in place, the next step is learning how to fill it out correctly — and we’ll cover that next.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling a Cheque for Another Person
Let’s assume the account holder has asked you to fill out a cheque on their behalf and has provided full consent. Here’s how to do it properly, step by step:
Step 1: Write the Date Correctly
Start by entering the current date in the top right corner of the cheque in the DD/MM/YYYY format.
Why it matters:
The validity of the cheque is counted from this date. Since cheques in India are typically valid for only three months, an incorrect date can cause the bank to reject or delay the transaction.
Step 2: Write the Payee’s Full Name Clearly
On the line labeled “Pay,” write the full legal name of the person or business receiving the payment. Avoid using nicknames, abbreviations, or initials unless they match the recipient’s official bank records.
Tip: If the payment is being made to a company or service provider, double-check their registered business name to ensure accuracy.
Step 3: Write the Amount in Words and Figures
Next, write the amount to be paid in two formats:
- In words: On the line below the payee’s name (e.g., “Twenty-Five Thousand Only”)
- In numbers: Inside the box provided (e.g., ₹25,000/-)
Important: Both formats must match exactly. If there’s any mismatch between the written and numerical amounts, the bank will reject the cheque.
Step 4: Choose Between “Account Payee” and “Bearer”
Decide how the cheque should be processed:
- Account Payee: Write “A/C Payee” between two diagonal lines at the top left corner of the cheque. This ensures the amount is credited only to the named payee’s bank account.
- Bearer: If you leave the cheque without crossing it out or writing “A/C Payee,” it becomes a bearer cheque, which can be encashed by anyone holding it.
Recommendation: For safety and security, always opt for “Account Payee” unless there’s a specific reason to allow bearer encashment.
Step 5: Leave the Signature Section for the Account Holder
This is the most critical part. Do not sign the cheque yourself unless:
- You are the account holder, or
- You hold legal signing authority (such as Power of Attorney) recognized by the bank.
What you can do instead:
Fill in all the required details, then leave the signature section blank for the account holder to sign. This is the most appropriate and widely accepted method when filling a cheque on someone else’s behalf.
Following these steps ensures that the cheque is correctly filled, secure, and ready to be processed without issues. Up next, we’ll go over a few tips and reminders to help you avoid common cheque-related problems.
Cheque Handling Checklist (For Writing on Behalf of Someone Else)
🔐 Authorization
☐ Received verbal or written permission from the account holder
☐ Confirmed I am legally authorized (or holder will sign cheque themselves)
Filling the Cheque
☐ Correct date written in DD/MM/YYYY format
☐ Full payee name written clearly (no nicknames or abbreviations unless official)
☐ Amount in words is accurate and matches the amount in numbers
☐ No blank spaces left on the cheque
☐ “A/C Payee” written (unless bearer cheque is specifically needed)
☐ Signature section left blank for account holder (unless POA holder)
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📦 Handling the Cheque
☐ Took a clear photo or photocopy of the filled cheque
☐ Used a secure envelope or hand-delivery method
☐ Confirmed the cheque was handed over to the authorized recipient
☐ Noted the cheque handover date and recipient’s name for reference.
Additional Tips
☐ Recorded the cheque details in a personal/company ledger
☐ Informed the issuer/payee once the cheque is delivered
☐ Ensured the cheque is deposited within 3 months to avoid expiry
Tip for Regular Use: If you’re filling cheques frequently for someone else, consider getting a Power of Attorney (POA) or bank mandate access for smoother processing.
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Precautions to Take When Filling a Cheque for Someone Else
When you’re handling someone else’s cheque, extra care is essential. Even a small mistake can lead to delays, rejection by the bank, or worse — misuse. Here are some important precautions to follow:
1. Double-Check All Details
Before handing over the cheque, review every field: the date, payee name, amount in words and numbers, and that “A/C Payee” (if applicable) is written properly. Double-checking takes a few seconds but can save a lot of trouble.
2. Avoid Leaving Blank Spaces
Always fill in the cheque neatly and completely. Blank spaces—especially in the amount or payee sections—can be misused by someone with bad intentions. If any space is left unused, strike it through with a single line to prevent tampering.
3. Get Consent or Authorization from the Account Holder
Never fill out a cheque on someone’s behalf without their permission. At the very least, verbal consent should be given for one-time requests. For regular handling, a written authorization or Power of Attorney (POA) is strongly advised to protect both you and the account holder legally.
What to Do If You Make a Mistake While Filling in the Cheque
Mistakes happen — and when they do on a cheque, it’s best to handle them properly rather than trying to fix them on the spot.
Avoid Correcting Mistakes on the Cheque
Don’t try to overwrite, use white ink, or scribble out the mistake. Most banks do not accept corrected or tampered cheques, even if they’re minor. Any visible correction raises red flags and increases the chances of rejection.
Cancel and Issue a Fresh Cheque
The safest approach is to cancel the cheque by drawing two lines across it and writing “CANCELLED” in bold letters across the front. Then, start over with a new cheque, ensuring all details are correct.
If you’re not the account holder, return the incorrect cheque to them and request a new one for refilling.
By following these precautions and handling errors the right way, you can ensure that the cheque process remains smooth, secure, and professional — whether you’re writing your own or assisting someone else.
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Tips for Safe Cheque Handling When Writing for Others
Now that you know how to fill a cheque for someone else, let’s talk about what happens after the cheque is filled. Even the most carefully written cheque can run into trouble if it isn’t handled safely.
Here are some practical tips I always recommend to clients and juniors alike:
1. Keep Records or Copies of the Cheque
If you’re filling a cheque for someone else, it’s smart to keep a photocopy or take a clear photo of the filled cheque (before it’s signed). This helps in two ways:
- You’ll have a record of the amount, date, and payee.
- If any confusion arises later (e.g., cheque is lost, delayed, or misused), you’ll have proof of what was issued.
Even if you’re not the account holder, keeping a copy can help you track the transaction responsibly.
2. Use Secure Delivery Methods
If you’re handing over the cheque physically — whether to the payee or back to the account holder for signing — don’t just pass it around casually.
Use a sealed envelope or trusted courier. If it’s within your office or family, hand it over personally or through someone you trust. Avoid giving cheques to unauthorized people, especially if it’s a bearer cheque.
Remember, a misplaced or mishandled cheque can be misused — especially if not marked “Account Payee”.
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Conclusion
Writing a cheque for someone else isn’t complicated — but it does come with responsibility. You’re helping manage another person’s money, so every step must be handled with accuracy, clarity, and care.
Let’s recap the key points:
- Always have authorization or consent before writing a cheque for someone else.
- Fill out the details — date, payee, amount — carefully and avoid blank spaces.
- Let the account holder sign the cheque, unless you’re legally authorized.
- Keep a copy, use secure handling methods, and communicate clearly with all parties involved.
When you follow these practices, you’re not just avoiding errors — you’re building trust and handling finances like a true professional.
FAQs
How do I assign a cheque to someone else?
Assigning a cheque to another person, also known as endorsing a cheque, is only possible if the cheque is not marked “Account Payee.” On the back, write “Pay to [New Person’s Name],” sign underneath, and hand it over. But keep in mind, most modern cheques are non-transferable due to banking regulations and security concerns. In such cases, the safest approach is to request the original issuer to cancel the old cheque and issue a new one in the name of the correct recipient.
How to write a cheque for another person?
You can write a cheque for another person as long as you have the account holder’s clear consent. Begin by entering the correct date in the top right corner, followed by the payee’s full legal name on the “Pay” line. Then, write the amount in both words and figures, making sure they match. For security, it’s best to cross the cheque and write “A/C Payee” to ensure the funds go directly into the recipient’s account. However, only the account holder should sign the cheque—unless you are legally authorized, such as through a Power of Attorney.
How to fill out a cheque for someone?
Filling out a cheque for someone means you’re entering all the payment details on behalf of the account holder. Write the full name of the payee without spelling errors, the amount in words (e.g., “Twenty Thousand Only”), and the same amount in numbers. Avoid leaving blank spaces, as that could invite tampering. Write “Account Payee” if you want the cheque to be deposited into a bank account instead of being cashed. Importantly, leave the signature area blank unless you have official permission to sign on the account holder’s behalf.
How do you cash a cheque on someone’s behalf?
To cash a cheque on behalf of someone else, the original payee must endorse it to you. This usually involves signing the back of the cheque and writing a note like “Pay to [Your Name].” They may also need to provide a signed letter of authorization and a photocopy of their ID. You’ll be required to present your ID when cashing the cheque. However, not all banks accept such third-party encashments, especially with stricter fraud policies today—so it’s wise to check the bank’s policy in advance.