Do I need to sign a cancelled cheque?

Kaustubh Katdare

Kaustubh Katdare

@thebigk Oct 26, 2024
I was wondering if I really need to sign a cancelled cheque whenever submitting it to authorities who require it. The answer is 'NO'. The modern cheques issued by the banks carry all the relevant information viz. your bank account number, bank name, full address - and that is more than enough information. I think this is an important information that everyone needs to know.

I'm in the process of withdrawing funds from my dormant EPF account and the process requires submitting a cancelled cheque along with the mandatory forms. I wondered what purpose does a cancelled cheque serve and some research on the Internet revealed that it's nothing but a confirmation that you hold an account with the bank. Not sure if it's a good way to verify; but that's what the PF department wants.

How to properly cancel a cheque?

Draw two parallel lines, separated by a distance of about 1.5 to 2 cm extending from the bottom left corner to the upper right corner of the cheque. Write in all caps " C A N C E L L E D " in between these two lines - and you are done! No need to sign it.

Hope you find this information useful. If you have questions - you may ask them below. I'm not an authority; but will try to offer as much help I can.

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  • Kaustubh Katdare

    Kaustubh Katdare

    @thebigk Mar 10, 2015

    That's right! One need not to sign a cancelled Cheque as things like magic pen (ink remover) are easily available in market. Any ill-minded can take advantage on your lose..
  • Anoop Kumar

    Anoop Kumar

    @anoop-kumar-GDGRCn Mar 10, 2015

    Kaustubh Katdare
    a confirmation that you hold an account with the bank. Not sure if it's a good way to verify; but that's what the PF department wants.
    Yes, It just for self-verification kind of thing.
    If anyone ask to sign it better make it
    1.5 to 2 cm extending from the bottom left corner to the upper right corner of the cheque. Write in all caps " C A N C E L L E D "
    and sign over the lines, not at the signature panel 😁 .
  • Kaustubh Katdare

    Kaustubh Katdare

    @thebigk Mar 11, 2015

    The bad part of the entire PF claim is that the forms need you to put a 'thumb impression' and also sign across the photographs. Feels almost like we are in 1901! I really wish to see everything getting digital.

    One of the reasons for providing a canceled cheque could be to prevent people from making mistakes in quoting their bank account number. I've seen how careless people are when filling out information.
  • Anoop Kumar

    Anoop Kumar

    @anoop-kumar-GDGRCn Mar 11, 2015

    Except PF withdraw PF things are now hassle free , UAN to track and online transfer to new account.
    Everything related to PF is on one portal now : #-Link-Snipped-#
  • Ankita Katdare

    Ankita Katdare

    @abrakadabra Jan 4, 2016

    I just found out there are one too many places where one needs to submit a cancelled cheque.

    Creating Demat accounts, KYC - Know your customer (KYC) for investments, for EMI payments, for Electronic clearance service (ECS) : read mutual funds, insurance policies and like Biggie said above - EPF withdrawals.

    Makes me want online transactions even more.