Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Banks Add Cheque Security Codes Amid 2026 Deadline Reports
Some banks are putting a special mix of letters and numbers on cheques.
This code can help banks check whether a cheque is genuine and reduce fraud.
Bank of India has asked customers to use its newer cheque books.
The Reserve Bank of India is also making cheque processing more electronic and faster.
Some reports mention a December 31, 2026 deadline for certain older cheques.
However, that deadline may not apply to every bank or customer.
People should ask their bank whether an old cheque book must be replaced.
Cheques are generally usable for three months from the date written on them.
Extra cheque leaves may also cost money, depending on the bank and account.
Bank of India has introduced alphanumeric security codes on cheque leaves and urged customers to use newer cheque books.
The codes combine letters and numbers to help identify cheque leaves and strengthen verification.
The Reserve Bank of India is advancing electronic cheque clearing through the Cheque Truncation System.
Reports cite a December 31, 2026 deadline for some uncoded cheques, especially those worth Rs 50,000 or more, but it is not confirmed as universal.
Customers should check their bank’s official instructions, fees, and any replacement deadline before using older cheque books.
- Who
- Banks, their cheque-using customers, Bank of India, and the Reserve Bank of India.
- What
- Banks are introducing alphanumeric cheque security codes and advising some customers to replace older cheque books.
- When
- The article discusses measures taking effect around 2026; reports mention December 31, 2026, but no universal deadline is confirmed.
- Where
- Within bank cheque transactions and clearing systems; the article specifically discusses Bank of India and the Reserve Bank of India.
- Why
- To improve cheque identification and verification, reduce fraud and tampering, and support faster electronic clearing.
Bank-Specific Guidance
Universal Deadline Reports
Whether all old cheque books must be replaced
Bank-Specific Guidance
Customers should follow their own bank’s official instructions because security-code requirements and replacement policies may differ.
Universal Deadline Reports
Reports suggest that cheques without the code, particularly those worth Rs 50,000 or more, could face a December 31, 2026 deadline.
Scope of the 2026 deadline
Bank-Specific Guidance
The article says no universal Reserve Bank of India deadline has been confirmed for all banks and accounts.
Universal Deadline Reports
The reported deadline implies broader restrictions on certain uncoded cheques, although the article does not establish that it applies universally.
- Security feature
- An alphanumeric code made up of letters and numbers is printed on some newer cheque leaves.
- Bank of India guidance
- Bank of India has introduced the code and encouraged customers to replace older cheque books with newer series.
- Cheque clearing
- The Cheque Truncation System sends an electronic image and relevant data to the paying bank instead of physically moving the cheque.
- Reported deadline
- Some reports mention December 31, 2026, for certain cheques without the code, particularly cheques worth Rs 50,000 or more.
- Deadline status
- The article says customers should not assume this is a universal Reserve Bank of India deadline.
- Cheque validity
- A cheque is generally valid for three months from the date written on it.
- Bank of India allowance
- Savings account customers are entitled to 25 free cheque leaves per financial year; additional leaves may be charged.