How to write a cheque in Singapore and deposit one

Singapore is hoping to go cheque-free by 2025, pushing towards the wider use of e-payments.¹

But not everyone in the country uses electronic transactions, so you may still encounter the need to use a cheque. For example, you may need to pay a building contractor by cheque, or deposit a cheque you receive from a relative as a wedding present.

If you are still a cheque user, the good news is that most of the main banks still accept them. This includes POSB, DBS, OCBC and UOB.

But how do you actually write and deposit a cheque in Singapore? We’ve put together a handy refresher guide in case you’re new to the country or it’s been a while since you’ve filled a cheque. So let’s get started.

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Filling a cheque: step by step

It’s relatively straightforward to complete a cheque in Singapore.

Simply follow these steps:

1. Fill in the date – this should be the date you’re filling the cheque, not the date you plan to give it to the recipient

2. Write the full name of the person or company you’re paying – as per their invoice or bank statement

3. Cross out ‘or bearer’² – this means that only your intended recipient can clear the cheque. To make extra sure that the bank knows the cheque is for the intended recipient only, draw two diagonal lines on the top left-hand corner of the cheque.

4. Fill in the amount you’d like to pay – both in numbers in the correct box, and in words under the recipient’s name. Make sure that both of these numbers match.

5. Sign your cheque.

Different types of cheques in Singapore

The way you fill your cheque will depend on what type it is. There are two types you need to know about in Singapore – a cash cheque and a crossed cheque.

The main difference between these cheques is who can deposit each type. Let’s take a closer look…

Cash cheque

A cash cheque can be cleared by anyone. If you don’t know the recipient’s name or it doesn’t matter, you can simply write ‘cash’ on the pay line. This indicates that whoever has the cheque can take it to the bank and cash it. They don’t need to have a bank account or have to prove that they are the intended recipient. They can simply receive the funds in cash.

Crossed cheque

If you only want a particular person or company to be able to clear the cheque, this is the type of cheque to choose. A crossed cheque is a clear message to the bank that only the recipient is permitted to deposit the funds into their bank account.

This is a smart choice if you’re worried about fraud, as it means that lost or stolen cheques can’t be cleared by just anyone. If the cheque falls out of the recipient’s pocket while walking down the street, it can’t then be cashed by a random passer-by. This provides extra protection for your money, as well as peace of mind.

To create a crossed cheque, simply follow the steps above and make sure to cross out the words ‘or bearer’. Remember to include two diagonal lines in the left-hand corner of the cheque. This is what makes it a ‘crossed’ cheque.

Depositing a cheque in Singapore

Received a cheque? Depositing it is a standardised process in Singapore, so it’s pretty much the same everywhere. You should find it relatively easy and quick to deposit a cheque and receive the money.

The only catch is that you can only deposit a cheque at your own bank, or a bank where you have an account. Unfortunately, you can’t deposit your cheque at the sender’s bank either.

There is an exception to this, however. For POSB or DBS bank, you can use a branch of either even if you only have an account with one. This is because DBS owns POSB.³

When you’re ready to deposit the cheque, follow these steps:

1. Write your account number, full name and contact number on the back of the cheque.

2, Visit a local branch of your bank before 3.30pm³ (the cut-off time for cheque clearing) on a business day. If you deposit your cheque after the cut-off time, it may only be cleared the day after next.

1. You can also use a quick cheque deposit box if the bank has one.

When the bank receives your cheque, they’ll usually send an image of it to the sender’s bank. This enables the sending bank to release the funds. The money is then credited into your account.

How long it takes to receive your money depends when you deposit your cheque: ³

So, if you need the money urgently, you’d better make sure you get to the bank with your cheque before the daily cut-off time.

And remember that cheques in Singapore are usually only valid for around 6 months from the date they are written². With this in mind, aim to deposit yours sooner rather than later – just in case you forget about that cheque sitting at the bottom of your bag.

So, that’s pretty much it – all you need to know about writing and depositing a cheque in Singapore.

You should now know what to write where, and how to cross your cheque to prevent it being cashed by someone other than the intended recipient. Hopefully, you’ll find it relatively straightforward, even if it’s been a while since you’ve sent or received a cheque.

Even though Singapore is moving towards a cashless or at least ‘chequeless’ way of banking, it’s still useful to know how to write and deposit a cheque just in case you ever need to.

Sources used:

Sources checked on 21 January 2021.