What is a circular cheque?
A circular cheque, also known as a bank draft or cashier’s cheque, is a type of payment where the funds are guaranteed. Unlike a personal cheque, which is drawn from the account holder’s own funds, a circular cheque is issued by the bank and backed by their own resources. This guarantees that the recipient will receive the full amount mentioned on the cheque.
Why do people use circular cheques?
There are several reasons why people choose to use circular cheques rather than personal cheques. Firstly, circular cheques provide a higher level of security as they eliminate the risk of bouncing due to insufficient funds. Secondly, they are often required for high-value transactions, such as purchasing a property or making a large investment, where the recipient requires a guaranteed payment.
How long does it take to process a circular cheque?
The processing time for a circular cheque can vary depending on various factors, including the bank’s internal processes and the country where the cheque is being processed. However, in general, the processing time for a circular cheque can range from one to five business days.
What happens during the processing of a circular cheque?
When you deposit a circular cheque into your bank account, several steps are involved in the processing. Initially, the bank verifies the authenticity of the cheque to ensure that it is genuine and not counterfeit. Once the cheque’s authenticity is confirmed, the bank starts the process of clearing the funds.
During the clearing process, the bank contacts the issuing bank to verify that the account has sufficient funds for the cheque payment. This verification process can take some time, especially if the issuing bank is located in a different country or time zone.
Once the funds are verified, the clearing process continues, and the amount mentioned on the cheque is credited to the recipient’s account. The entire process, from depositing the cheque to crediting the funds, usually takes a few business days.
Are there any factors that can delay the processing time?
Yes, there are certain factors that can delay the processing time for a circular cheque. Here are a few common reasons:
- Weekend or public holidays: The processing time may be extended if you deposit the cheque on a weekend or during a public holiday as banks typically do not process transactions on these days.
- Interbank transfer: If the bank receiving the cheque is different from the issuing bank, it may take longer to complete the interbank transfer and verify the funds.
- Incorrect information: If there are any errors or discrepancies on the cheque, such as misspelled names or incorrect amounts, it can cause delays in the processing time.
Can you expedite the processing time for a circular cheque?
In certain cases, you may have the option to expedite the processing time for a circular cheque by requesting a faster service from your bank. Some banks offer expedited services for an additional fee, which can reduce the processing time to one or two business days. However, availability may vary depending on the bank and your location.
While the processing time for a circular cheque can vary, on average, it takes one to five business days. Factors such as weekends, public holidays, interbank transfers, and errors on the cheque can cause delays. If expedited processing is required, it may be possible through specialized services offered by certain banks. It’s always a good idea to inquire with your bank about their specific processing times and any options for expediting the process.