What to hide on a cancelled cheque before you share it
A cancelled cheque proves your bank account, but it also carries details you may not want to share. What to keep, what to hide, and how to cancel it safely.
Updated · 2 min read
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Open ChequeWhy people ask for a cancelled cheque
Employers, EPF withdrawals, insurance claims, loan EMIs and investment platforms ask for one to confirm your account number, IFSC and the account holder's name in a single document.
What's on it
| Detail | Usually needed? |
|---|---|
| Account holder name | Yes |
| Account number | Yes, for account verification |
| IFSC and branch | Yes |
| MICR line (bottom) | Rarely: cheque, bank and account codes |
| Your signature | No: never sign a cancelled cheque |
| Phone number (some banks print it) | No |
How to cancel and share it safely
- Write CANCELLED in capitals between two parallel lines across the cheque. Don't sign it.
- Photograph or scan it.
- Open Blur cheque: the account number and MICR line are found automatically. Untick the account number if the recipient needs to verify it.
- Cover anything else they don't need, then download and share.
If someone asks for a cancelled cheque with your signature on it, treat that as a red flag.
Questions
Can someone misuse a cancelled cheque?
It can't be cashed, but its details can be used in fraud attempts such as fake mandates. Share it only where it's needed.
Should I hide the account number?
Only if the recipient doesn't need to verify your account. Most uses of a cancelled cheque need it.