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What is a Cheque Number and Where to Find It
Posted on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 | By IndusInd Bank
If you’ve ever held a cheque in your hand—whether to pay someone or deposit it into your account—you may have noticed a short number printed neatly in one corner. That’s the cheque number, and while it may seem like just another string of digits, it actually plays an important role in your banking transactions.
Let’s break it down and understand what a cheque number is, where to find it, and why it matters in everyday banking.
What is a Cheque Number?
A cheque number is a unique 6-digit identifier assigned to each cheque leaf in your cheque book. Think of it as a serial number that helps both you and the bank keep track of the cheque’s journey—from the time it’s issued to the moment it’s cleared.
This number is not reused, so each cheque has its own distinct number. When you issue a cheque, this number is recorded in your passbook or transaction history, making it easy to trace payments if needed.
Where Can I Find the Cheque Number?
It’s actually quite easy to spot the cheque number once you know where to look.
- Top right corner of the cheque: Usually printed in bold, clear font
- Bottom of the cheque leaf: Part of the series of numbers printed in magnetic ink (near the MICR code)
For example, if your cheque number is 004521, it will appear in both places on the cheque leaf. The same number is also reflected in your account records when the cheque is processed.
| Tip: If you’ve torn a cheque from your cheque book, you can also find the number on the cheque book stub for easy reference. |
Also Read: How to Fill a Cheque Correctly: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Key Features of a Cheque
Now that you know what the cheque number is, it helps to understand the other key elements printed on a cheque:
- Date: When the cheque is issued (important for post-dated or stale cheques)
- Payee’s name: The person or business being paid
- Amount: Written in both figures and words
- Account holder’s signature: Required to authorise the payment
- IFSC and MICR codes: Used for branch identification and faster clearing
Each of these features plays a role in making your cheque a valid, secure instrument for payment.
Types of Cheques You Should Know
In India, there are several types of cheques, each with a specific purpose. Knowing the difference can help you use them more effectively.
- Bearer Cheque: Can be encashed by anyone holding it. Riskier if misplaced.
- Order Cheque: Payable only to the person whose name is mentioned. Safer.
- Crossed Cheque: Has two parallel lines on the top-left; must be deposited into a bank account and cannot be encashed over the counter.
- Post-Dated Cheque: Dated for a future date; can only be processed on or after that date.
- Stale Cheque: A cheque older than 3 months from the issue date—automatically invalid.
Each type serves different payment needs, and your cheque number is one way to identify and track them once issued.
Wrapping Up
While cheques may seem old-school in a world of UPI and netbanking, they’re still widely used—especially for large transactions, rent payments, EMIs, or official documentation. Knowing your cheque number makes it easier to keep track of payments, flag any issues with your bank, or check your transaction history.
So, the next time you issue a cheque, don’t overlook that 6-digit number in the corner. It’s your personal transaction tracker—quiet, reliable, and important.
