Any name for this kind of cheques?

[Mehrgan]

Hi there,

What would you call a cheque when it has no name on it and, hence, can be cashed by anyone who has it?

[Rover_KE]

I'd call it an open cheque.

Rover

[riquecohen]

I'd call it a blank check. (AmE)

[5jj]

I'd call it a blank check. (AmE)

In BrE, a blank cheque has the payee's name, but the amount to be paid is left blank.

[riquecohen]

In BrE, a blank cheque has the payee's name, but the amount to be paid is left blank.

I withdraw my previous answer, as I believe that 5JJ's response also applies to AmE. See second paragraph here. ?Blank check? auto loans flexible « Bankrate, Inc.

It is very unusual to issue a check with the payee line left blank. Checks are often made out to "Cash", in which case anyone can cash them.

[SoothingDave]

Hi there,

What would you call a cheque when it has no name on it and, hence, can be cashed by anyone who has it?

Jackpot!

[Barb_D]

It is very unusual to issue a check with the payee line left blank. Checks are often made out to "Cash", in which case anyone can cash them.

I concur.

[emsr2d2]

For me, a blank cheque can be:

- a cheque with nothing but a signature on it
- a cheque with a signature and a payee's name but no amount or date
- a cheque with a signature and the amount but no payee's name or date.

[probus]

In BrE, a blank cheque has the payee's name, but the amount to be paid is left blank.

In AmE too, in my opinion.

[SoothingDave]

In AmE too, in my opinion.

I agree more with emsr2d2. In my mind a "blank check" has a signature at the minimum. Before the days of cash machines and widespread credit card use, people who, for example, were going away for a trip and leaving their home and children in someone's care might leave a few blank checks with the caregiver, in case of emergency.