Any American equivalent for a 'crossed cheque', please?

[SoothingDave]

So, to summarize, it seems that there's no direct American equivalent of a crossed cheque, but there is a recognized process for achieving the same end: mark it 'for deposit only' - I think that's the wording both Barb and SD used.

b

The receiver of the check is the one who marks it "for deposit only." The person writing the check can not add any stipulations to how it is used, other than naming the payee.

 

[Tdol]

That does take it one step further than a British cheque- we can designate the usage to an extent.

 

[5jj]

It's interesting to see that this thread has now over twenty posts. A long discussion about something most of us don't use any more. Indeed, I believe that some British banks no longer issue cheques.

 

[emsr2d2]

It's interesting to see that this thread has now over twenty posts. A long discussion about something most of us don't use any more. Indeed, I believe that some British banks no longer issue cheques.

You're absolutely right. Several of my friends who have recently opened new current accounts have been advised that cheque books are not issued except in exceptional circumstances.

 

[probus]

The receiver of the check is the one who marks it "for deposit only." The person writing the check can not add any stipulations to how it is used, other than naming the payee.

Why stop now?

Technically any holder in due course ( a technical term in law) of a negotiable instrument such as a cheque can endorse it in any way he likes. A condition included by an endorser may limit that endorser's liability on the bill of exchange, but not that of prior endorsers.

 

[Tdol]

It's interesting to see that this thread has now over twenty posts. A long discussion about something most of us don't use any more. Indeed, I believe that some British banks no longer issue cheques.

I brought a cheque book with me when I left the UK in 2004 and I still have a few left. ;-)

 

[BobK]

It's interesting to see that this thread has now over twenty posts. A long discussion about something most of us don't use any more. Indeed, I believe that some British banks no longer issue cheques.

Until the last sentence I thought you were talking about the farthing. I still use cheques quite frequently - I just don't cross them.

b

 

[emsr2d2]

Until the last sentence I thought you were talking about the farthing. I still use cheques quite frequently - I just don't cross them.

b

I just can't think of a situation where I would need a cheque these days. I get cash from an ATM. I pay all my bills by direct debit or standing order. If I owe friends money, I log into my internet banking and transfer the money electronically. I pay for everything in shops in cash or on my debit card. On the rare occasions in the last few years that I have had to pay a tradesman, they have invoiced after the event and accepted payment by electronic transfer too.

 

[BobK]

I'm not a Luddite, honest. I do all those things; I even have a Paypal account. ;-) I just use a cheque-book as backup - for things like T'ai Chi classes and choral society subs.

b

 

[5jj]

I even have a Paypal account.

What's that? It sounds like some sort of escort service.

 

[Tdol]

What's that? It sounds like some sort of escort service.

It's like that except you don't get an escort and your life's savings get transferred to gentlemen who don't need lawyers.

 

[Mehrgan]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies and the cool discussion!