By Charlotte GAUCHON
7 April 2025
Using a cheque to pay for a purchase or receive a payment seems to be part of everyday life. However, behind this apparent simplicity lie precise legal rules. Can you refuse payment by cheque? What does «handing over» a cheque really mean? What are your bank's obligations when a cheque is presented on your account? And what should you do if a cheque is stopped? This article looks at the practical aspects of paying by cheque, clarifying the rights and obligations of each party: the payer, the recipient and the bank handling the transaction. A good understanding of these rules is essential if you are to navigate your transactions with peace of mind. When can or should you pay by cheque? As a general rule, you are free to choose the method of payment. A creditor (for example, a retailer) is not obliged to accept payment by cheque and may require...