By Charlotte GAUCHON
6 April 2025
The «wooden cheque». The expression alone is enough to cause concern. Writing a cheque without the necessary funds in your bank account is not a trivial act under French law. Far from being a simple oversight, it triggers a strict process known as a «banking ban», the repercussions of which can be particularly restrictive on a day-to-day basis. Understanding this mechanism, the role of the Banque de France, the possibilities for rectifying the situation and the penalties incurred is essential for anyone who uses cheques. This article aims to demystify the consequences of bounced cheques, by clearly explaining how a bank ban works and the steps to take if you find yourself in this situation. The payment incident: the starting point It all begins with what the law calls a «payment incident». This occurs when your bank (the «drawee») refuses to pay...
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