New RBI Rule – In a surprising development, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a nationwide alert about a widespread cheque-related mistake committed by over 90% of Indian account holders. With a strict new compliance rule taking effect from 15 July 2025, the RBI has warned that failing to follow this directive could lead to the freezing or blocking of individual bank accounts. This alert has sparked widespread concern among customers who frequently issue or deposit cheques, especially senior citizens and salaried employees. If you use cheques for monthly rent, EMI payments, salary disbursal, or business transactions, this new RBI rule directly affects you. Here’s everything you must know to stay compliant and avoid account deactivation.
RBI’s New Cheque Compliance Rule Explained
As part of its efforts to tighten banking norms and reduce fraud, the RBI has made it mandatory for all cheque transactions above ₹50,000 to adhere to the updated Positive Pay System (PPS). Any cheque issued without following these new instructions may be rejected outright, and repeated violations could lead to account blocking.
Key Highlights of the 15 July 2025 Cheque Rule:
- Cheques above ₹50,000 must be registered with PPS before submission.
- Issuers must confirm details like amount, date, beneficiary name, and cheque number in advance.
- Failure to verify a high-value cheque may result in rejection and temporary account freeze.
- Applies to both personal and business bank accounts.
- Banks will no longer be liable for losses due to fraud if PPS is not used.
What Is the Positive Pay System (PPS)?
The Positive Pay System is an RBI-mandated security feature that requires cheque issuers to reconfirm crucial details before the cheque is processed. This is to combat rising cheque frauds, duplicate clearing, and unauthorized alterations.
Cheque Details That Must Be Confirmed in PPS:
- Cheque Number
- Cheque Date
- Payee’s Name
- Account Number
- IFSC Code
- Transaction Amount
- Issuing Bank Branch
- MICR Code
The verification can be done through net banking, mobile banking, or by visiting the bank branch directly.
Major Consequences If You Don’t Comply
Failing to follow the new rule after 15 July 2025 could lead to serious repercussions, including:
- Cheque rejection at the clearing stage.
- Freezing of your bank account for suspected fraud risk.
- Permanent blocking if repeated violations are detected.
- Loss of banking privileges like cheque book issuance and overdraft facilities.
- Legal action under anti-fraud laws.
Banks have already begun notifying customers via SMS, email, and app alerts. Customers are urged to update their cheque issuing habits immediately.
Who Is Most Affected by This Rule?
This new rule will primarily affect:
- Small business owners issuing high-value cheques
- Landlords collecting rent via cheque
- Senior citizens relying on cheques for pensions or savings withdrawal
- Loan repayment through post-dated cheques
- Employers paying salaries or incentives by cheque
Below is a detailed table to understand who needs to act and how:
| Category of User | Risk Level | Action Required | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual (₹<50K Cheques) | Low | No immediate change needed | Not affected |
| Individual (₹>50K Cheques) | High | Must use PPS for each cheque issued | 15 July 2025 |
| Business Accounts | Very High | Integrate PPS with accounting tools | 15 July 2025 |
| Senior Citizens | Medium | Learn & adapt to online PPS or get help | 15 July 2025 |
| Landlords | High | Use PPS for rent cheques above ₹50K | 15 July 2025 |
| Loan Borrowers | High | Notify banks to register PDCs under PPS | 15 July 2025 |
| Employers | Very High | Register every high-value salary cheque | 15 July 2025 |
How to Register a Cheque in PPS (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to quickly comply with the RBI cheque rule through the Positive Pay System:
Method 1: Via Net Banking
- Log in to your bank’s online portal
- Navigate to ‘Positive Pay’ option
- Enter cheque number, date, payee name, and amount
- Submit and wait for confirmation
Method 2: Via Mobile App
- Open your bank’s official mobile app
- Tap on ‘Cheque Services’ > ‘Positive Pay’
- Fill in the required cheque details
- Confirm submission
Method 3: Visit the Bank Branch
- Carry your cheque book and ID
- Fill in a PPS form with cheque details
- Submit it to the teller for system update
List of Banks Implementing Strict PPS Mandate
Almost all major public and private banks have announced mandatory PPS for high-value cheques. Here is a sample list:
| Bank Name | PPS Mandate for ₹>50K Cheques | PPS Access Options | Charges Applicable |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBI | Yes | Net banking, App, Branch | No |
| HDFC Bank | Yes | Mobile app, Net banking | No |
| ICICI Bank | Yes | Internet banking only | No |
| Axis Bank | Yes | App + Branch | No |
| Bank of Baroda | Yes | All channels | No |
| Punjab National Bank | Yes | Branch + Online | No |
| Kotak Mahindra | Yes | Net banking, App | No |
| Canara Bank | Yes | Branch and SMS | No |
How to Avoid Account Freeze After 15 July 2025
If you regularly issue or deposit cheques above ₹50,000, follow these tips to avoid account trouble:
- Always verify high-value cheques using the PPS
- Educate family members and staff who use cheques
- Switch to digital payment modes for large transactions
- Maintain regular SMS and email alerts from the bank
- Do not issue blank cheques under any circumstances
- Update your contact details with the bank
RBI’s Official Statement on Cheque Safety
In its latest press note, the RBI stated:
“Cheque-based transactions continue to be vulnerable to fraud. Positive Pay implementation is mandatory for consumer protection and to ensure banks are not held responsible for unverified cheque fraud.”
Banks have been directed to block accounts with non-compliant transactions after 15 July 2025 and submit reports to the RBI regularly.
The 15 July 2025 RBI cheque rule marks a crucial shift toward safe and transparent banking. As most Indians still depend on physical cheques for high-value payments, it’s critical to follow the Positive Pay System immediately. Ignorance of the rule will not be considered an excuse, and account blocking will be automated in many banks. Avoid the mistake 90% of people are making — act before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the deadline for the new RBI cheque rule?
A: The last date to comply with the new Positive Pay cheque rule is 15 July 2025.
Q2. Will my bank account be blocked for one mistake?
A: No, but repeated non-compliance or fraud suspicion can lead to account freeze or permanent blocking.
Q3. Is the Positive Pay System mandatory for all cheque amounts?
A: No, it is mandatory only for cheques above ₹50,000. However, some banks may apply it for lower values too.
Q4. Can I use UPI or NEFT to avoid this rule?
A: Yes, digital modes like UPI, NEFT, and IMPS are not affected by the Positive Pay rule.
Q5. What if I already issued cheques for July without PPS?
A: You must immediately register those cheques under PPS before they are deposited or cleared. Contact your bank for assistance.