Crossed Check: how it works and how to fill one out

A check is still a very common form of payment in Brazil, especially for commercial transactions. However, to ensure security and prevent fraud, there are different ways to issue this form, one of which is the crossed check.

In this text, we'll talk about what a crossed check is, how it works, and show you how to be more secure with this type of payment.

Stay tuned to the end and find out everything you need to know.

What is a crossed check?

A crossed check is a way of issuing a check that prevents it from being cashed directly by the payee. Instead, it must be deposited at a bank branch or into a specific account for it to clear.

The check crossing process is done by drawing two parallel lines diagonally on the front of the check, which may or may not be accompanied by the expression “crossed check” or “crossed”.

How does a crossed check work?

When a check is crossed, the person who issued it informs the bank that it should not be paid directly to the beneficiary, but that it needs to be deposited into a bank account to be cashed.

The main function of this type of check is to ensure transaction security. By preventing the check from being cashed at the teller's desk, but instead deposited directly into the beneficiary's bank account, it minimizes the risk of fraud and ensures that the money is deposited into the correct account.

A crossed check is a way to ensure transaction security, especially for high-value bills. In case of theft, loss, or any other situation, you can securely cancel the bill directly at the bank.

When should you cross a check?

Check crossing is mandatory in some situations, such as when making a payment to a company or financial institution. In other cases, crossing may be an option for the issuer to ensure the security of the transaction.

The tip is that you use the crossed check in situations such as:

• Payments to companies;
• Payments of higher amounts;
• Payments by post-dated check;
• Payments in general to individuals.

Crossing your check gives you more security, so whenever possible, it's important to issue your checks this way.

How do I cross a check?

Issuing a crossed check is a very simple process. Simply mark the title with two parallel diagonal lines on the front of the check. This will indicate that your check should be deposited rather than cashed directly.

For added security, there are a few ways to make it even clearer that it's a crossed check. You can do this by writing the words "crossed check" or "crossed" next to the lines you drew.

Done. Now, just fill in all the remaining information and deliver it to the beneficiary.

Advantages and disadvantages of crossed check

We've compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of issuing a crossed check. Check it out below:

Advantages

• Greater security in transactions using checks;
• Lower risk of fraud or theft, as it must be deposited;
• Guarantee that the money will be deposited into the correct account.

Disadvantages

• The time for the beneficiary to receive the value of the title, issued on the crossed check, is longer than if he received a regular check.
• The check must be deposited; it cannot be exchanged directly.

What are the types of crossed checks?

Did you know there are three types of crossed checks? Which one to use will depend on the purpose of your check.

White crossed check

A blank crossed check is a type of check that has two parallel diagonal lines but no additional specifications written between them. This means it can be deposited into any bank account.

It is less restrictive and can be used in different situations, allowing the beneficiary to choose which bank account they want to deposit the check amount into.

However, it is important to remember that, even though it is a crossed check, the blank crossing does not guarantee the same security and protection against fraud as other forms of crossing.

Therefore, it is always important to check the available options and choose the best way to carry out the transaction safely and efficiently.

Crossed check nominative

The nominal crossed check has two parallel lines diagonally, just like the white crossed check, but with the difference that it comes with the name of the beneficiary filled in by the person issuing it.

This means that the check can only be deposited into the specified payee's bank account.

It is a safer way to carry out financial transactions, as it guarantees that the check amount will be deposited into the bank account indicated by the issuer, and not into any other account.

This helps prevent fraud and protects the beneficiary from the risk of check theft or loss.

However, it's important to remember that a personal crossed check is more restrictive than a blank crossed check. Therefore, it may limit the beneficiary's deposit options.

Black crossed check

A black crossed check is a type of check that, in addition to two parallel diagonal lines, has the words "Bank" written between them. This type of crossing indicates that the check can only be deposited into the beneficiary's bank account specified at the time of issue.

The black crossed check is considered the safest, as the specification of the bank in which the amount must be deposited makes the transaction even more restrictive.

Therefore, the black crossed check helps prevent fraud and protects the beneficiary against the risk of theft or loss of the check.

On the other hand, this is the most restrictive type of check available. So, it's important to make sure it's what you need at the moment.

Frequently asked questions

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