General Crossing
When two parallel lines are drawn across the face of a cheque without any additional words or instructions, it is considered a general crossing. The general crossing signifies that the cheque can only be deposited into a bank account and cannot be cashed over the counter. The payment is directed through the banking system, ensuring a more secure and traceable transaction. This type of crossing is denoted by two parallel lines alone, without any other markings or words between them.
Special Crossing
A special crossing includes the addition of the name of a specific bank or a specific branch within the parallel lines. The purpose of a special crossing is to direct that the cheque be deposited only into the account of the bank specified. It provides further instructions to the bank, ensuring that the funds are credited to the specified bank or branch and not any other. The name of the bank or branch is written between the parallel lines in a special crossing.
Both general and special crossing provide an additional layer of security to the cheque by directing that it be processed through the banking system. The crossing of cheques helps prevent unauthorized encashment, reduces the risk of fraud, and promotes the use of banking channels for secure payment transactions.
