New Cheque Security Features – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the change?
   At the instruction of the UAE Central Bank, with effect from 1st January 2011, we will no longer accept monetary instruments (i.e. Cheques, Pay Orders / Manager's Cheques) for outward clearing that do not incorporate the new security features.
   
   
2. Why is this happening?
   This has been mandated by the UAE Central Bank, in the larger interest of the public, to reduce fraud, since the instruments with the new security features are tamper proof.  All banks are required to incorporate a set of new security features in their monetary instruments.
   
   
3. Are Standard Chartered Bank Cheques and Pay Orders compliant?
   Yes, all cheques that have been issued by Standard Chartered Bank from June 2010 adhere to this mandate.
   
   
4. How can I tell if my cheques are new (i.e. compliant) or old (i.e. non-compliant)?
   There are several differences but most of these are not visible to the naked eye. The simplest and most obvious feature is the use of thermo chromic ink on the face of the cheque. Please refer to our website for an illustration of this feature.
   
   
5. What if my Standard Chartered Bank cheques are non-compliant?
   You should apply for a new cheque book as soon as possible.
   While Standard Chartered Bank will continue to accept your old cheques at our Branches, other banks may not.
   
   
6. What should I do with my old non-compliant cheques?
   Please carefully destroy all your old cheques.
   
   
7. How can I apply for a new Standard Chartered Bank cheque book?
   You can apply for a new cheque book through any one of the following ways:
   • Written application submitted at any branch
   • By calling Phone Banking on 600 5222 88
   • Through Online Banking
   • Through our ATMs
     
     
8. What are the charges for a new cheque book?
   

   Segment	# of cheque leaves	Charges
   Personal Banking	10	AED 40
   	25	AED 50
   Priority Banking	Any	Free
   SME Banking	25	AED 25
   	50	AED 50

   
   
   
9. How long will it take to receive a cheque book?
   
   • If you choose to collect the cheque book directly from the branch – 3 working days
   • If you choose to have the cheque book delivered to you by courier – 4 working days
     
     
10. What should I do if I have been given old non-compliant cheques by someone else?
    You should return the old, non-complaint cheques to the person who gave them to you and ask them to replace the old cheques with new, compliant cheques instead.
    If you have received these old, non-compliant cheques before 31st March 2010 and are no longer able to replace them, please do complete a written Indemnity Form instructing us to accept these non-compliant cheques and submit this form along with the cheques for deposit into your account.
    
    
11. I have previously written several post-dated cheques to the Bank for my loan. Should I be replacing all those cheques as well?
    No, any post-dated cheques (PDCs) that are already in the Bank's possession do not have to be changed.
    The UAE Central Bank has permitted Banks to honour any PDCs that are currently in the possession of the Bank.

For any further clarification, please call us on 600 5222 88