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Principles of Cheque Design
The following general principles should be observed in the design of cheques:-
(a) The critical
area on a cheque is the amount field, the area where the issuer writes numeric figures
to designate the value of the cheque. The cheque should, therefore, be so designed
that anyone, by a glance rather than by close scrutiny can readily recognise the
correct amount. To comply with this principle, the recommended position for the amount
in figures is at the right end of the cheque, preferably immediately below the payee
line. All other numerals should be kept well away from the amount in figures.
(b) Cheques designed
with handprinted amount fields should have a preprinted "RM" sign that
the cheque image processing system can detect and recognise.
(c) The cheque design
should enable the name of the bank to be determined at a glance. The bank name and
address should be more prominently printed than the name of the drawer.
(d) The design of
the cheque should be such that the signature of the drawer and the printed title
of the account can be readily located. The recommended position for the signature
is at the lower right corner of the cheque above the 5/8" clear margin; and
for the printed title of the account to the left of the signature. Bear in mind that
with company accounts, in many instances there will be two signatures or even more
on the cheque. Thus, leave enough space for the signature(s). The area used should
be free of other printing which could interfere with legibility and should in no
way infringe upon the space reserved for magnetic ink encoding.
(e) The use of scenic
or heavily patterned backgrounds can cause a data separation problem unless the scene
or the patterns are soft and muted (high reflectance with gradual contrast change)
and printed in colours that are different from common colours of ink pens, ball point
pens and the ink or ribbons used by computer printers.
(f) Where possible,
the four main particulars - date, "or bearer", amount in figures and signature
should be grouped together on the right hand side of the cheque. The amount and the
date should, however, be sufficiently well separated to avoid confusion or the amount
highlighted by a box.
(g) Each bank may
decide on its own requirements for the location of the cheque serial number,but this
should preferably be located to the left side of the cheque so as not to interfere
with other information. Banks abroad have found the use of the cheque serial number
in the MICR code line sufficient identification, rendering the printing of this elsewhere
on the cheque unnecessary.
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