Overview

• Banks are running a full-day trial on Oct. 3 to validate systems ahead of the nationwide rollout.
• Phase 1 runs Oct. 4–Jan. 2, 2026 with drawee banks required to confirm by 7 pm the same day, with Phase 2 from Jan. 3 tightening the response window to three hours.
• Cheques deposited between 10 am and 4 pm will be scanned instantly, interbank settlements begin hourly from 11 am, and non-response by the cutoff results in auto-approval.
• Positive Pay is mandatory for cheques above Rs 5 lakh and recommended above Rs 50,000, with key details to be submitted at least 24 working hours before depositing cheques over Rs 50,000.
• The new rules cover all branches under the Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai clearing grids, and banks including HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank have told customers to be ready with accurate details and adequate balances.