Have you ever handed someone a cheque but told them not to cash it just yet? Or maybe you’ve received a cheque with a future date on it and weren’t sure what to do?
Post-dated cheques find extensive application in daily transactions, payment of house rent, school fees, and loans to business agreements. An element of uncertainty that many PDCs have is that many people are unaware of what they are and how they operate.
In this WeCredit blog, we will explore the concept of a PDC in simpler terms—what it means, why it’s used, how it works, and what you need to know regarding the dos and don’ts.
What is a Post-Dated Cheque (PDC)?
A post-dated cheque is a regular cheque that bears a date in the future rather than the date of issuance. In other words, the holder cannot cash or deposit the cheque until the stated date arrives.
For example, if today is May 5, 2025, but the cheque says May 20, 2025, it cannot be processed before May 20. The bank will hold it and pay out the funds on or after that date.
Why Do People Use Post-Dated Cheques?
There are many reasons why people choose to use PDCs:
- Schedule payments in advance: You may know you’ll have money in your account in the future, but not today.
- For loan or EMI payments: Lenders may raise demands for a few post-dated cheques to cover installments.
- For rent or tuition fees: Landlords and institutions may require cheque payments for the upcoming months.
- To show commitment: Giving a PDC is a way of saying, “I promise to pay you on this date.”
How Does a Post-Dated Cheque Work?
Below is how a typical PDC functions:
- Cheque is written: The issuer fills in the cheque with a date set in the future.
- Cheque is handed over: It is handed over to the person who should get the money (the payee).
- Cheque is deposited: The payee deposits the cheque on or after the date mentioned in it.
- Cheque is cleared: The bank looks to verify if good funds lie in the payer’s account, after which it proceeds with the transfer of funds.
If the cheque is deposited too early, most banks will not process it. They may reject it or keep it on hold until the proper date.
Is a PDC Legally Valid?
Yes, a post-dated cheque is a legally valid instrument. It is treated like a promise to pay on a specific date. If a PDC bounces due to insufficient funds or any other reason, it can lead to legal action under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, in many countries, including India.
So, while it might seem like a small piece of paper, a PDC carries serious legal weight.
Important Things to Know About PDCs
- No early deposits: It will not be paid before the date.
- Maintain good balance: It may bounce if funds are not in the account.
- Record all cheques: This is useful when multiple PDCs are issued for rent, loans, or services.
- Avoid errors: Check all dates, signatures, and amounts.
Advantages of Post-Dated Cheques
- Payment planning: PDCs help schedule and manage payments smoothly.
- Convenience: One can give many cheques at once for later payments and save time.
- Trust: It shows the intention of payment and supports smooth agreements.
- Good for long-term deals: Especially in rentals and loans where payments are regular.
Disadvantages of Post-Dated Cheques
- Bouncing of cheques: If there isn’t enough balance in your account on the due date, the cheque will bounce, leading to penalties or legal trouble.
- Inflexibility: Once a PDC is drawn, it cannot be cancelled or altered without the consent of the payee.
- Security issues: A cheque, if lost or misused, could be tampered with.
- Bank fees: Some banks may levy charges to process the returned or bounced PDC.
Common Uses of PDCs in Real Life
- Loan EMI payments: To secure the repayment of the loan, banks demand several post-dated cheques.
- House rent: Landlords may demand anything between 3 to 12 post-dated cheques.
- Tuition fees: Sometimes, educational institutions accept PDCs against term fees.
- Installment payment in businesses: Vendors may accept PDCs for installment payments for goods and services.
Conclusion
A post-dated cheque is a useful financial tool that allows for future payments in a planned and organized manner. It is legally valid, widely accepted, and commonly used in everyday financial arrangements. However, it should be used responsibly.
Always make sure your bank account has enough funds on the specified date to avoid bouncing the cheque. Keep a proper record of all cheques issued or received and never take a PDC lightly. It is a promise to pay, and not fulfilling that promise can lead to legal and financial consequences.
