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Some points to remember while writing a cheque:
Don’t let any one rush you in writing the cheque. Make sure the cheque is properly dated, and bears the current signature that you have recorded with the bank. Make the cheque crossed or account payee for definite receipt by the beneficiary. Always fill up the counter-foil of cheques for future reference and cross-checking with the statement of accounts.

Some points to remember while accepting a cheque:
Avoid cheques bearing signs of alteration, difference in amount and figure. Ensure that the signature matches with any ID the issuer is holding. Avoid bearer cheques, cheques not drawn on local banks by local payees, counter cheques-in other words cheques on which the name of the drawee and account number is not printed. Always avoid post-dated cheques.

Points to consult your bank representative or relationship manager for the better deals:
Ensure that you are availing the right products available at the bank. Find out if you are entitled to waiver on any service charges. Being a loyal, longstanding customer you may be entitled to a lower interest rate on loans or credit card. Therefore, it would be prudent to raise these queries with your Bank official.

Are all banks charging the same rate of service charge?
Not all banks are charging service fees at the same rate. It would be wise to take out your statements for the last year or so and add up the fees and penalties you paid for monthly account maintenance, ATMs, bounced checks, etc. Now compare your bank with three or four other banks. You may discover that you could earn or save by using another bank. Or, you may find that your own bank still offers a good value and that it is willing to make compromises to retain you as a customer.

How can you simplify banking?
You can simplify your life by making your bank (if the facility exist) automatically arrange some of your regular payments, such as your mortgage, health insurance premiums and utility bills. It can be an easy, economical alternative to writing and depositing a lot of checks each month.