Frequently Asked Questions

1 Why do I need to replace my cheque book?   In compliance with the new guidelines issued by the Central Bank of UAE, new security measures have been applied to cheque books. These guidelines were introduced to avoid fraudulent activities and to increase the security of the customer's banking transactions. Effective 1 January 2011, all banks across the UAE may not accept cheques without these new security features. 2 How do I order my new cheque book with the latest security features?   You can order a new cheque book in the following ways: - Visit your nearest RBS branch; - Call our phone banking service; or - Visit our website www.rbsbank.ae and log onto eBanking 3 What is the cost for my new/replacement cheque book with the new security features?   You have the option of ordering cheque books comprising of 25, 50 or 100 leaves. Each leaf is AED 1. Please refer to our Schedule of Charges. 4 Can I withdraw cash from RBS Branches with my old ABN AMRO cheque?   Cheques without the new mandated security features can be used until 31 December 2010. 5 Do all banks have to comply with these new guidelines of the Central Bank?   Yes. With immediate effect, all UAE banks have to comply with the new guidelines set by the Central Bank. 6 What are the changes in the security features of the cheque?   In compliance with the guidelines of the Central Bank, there are multiple changes which will be reflected on the new cheques. In total, the cheque leaves would have at least 6 or more unique security features, some of which are not visible to the naked eye and can only be verified using specific equipment. However, there is one visible feature which can be tracked by you in order to avoid receiving or using cheques without the required security elements: A common feature on all cheque leaves is the word indicating the type of the instrument (i.e. Cheque/Pay Order/Managers Cheques/Cashiers Order) in thermo chromic ink. With this feature, the appropriate word changes its color and/or disappears when the temperature is raised. The color change will be a temporary effect. 7 How does this impact me as an RBS customer and what am I required to do?   Being an RBS customer, you can enjoy the benefit of high security on your RBS branded cheques as all RBS leaves are compliant with the Central Bank mandated new security features. If you are holding RBS cheque books without the word “CHEQUE” printed with thermo chromic ink, please note that banks across the UAE may no longer accept and process these cheques for clearing effective 01st January 2011. We encourage you to order your replacement cheque books by contacting us at 04-426-6000 OR visit your nearest branch, OR log onto www.rbsbank.ae 8 I have few old ABN AMRO Bank unused cheques. Can these old ABN AMRO cheques be used now?   We advise you not to use old unused cheques and order your new cheque book. 9 I have some post dated cheques received from one of my Clients. Will these be accepted, or should I get new cheques from my client?   Kindly ensure that all cheques without the new Central Bank mandated security features received/issued are presented and settled in UAE domestic clearing before 31 December 2010. Effective 1 January 2011, cheques without the mandated new security features may no longer be accepted by UAE banks for presentation for clearing. If you are a company holding these cheques and such cheques were collected before 31 March 2010 but being presented on or after 1 January 2011, the cheques have to be submitted along with an indemnity confirming that the such cheques were collected prior to 31 March 2010 and were held for presentment. 10 I have given some post dated cheques to my landlord for my flat rent on 1 December 2009. Will my old cheques be accepted?   Cheques issued without the new mandated security features dated 31 March 2010 and after should get presented and settled in clearing before 31 December 2010. If, however, you have issued PDC to non individuals (e.g. companies) favoring vendors, property developers, other finance companies etc., such beneficiaries can approach their bankers for guidance. Their bankers may allow them to submit these cheques for clearing accompanied by an indemnity. The indemnity will be a confirmation from the beneficiary that these cheques were collected by them prior to 31 March 2010. 11 My car is financed by another bank and I have presented them with post dated cheques (PDCs) for the next 4 years. Will these cheques be rejected?   Post dated cheques issued towards repayment of loans and already accepted by banks on or before 28 February 2010 will be accepted by banks for presentation for clearing and need NO replacement. 12 I have few post dated non MICR cheques received from one of my clients. Will these be accepted in Clearing for presentation?   The UAE Central Bank (CB) has issued a notice to all banks not to present non-MICR cheques through domestic cheque clearing; it is advisable to replace non-MICR cheques. However, non-MICR cheques will be handled outside the local clearing and will be sent on collection basis to the drawee bank. The net amount (less our charges and other bank's charges) once realised will be credited. The turn around time for these cheques will be different than the normal clearing cheque cycle.