Truncation is the process of stopping the flow of the physical cheque issued by a drawer at some point by the presenting bank en-route to the paying bank branch. In its place an electronic image of the cheque is transmitted to the paying branch through the clearing house, along with relevant information like data on the MICR band, date of presentation, presenting bank, etc. Cheque truncation thus obviates the need to move the physical instruments across bank branches, other than in exceptional circumstances for clearing purposes. This effectively eliminates the associated cost of movement of the physical cheques, reduces the time required for their collection and brings elegance to the entire activity of cheque processing.

Frequently Asked Questions :

What are the benefits of Grid Based CTS over Speed Clearing to the customer?

• Even though Speed clearing hastens the process of cheque collection as compared to outstation cheque collection, it requires the presence of the paying bank branch in the clearing house location. In comparison, grid-based CTS, is a superior system as it encompasses a larger geographical area and the chances of paying bank not having presence in the grid location is seldom.
• Under grid-based Cheque Truncation System clearing, all cheques drawn on bank branches falling within in the grid jurisdiction are treated and cleared as local cheques. Cheque collection charges including Speed Clearing Charges should not be levied if the collecting bank and the paying bank are located within the jurisdiction of the same CTS grid even though they are located in different cities.

Is it possible to briefly explain the entire process flow in CTS?

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What are the benefits of CTS to customers of banks?

• The benefits are many. With the introduction of imaging and truncation, the physical movement of instruments is stopped. The electronic movement of images can facilitate reduction in the clearing cycles as well. Moreover, there is no fear of loss of instruments in transit. Further, limitations of the existing clearing system in terms of geography or jurisdiction can be removed, thus enabling consolidation and integration of multiple clearing locations managed by different banks with varying service levels into a nation-wide standard clearing system with uniform processes and practices.
• Under grid-based Cheque Truncation System clearing, all cheques drawn on bank branches falling within in the grid jurisdiction are treated and cleared as local cheques. No outstation cheque collection charges/Speed Clearing charges to be levied if the collecting bank and the paying bank are located within the jurisdiction of the same CTS grid even though they are located in different cities.
• CTS also benefits issuers of cheques. The Corporates if needed can be provided with images of cheques by their bankers for internal requirements, if any.
• CTS thus brings elegance to the entire activity of cheque processing and clearing. The benefits from CTS could be summarized as follows –
  • Shorter clearing cycle
  • Superior verification and reconciliation process
  • No geographical restrictions as to jurisdiction
  • Operational efficiency for banks and customers alike
  • Reduction in operational risk and risks associated with paper clearing
  • No collection charges for collection of cheque drawn on a bank located within the grid.

What are the precautions required to be taken by the customers to avoid frauds?

• Customers should use "CTS 2010" cheques which are not only image friendly but also have more security features. Customers may request/insist their banks for cheque forms that are compliant with the "CTS 2010" standard. They should preferably use image-friendly coloured inks while writing cheques and avoid any alterations / corrections thereon. Preferably, a new cheque leaf may be used in the event of any alterations / corrections as the cheque may be cleared through image based clearing system.