Quick answer: A cheque book request letter is a short written application to your Branch Manager asking the bank to issue a new bank cheque book. It must include your name, account number, account type, number of leaves required, delivery preference and a signature that matches bank records. Hand it in at your home branch with a photo ID, or email it from your registered email address if your bank accepts email requests.
Key points at a glance:
- Addressed to: The Branch Manager of your home branch.
- Must include: Account holder name, account number, account type, number of leaves, delivery mode, date and signature.
- Signature: Must match the specimen signature held by the bank, or the request is returned.
- Charges: Set by each bank. Under RBI circular RBI/2012-13/444, banks cannot charge savings account holders for the first CTS-2010 cheque book issued; later books follow the bank’s own schedule.
- Alternatives: Net banking, mobile app, ATM and SMS requests skip the letter entirely.
What Is a Cheque Book Request Letter?
A cheque book request letter is a formal application for cheque book issue that an account holder submits to the bank branch. It works as a signed instruction, so the branch can verify your identity and record the request against your account. Banks accept it for savings, current, salary, cash credit and overdraft accounts that have cheque facility.
You will usually need a written letter in these situations:
- First cheque book after opening an account, if it was not issued at account opening.
- Requisition slip lost or used up, so you cannot use the slip bound inside your old book.
- Current account or company account, where banks often want the request on letterhead with an authorised signatory’s signature.
- Joint account, where the bank may need signatures as per the mode of operation.
- Lost or stolen cheque book, where you need a replacement along with a stop payment instruction.
- Collection by someone else, where an authority letter is attached.
“Cheque book request letter” and “check book request letter” refer to the same document. Indian banks and the RBI use the British spelling “cheque”, so write “cheque book” in the letter itself. Our guide on cheque vs check explains the spelling difference.
Cheque Book Request Letter Format
The standard cheque book request letter format follows the structure of a formal letter: sender details, date, receiver details, subject, salutation, body, closing and signature. Keep the body to 3 or 4 sentences. Branch staff process dozens of requests daily and look for the account number and leaf count first.
| Section | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sender details | Your full name, address, mobile number | Ramesh Patel, 12 Satellite Road, Ahmedabad, 98XXXXXX10 |
| Date | Date of writing | 28/10/2026 |
| Receiver details | Branch Manager, bank name, branch name and address | The Branch Manager, State Bank of India, Navrangpura Branch |
| Subject | One line stating the request | Request for issue of new cheque book |
| Salutation | Formal opening | Dear Sir/Madam, |
| Body | Account type, account number, number of leaves, delivery preference | Savings account no. XXXXXXXX4521, 25 leaves, deliver to registered address |
| Closing | Thanks and sign-off | Thanking you, Yours faithfully, |
| Signature | Signature as per bank records, plus name | (Signature) Ramesh Patel |
| Enclosures (if any) | Documents attached | Copy of PAN card |
Before you write, collect these details:
- Full account number (check your passbook or the account number on a cheque)
- Account type (savings, current, salary, cash credit)
- Number of leaves your bank offers (commonly 10, 20, 25, 50 or 100)
- Your registered address and mobile number, as recorded with the bank
- Customer ID or CIF number, if printed on your passbook
Sample Cheque Book Request Letter for a Savings Account
This is the most common format. Use it when you need a fresh cheque book for an individual savings or salary account and your requisition slip is unavailable.
From
Ramesh Patel
12, Satellite Road
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015
Mobile: 98XXXXXX10
Date: 28/10/2026
To
The Branch Manager
State Bank of India
Navrangpura Branch
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009
Subject: Request for issue of new cheque book
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, Ramesh Patel, hold a savings account with your branch bearing account number XXXXXXXX4521. My existing cheque book has been fully used, and I request you to issue a new cheque book with 25 leaves.
Kindly dispatch the cheque book to my registered address mentioned above. Any applicable charges may be debited from my account.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(Signature as per bank records)
Ramesh Patel
Account No.: XXXXXXXX4521
Practical tip: Write “Signature as per bank records” only as a note to yourself. On the actual letter, sign in exactly the style you used on the account opening form. A mismatch is the most common reason branches return written requests.
Sample Application for Cheque Book Issue: Current Account
Businesses, firms and companies should write the cheque book request on the business letterhead. The letter must be signed by the authorised signatory registered with the bank, and many banks also expect the business seal or stamp.
[Business Letterhead]
Date: 28/10/2026
To
The Branch Manager
HDFC Bank Ltd.
C.G. Road Branch
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380006
Subject: Request for issue of cheque book for current account
Dear Sir/Madam,
We, M/s Shree Ganesh Traders, maintain a current account with your branch bearing account number XXXXXXXX7788. We request you to issue a new cheque book of 100 leaves for this account.
Please hand over the cheque book to our authorised representative at the branch, or dispatch it to our registered business address. Applicable charges, if any, may be debited from the above account.
Thanking you,
For M/s Shree Ganesh Traders
(Signature of Authorised Signatory)
Name: Kiran Shah
Designation: Proprietor
(Business Seal)
Points for business accounts:
- For a private limited company or LLP, the signatory must be the one named in the board resolution or LLP authorisation submitted to the bank.
- If the account runs on joint signatures (for example, “any two directors jointly”), all required signatories must sign.
- Ask for a larger book (50 or 100 leaves) if you issue cheques for vendor payments, rent or post-dated EMIs.
Sample Cheque Book Request Letter for a Joint Account
For a joint account, the signature requirement depends on the mode of operation recorded with the bank. If the mode is “Either or Survivor”, one holder can usually sign. If it is “Jointly”, every holder must sign.
Date: 28/10/2026
To
The Branch Manager
ICICI Bank Ltd.
Ashram Road Branch
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009
Subject: Request for new cheque book for joint savings account
Dear Sir/Madam,
We hold a joint savings account with your branch bearing account number XXXXXXXX3390, operated as "Either or Survivor". We request you to issue a new cheque book of 25 leaves for this account.
Kindly send the cheque book to our registered address. Charges, if applicable, may be debited from the account.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(Signature) (Signature)
Anil Mehta Sunita Mehta
First Holder Second Holder
If you are unsure of your mode of operation, check your account opening form or ask the branch before you submit.
Sample Letter for Urgent or Instant Cheque Book
Use this format when you need a cheque book the same day. Most banks issue an instant, non-personalised cheque book from branch stock, usually only at the home branch. Your name will not be printed on these leaves.
Date: 28/10/2026
To
The Branch Manager
Bank of Baroda
Maninagar Branch
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380008
Subject: Request for urgent issue of cheque book
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hold a savings account with your branch bearing account number XXXXXXXX6612. I have an urgent payment due and request you to issue an instant cheque book of 10 leaves over the counter today.
I have also placed a request for a personalised cheque book through net banking for regular use. Applicable charges may be debited from my account.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
Priya Desai
Mobile: 97XXXXXX45
Carry an original photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN or passport. For timelines and bank-wise options, read our guide on how to get a cheque book immediately.
Sample Letter After Losing a Cheque Book
If your cheque book is lost or stolen, the letter must do two things: stop payment on the missing leaves and request a replacement. Mention the cheque number range so the bank can block those specific leaves.
Date: 28/10/2026
To
The Branch Manager
Punjab National Bank
Vastrapur Branch
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015
Subject: Stop payment of lost cheque leaves and request for new cheque book
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hold a savings account with your branch bearing account number XXXXXXXX2045. I have lost my cheque book containing unused cheque numbers 000116 to 000125 on 26/10/2026.
I request you to stop payment on these cheque numbers immediately and issue a new cheque book of 25 leaves to my registered address. I have filed a complaint at the local police station, and a copy is enclosed.
Applicable charges for stop payment and the new cheque book may be debited from my account.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
Vikram Joshi
Mobile: 99XXXXXX30
Enclosure: Copy of police complaint
Do this first: Call your bank’s customer care or use net banking to stop payment on the missing leaves before you visit the branch. The letter then serves as written confirmation. Banks usually charge a fee for stop payment instructions, as listed in their schedule of charges.
Authority Letter to Collect a Cheque Book
If you cannot visit the branch, some banks let an authorised person collect a personalised cheque book on your behalf. Attach this authority letter to your request, along with self-attested ID copies of both you and the representative.
Date: 28/10/2026
To
The Branch Manager
Axis Bank Ltd.
Bodakdev Branch
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380054
Subject: Authorisation to collect cheque book
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, Meena Iyer, holder of savings account number XXXXXXXX9081, authorise Mr. Suresh Iyer to collect my new cheque book on my behalf. His specimen signature is given below for verification.
Copies of my ID and his ID are enclosed.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(Signature)
Meena Iyer
Specimen signature of authorised person: ______________
Name: Suresh Iyer
Enclosures: Self-attested ID copy of account holder, self-attested ID copy of authorised person
Many branches do not hand over instant non-personalised cheque books to third parties. Confirm with the branch before sending someone.
Cheque Book Request by Email
Some banks accept a cheque book request by email if it is sent from the email address registered with the account. The format is shorter than a printed letter but carries the same details.
To: [branch or customer care email from your bank's official website]
Subject: Cheque book request - A/c No. XXXXXXXX4521
Dear Sir/Madam,
I request you to issue a new cheque book of 25 leaves for my savings account number XXXXXXXX4521, held at your Navrangpura Branch.
Please dispatch it to my registered address. Applicable charges may be debited from my account.
Regards,
Ramesh Patel
Registered mobile: 98XXXXXX10
Customer ID: XXXXXX123
Safety rules for email requests:
- Use only the email address listed on your bank’s official website.
- Mask your account number to the last 4 digits where the bank allows it.
- Never share your debit card PIN, OTP, net banking password or CVV in any email.
- Expect the bank to verify the request by phone or OTP before processing.
Other Ways to Request a Bank Cheque Book
A letter is only one way to place a cheque book request. Online channels are faster to submit, but personalised books still take several working days for printing and courier delivery.
| Channel | Letter needed | Typical delivery | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written letter at branch | Yes | Instant book same day, or personalised in 3 to 7 working days | Business accounts, joint accounts, lost books |
| Requisition slip from old book | No (signed slip) | 3 to 7 working days | Regular reorders |
| Net banking or mobile app | No | 3 to 7 working days | Individual savings accounts |
| ATM of your own bank | No | 3 to 7 working days | Customers without net banking |
| SMS or phone banking | No | 3 to 7 working days | Quick reorder from registered mobile |
The requisition slip is a pre-printed form bound inside your current cheque book. Sign it and submit it at the branch to order the next book without writing a full letter. Our guide on what a cheque book is explains each part of the book, including the slip.
Cheque Book Charges to Know Before You Apply
Cheque book charges depend on your bank, account type and how many leaves you have used in the financial year. Most banks give a free quota and then charge per book or per leaf, plus 18% GST.
| Rule or bank | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All banks (savings accounts) | No charge for the first CTS-2010 cheque book issued; later books follow the bank’s own policy under its Fair Practices Code | RBI circular RBI/2012-13/444 (DPSS.CO.CHD.No.1622/04.07.05/2012-13) |
| SBI BSBD (zero balance) account | First 10 leaves free per financial year; then 10-leaf book ₹40 + GST, 25-leaf book ₹75 + GST | SBI service charges for BSBD accounts, effective July 1, 2021 |
| SBI emergency cheque book | ₹50 + GST for 10 leaves | SBI service charges |
| SBI senior citizens (BSBD) | Exempt from cheque book charges | SBI service charges for BSBD accounts |
Banks revise these schedules periodically. Check your bank’s current schedule of charges on its official website before you apply. If charges were debited because your balance fell short, our explainer on non-maintenance of minimum balance charges covers that separately.
Common Mistakes That Get a Request Rejected
Most rejected cheque book requests trace back to a handful of avoidable errors in the letter or the account.
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Signature does not match bank records | Branch returns the letter | Sign exactly as on the account opening form, or update your specimen signature first |
| Wrong or incomplete account number | Request cannot be traced | Copy the number from your passbook or a cancelled cheque |
| Missing co-holder signature on a “Jointly” account | Request held | Get all required holders to sign |
| Old address in bank records | Courier returns the cheque book | Update your address before you request |
| Account dormant or KYC pending | Request blocked | Complete re-KYC and reactivate the account |
| Business letter signed by a non-authorised person | Request rejected | Use the signatory named in the bank mandate |
What to Check When You Receive the Cheque Book
Check the new book at the counter or as soon as it arrives by courier. Errors are easier to fix before you issue any cheque.
- Name and account number printed on every leaf match your account.
- “CTS-2010” is printed vertically near the left edge of each leaf. Only CTS-2010 cheques clear through the Cheque Truncation System. Read more on CTS cheques.
- Cheque numbers run in sequence with no missing leaves.
- IFSC and MICR code match your branch.
- Courier packet was sealed. Report a tampered packet to the bank the same day.
Once the book is in hand, register high-value cheques under the Positive Pay System and keep enough balance to avoid a cheque bounce.
What Experts Say
Branch operations staff and practitioners who handle retail and business accounts commonly point to the same habits:
- Keep the letter short. Branch staff look for the account number, leaf count and signature. Extra explanation slows processing.
- Request before the last leaf. Placing a request when about 5 leaves remain avoids paying for an emergency book.
- Business accounts need mandate discipline. Most rejected current account requests come from a signatory who is not in the bank’s mandate, especially after a change in directors or partners.
- Keep a copy. Ask the branch to stamp and sign a photocopy of your letter as acknowledgement. It helps if the book goes missing in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a cheque book request letter?
Address the letter to the Branch Manager of your home branch. Write a subject line, then state your name, account type, account number, number of leaves required and delivery preference. Close with “Yours faithfully” and sign exactly as per your specimen signature with the bank.
What is the subject line for a cheque book request letter?
Use a short, direct subject such as “Request for issue of new cheque book”. For a business account, write “Request for issue of cheque book for current account”. For a lost book, write “Stop payment of lost cheque leaves and request for new cheque book”.
Is a check book request letter different from a cheque book request letter?
No. Both refer to the same application. “Check” is the American spelling, while Indian banks and the RBI use “cheque”. Write “cheque book” in letters you submit to Indian banks.
Can I request a cheque book without a letter?
Yes. You can request a bank cheque book through net banking, the mobile banking app, your bank’s ATM, SMS or phone banking, or by submitting the signed requisition slip from your current cheque book. A written letter is needed mainly when these options are unavailable.
Is the first cheque book free for a savings account?
Yes. Under RBI circular RBI/2012-13/444, banks shall not charge savings bank account holders for the first CTS-2010 standard cheque book. Additional cheque books follow the bank’s own charge policy.
Can someone else submit or collect my cheque book request?
Many banks accept a representative if you attach a signed authority letter with self-attested ID copies of both you and the representative. Branches often refuse to hand over instant non-personalised cheque books to third parties, so confirm with your branch first.
How many days does it take to get a cheque book after the request?
A personalised cheque book usually arrives in 3 to 7 working days by courier. An instant non-personalised cheque book can be issued the same day at your home branch.
Disclaimer: Cheque book charges, leaf options and request channels are set by each bank and revised periodically. Confirm current details with your bank before acting. FinPulse India provides general information and does not offer banking or legal advice.