Quick answer: The only way to get a cheque book immediately in India is to visit your home branch with your passbook and a valid photo ID and ask for an instant (non-personalised) cheque book, which is handed over the counter after signature verification. Online, app, ATM and SMS requests are faster to place but still take 3 to 7 working days because the personalised cheque book is printed centrally and couriered to your registered address.
Key points at a glance:
- Same day: Instant non-personalised cheque book from the branch (your name is not printed on the leaves).
- 3 to 7 working days: Personalised cheque book requested through net banking, mobile app, ATM, SMS or phone banking.
- Charges: SBI savings accounts get the first 10 leaves free per financial year; SBI lists an emergency cheque book at ₹50 + GST for 10 leaves.
- Any branch: You can place a request at most branches of your own bank, but an instant cheque book is usually issued only by the home branch.
How to Get a Cheque Book Immediately: Step-by-Step
To get a cheque book on the same day, walk into the branch where your account is maintained and ask for an instant or emergency cheque book. The branch issues a non-personalised CTS-2010 cheque book from its stock after verifying your identity and signature. Most account holders walk out with it within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on branch queues.
Steps at the branch:
- Carry your passbook (or account number), a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN or passport, and your old cheque book requisition slip if you still have one.
- Ask the counter staff for a cheque book request form or an instant cheque book request.
- Fill in your account number, name and the number of leaves required, then sign exactly as per the specimen signature on bank records.
- The branch verifies your signature against its records. A signature mismatch is the most common reason for refusal.
- The officer records the cheque series against your account and hands over the cheque book.
- Check that the account number printed on every leaf matches yours before you leave the counter.
Practical tip: If your bank allows it, place a personalised cheque book request through the app on the same day. The instant book covers your urgent payment, and the personalised one arrives within a week for regular use.
If you are new to cheques, read our guide on what a cheque is and how it works before issuing your first one.
Can We Get a Cheque Book Immediately? Instant vs Personalised
Yes, you can get a cheque book immediately, but only as an instant non-personalised book from a branch. A personalised cheque book, which has your name printed under the signature line, cannot be issued instantly because banks print it at a centralised facility and dispatch it by courier or Speed Post.
| Feature | Instant (non-personalised) cheque book | Personalised cheque book |
|---|---|---|
| Time to receive | Same day, over the counter | 3 to 7 working days (up to 2 weeks in remote areas) |
| Where you get it | Usually the home branch | Delivered to registered address |
| Name printed on leaves | No | Yes |
| Number of leaves | Typically 10 | 10, 20, 25, 50 or 100 depending on bank and account |
| Charges | Usually chargeable (SBI: ₹50 + GST for 10 leaves) | Free quota, then per-leaf or per-book charges |
| Best for | Urgent one-time payments | Regular use, loan EMIs, postdated cheques |
| CTS-2010 compliant | Yes | Yes |
Why the difference matters: Some payees, especially lenders and landlords collecting postdated cheques, prefer personalised leaves because the account holder’s name is printed. Banks may also apply their own internal rules on how non-personalised leaves can be used, so ask the branch whether the instant book has any restrictions before you issue a high-value cheque from it.
All cheque books issued in India must follow the RBI’s CTS-2010 standard, which sets security features such as the “CTS INDIA” watermark and standard field placement. To understand each part of a leaf, see our explainer on cheque leaf meaning.
Fastest Ways to Request a Cheque Book
The fastest method depends on whether you need the cheque book in hand today or just want to place the request without visiting a branch. The table below compares every common channel.
| Method | Time to place request | Time to receive | Branch visit needed | Personalised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branch walk-in (instant book) | 15 to 60 minutes | Same day | Yes | No |
| Branch request (personalised) | 10 minutes | 3 to 7 working days | Yes | Yes |
| Net banking | 2 minutes | 3 to 7 working days | No | Yes |
| Mobile banking app | 2 minutes | 3 to 7 working days | No | Yes |
| ATM | 2 minutes | 3 to 7 working days | No | Yes |
| SMS or missed call | 1 minute | 3 to 7 working days | No | Yes |
| Phone banking (IVR) | 3 to 5 minutes | 3 to 7 working days | No | Yes |
Branch Walk-In
A branch visit is the only channel that can put a cheque book in your hand on the same day. Visit during working hours on a weekday, as many branches process service requests only until a fixed cut-off. You can also request a personalised book at the same counter.
Net Banking and Mobile App
Net banking and mobile apps are the fastest way to place a personalised cheque book request without a visit. The usual path is Services > Cheque Book Request, where you select the account, number of leaves and delivery address, then confirm with an OTP.
- SBI: YONO app or Online SBI (retail internet banking) under the cheque book request option.
- HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank mobile app under “Cheque Book Services”, NetBanking under “Cash, Cheque and Demand Draft”, or the Insta Services page on the bank’s website without logging in.
- ICICI Bank: iMobile app or internet banking service request menu.
- Axis Bank: Axis Mobile app or internet banking under Services > Cheque Services, or the Insta Services page on the Axis support portal.
ATM, SMS and Phone Banking
These channels suit customers who do not use net banking.
- ATM: Insert your debit card at your bank’s own ATM, enter the PIN, choose “Services” or “Request”, then select “Cheque Book Request”.
- SMS: Axis Bank accepts an SMS in the format CHQBK followed by the last 6 digits of your account number from your registered mobile number. SBI has published an SMS code (CHQREQ to 09223588888) for registered users.
- Phone banking: SBI’s contact centre IVR includes a “Cheque Book issuance” option under the ATM card and cheque book menu, plus a cheque book tracking option.
Bank-Wise Cheque Book Timelines and Charges
Delivery time and free leaves differ by bank and account type. The figures below come from each bank’s official pages and service charge schedules; banks revise these periodically, so confirm on the bank’s website before you rely on them.
| Bank | Request channels | Delivery time (personalised) | Free leaves (regular savings) | Charges after free limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBI | Branch, YONO, Online SBI, ATM, SMS, contact centre | Dispatched in about 3 working days, plus postal transit | First 10 leaves per financial year | 10-leaf book ₹40 + GST; 25-leaf book ₹75 + GST; emergency book ₹50 + GST for 10 leaves |
| HDFC Bank | Branch, NetBanking, mobile app, Insta Services | Around 3 to 7 business days | Varies by account variant | As per account’s schedule of charges |
| ICICI Bank | Branch, iMobile, internet banking, customer care | First courier attempt within 5 working days | 25 leaves per year | ₹4 per leaf (revised May 2024) |
| Axis Bank | Branch, mobile app, internet banking, ATM, SMS, Insta Services | 4 to 5 working days for a 20-leaf book | Varies by account variant | Charged for additional book in the same quarter |
Account-specific notes:
- SBI: Senior citizens holding Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts are exempt from cheque book charges.
- ICICI Bank: You can collect your free personalised cheque book from a branch instead of home delivery by raising the request through customer care or at any branch.
- Axis Bank: An online request is blocked if you have more than 40 unused cheque leaves, and only one active request is allowed at a time.
Running low on balance can also add charges to your account. Check our breakdown of non-maintenance of minimum balance charges if your cheque book charges look higher than expected.
Can I Get a Cheque Book from Any Branch?
You can usually request a personalised cheque book from any branch of your own bank, because the request goes into the bank’s core banking system and the book is couriered to your registered address. An instant non-personalised cheque book, however, is generally issued only by your home branch, since that branch holds your account records and specimen signature.
| Request type | Home branch | Other branch of the same bank | Branch of a different bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised cheque book request | Yes | Yes, at most banks | No |
| Instant non-personalised cheque book | Yes | Rarely; depends on bank policy | No |
| Collect a personalised book in person | Yes | Possible at some banks on request | No |
What this means in practice:
- ICICI Bank states that its Insta Banking requests, which include cheque book requests, can be completed at any ICICI Bank branch in India.
- HDFC Bank and Axis Bank accept branch requests, and Axis Bank’s customer request form provides for requests handled at a non-home branch.
- SBI customers with a home branch in another city can place the request at any SBI branch or online, but should expect delivery to the registered address rather than over-the-counter issue.
If you have moved, update your communication address first. A cheque book sent to an old address is the single biggest cause of delays. For other branch-level services, our guide on savings account deposit and withdrawal limits explains what you can and cannot do at non-home branches.
Requirements and Documents for a Cheque Book
Banks issue cheque books only to eligible account holders whose KYC and contact details are current. The requirements below apply across SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank.
Eligibility requirements:
- An active savings, salary or current account that allows cheque facility (some basic or digital-only accounts do not).
- The account must not be dormant or inoperative. HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank both state that dormant accounts must be reactivated before a cheque book request is accepted.
- A registered mobile number for OTP-based online requests.
- An up-to-date communication address in bank records.
- For joint accounts, the bank may require all holders to sign or authenticate the request.
- NRIs at HDFC Bank need an Indian mobile number updated in bank records to request online.
Documents for a branch request:
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Passbook or account number | Identifies the account |
| Original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID or driving licence) | Confirms identity at the counter |
| Cheque book request form or requisition slip | Formal request with your signature |
| Signature matching bank records | Signature verification before issue |
| Authority letter and ID of both parties (if sending someone else) | Some banks allow collection by an authorised person; many do not for instant books |
Writing a request letter: If your branch asks for a written application, address it to the Branch Manager, mention your name, account number, account type, number of leaves needed and whether you need an instant book, and sign it as per bank records.
Not sure where your account number appears? See where the account number is on a cheque.
Why Your Cheque Book Request Gets Rejected or Delayed
Most rejections and delays come from a small set of account or address issues. Fixing them before you apply saves a second trip.
| Problem | What happens | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Signature mismatch | Branch refuses instant issue | Update specimen signature at home branch |
| Dormant or inoperative account | Online request blocked | Complete re-KYC and reactivate at branch |
| Old address in records | Courier returns the book to the bank | Update address before placing request |
| Too many unused leaves | Axis Bank blocks request above 40 unused leaves | Use existing leaves or request at branch |
| Pending earlier request | Duplicate request rejected | Track the existing request first |
| KYC due | Service requests put on hold | Submit updated KYC documents |
| Account type has no cheque facility | Request not available | Upgrade account variant |
Tracking your request: SBI offers cheque book tracking through its contact centre IVR, ICICI Bank through its iTrack app, and most banks show dispatch status inside net banking. ICICI Bank also lets you raise a re-dispatch request if a cheque book was undelivered.
Faster Alternatives When You Need to Pay Today
If you need to make a payment today and cannot reach your home branch, a cheque book may not be the quickest route. These alternatives settle faster than a cheque, which still needs clearing time after deposit.
| Need | Faster alternative | Settlement speed |
|---|---|---|
| Pay a person or business with a bank account | IMPS, NEFT, RTGS or UPI | IMPS and UPI instant; NEFT in half-hourly batches; RTGS real time for ₹2 lakh and above |
| Payee insists on a bank instrument | Demand draft or pay order | Issued same day at branch |
| Withdraw cash from your own account at the branch | Withdrawal slip with passbook | Same day, subject to branch limits |
| Security cheque or cancelled cheque for KYC | Cancelled leaf from any existing book, or bank-issued account confirmation | Immediate |
Useful guides for these routes:
- Demand draft vs cheque: key differences
- How to make an SBI demand draft
- Cancelled cheque image and how to prepare one
After you issue the cheque: For high-value cheques, register the cheque details under the Positive Pay System so the bank can match them during clearing. ICICI Bank, for example, returns cheques above ₹5 lakh if Positive Pay confirmation is missing. Fill the amount carefully using our guide on how to write amount in words on a cheque, and check cheque clearing time so the payee knows when funds will arrive.
What Experts Say
Bank branch staff and practitioners who handle retail account servicing commonly give the same advice on urgent cheque book needs:
- Request before you run out. Most delays happen because customers apply only after using the last leaf. Placing a request when 5 leaves remain avoids the need for an instant book at all.
- Use the instant book for one-off payments. Non-personalised leaves are acceptable for most payments, but lenders and landlords often prefer personalised cheques for postdated or security cheques.
- Keep the address current. Undelivered cheque books returned to the bank are a leading cause of complaints, and a re-dispatch can add another week.
- Treat a cheque as a commitment. A cheque returned for insufficient funds attracts bank charges and can lead to proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. See our guide on cheque bounce rules and charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get a cheque book immediately?
Yes. You can get an instant non-personalised cheque book on the same day by visiting your home branch with your passbook and a valid photo ID. Personalised cheque books with your name printed take 3 to 7 working days because they are printed centrally and delivered by courier.
How can I get a cheque book immediately from SBI?
Visit your SBI home branch and ask for an emergency cheque book. SBI lists this at ₹50 plus GST for 10 leaves. For a personalised book, request through YONO, Online SBI, an SBI ATM or the contact centre; it is dispatched in about 3 working days.
Can I get a cheque book from any branch?
You can request a personalised cheque book at most branches of your own bank, and it will be delivered to your registered address. An instant non-personalised cheque book is generally issued only at your home branch, where your specimen signature is held.
How many days does it take to get a cheque book?
A personalised cheque book usually takes 3 to 7 working days. HDFC Bank states around 3 to 7 business days, ICICI Bank attempts the first courier delivery within 5 working days, and Axis Bank delivers a 20-leaf book in 4 to 5 working days.
Is a non-personalised cheque book valid?
Yes. Non-personalised cheque books are issued on CTS-2010 standard cheque forms and are valid for payments. Your name is not printed on the leaves, so some payees may prefer a personalised cheque for postdated or security cheques. Ask your branch about any usage restrictions.
What documents are needed to get a cheque book?
You need your passbook or account number, an original photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN or passport, a signed cheque book request form, and a signature that matches bank records. Your account must be active with current KYC and address details.
Can someone else collect my cheque book?
Some banks allow an authorised person to collect a cheque book with an authority letter and the photo IDs of both the account holder and the representative. Many branches do not hand over instant cheque books to third parties, so check with your branch first.
Why was my cheque book request rejected?
Common reasons are a dormant account, pending KYC, a signature mismatch, an outdated address, an existing pending request, or too many unused leaves. Axis Bank, for example, blocks online requests when more than 40 cheque leaves remain unused.
Disclaimer: Cheque book charges, free leaf limits and delivery timelines are set by each bank and revised periodically. Confirm current figures on your bank’s official website or at your branch before acting. FinPulse India does not provide banking or legal advice.