What is a check crossing?

Check crossing is a process used across Asia, Europe, Mexico and Australia that allows the depositing of a check, but prohibits cashing of the check. To prohibit the cashing of the instrument, two parallel lines are drawn either across the face of the check or in the upper left corner.

In other countries beside the United States, check crossing is a simple and effective method for securing personal checks, but the process is not used in the U.S.

People attempting to deposit crossed checks in the U.S. may encounter difficulties with banks that do not recognize this practice. Check crossing can be utilized with checks being deposited in both banks and credit unions in participating countries.