New Philippine Check Writing Standards Take Effect July 2025

Starting July 1, 2025, banks in the Philippines will no longer accept checks that do not follow the updated format mandated by the Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC). The updated design, introduced in May 2024, aims to reduce fraud and streamline check clearing through standardized formatting.

While a transition period has allowed both old and new formats to coexist, full enforcement begins this July, meaning non-compliant checks will be automatically rejected for deposit or clearing.

Key Format Changes You Need to Know

1. Date Format – Numeric Only (MM-DD-YYYY)
The issue date must be written in numeric form using dashes only. Formats using slashes, dots, or written-out months are no longer valid.

Correct: 05-01-2025
Incorrect: 05/01/2025 or May 1, 2025

2. Amount in Figures – Standard Number Formatting
Use commas to separate thousands and a period for centavos. The peso sign is no longer required inside the amount box.

Correct: 172,000.00
Incorrect: 172000 or 172.000,00

3. Payee Line – Only One Payee Allowed
Only a single payee is allowed—either a person, business name, or the word “Cash.” Combinations such as “Juan Dela Cruz or Cash” are invalid.

Correct: Cash
Incorrect: Juan Dela Cruz and/or Cash

4. Amount in Words – Mandatory and Must Match Figures
You must write the amount in words to match the numerical value. You may include “only” or use symbols like asterisks or dashes for added security.

Example: One hundred seventy-two thousand pesos only
Leaving this line blank or mismatched with figures will result in rejection

5. Signature Box – Must Match Bank Records
Signatures must be placed inside the designated box. Two signatories may share the box, and minor overflows outside the boundary are acceptable—provided they match bank-registered signatures.

Transition Timeline

Date	Action
May 2024	PCHC introduced the new check format
July 1, 2025	Old format checks will no longer be accepted by banks

Some exceptions apply, such as:

Pre-printed checks issued before May 2024 (until used up)
Warehoused post-dated checks dated before May 2024
Manager’s checks or cashier’s checks

Check with your bank for specific cutoffs or clarifications.

What You Should Do

Order new checkbooks from your bank that follow the updated format.
Stop using old formats as the enforcement deadline approaches.
Educate your staff or household on the correct way to fill out checks moving forward.
Update templates used for business check issuance, payroll, or recurring transactions.

Why This Matters

The updated check design enhances clarity, reduces human error, and supports more efficient automated clearing. It also aligns the Philippine banking system with global best practices in fraud prevention and digital transformation.

To avoid delays, rejections, or payment issues, now is the time to review and transition fully to the new standard.

DISCLAIMER: This article is developed by subject matter experts at Babylon2k. This is for general information only and does not constitute expert advice. It is based on current regulations and may not account for all related topics. Any tax or compliance guidance provided cannot be used to avoid penalties or promote specific actions. Laws and interpretations may change over time, which could affect the accuracy of this report. We are not obligated to update this advisory if new regulations arise.