Can a cheque be paid into the account of someone other than the named payee?

If the cheque is crossed 'A/C payee' it can only be paid into the account of the named payee. The crossing cannot be deleted, nor can the cheque be transferred over to a third party.

If you are paying a cheque to a large organisation such as the HM Revenue & Customs, do not make the cheque payable simply to that organisation. Add further details into the payee line (for example HM Revenue & Customs re: J Jones, your reference xxyyzz). You should draw a line through any unused space on the cheque so unauthorised people cannot add extra numbers or names. (Please see pdf leaflet on the right)

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