Important update on new check format requirements

The Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC) recently clarified details about the new check design requirements. We've put together this quick guide to help you write checks that are accepted at Metrobank.

Acceptable new check formats (effective May 1, 2024):

• Single digit MM-DD with four-digit year (YYYY): e.g., 5-13-2024, 05-08-2024, 5-08-2024, 05-8-2024 or 5-8-2024
• Issue date outside designated box: The date can be printed outside the appropriate box.
• Symbols with amount in words: Checks with symbols like "" or "=" before and after the amount in words are acceptable. (Note: Checks with symbols like "=", "", or "-" before and after the amount in figures are NOT acceptable.)
• Signature beyond designated area: Signatures extending beyond the designated border are acceptable, as long as the signatures are verifiable.

Acceptable until the last banking day of 2024:

• Dates in the format MM/DD/YYYY or with any symbol separators like "*", "-", or "/" 
• Checks with marks, characters, or details before and after the amount in figures, whether in the old format or new check design 

For checks in the old format, the following are still acceptable:

• Post-dated checks (PDCs) marked "warehoused" and warehoused by the bank
  
• Manager's/Cashier's Checks
  
• Checks issued on or before April 30, 2024: These will be honored for deposit or encashment until 180 days from the issuance date. After that, they will be considered stale.
  

For customers using check printing software, please ensure that the data is updated before the end of 2024.

Read the Memo on Clarification on the Implementation of the New Check Design here.

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New check format implementation is moved to May 1, 2024

The Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC) moved the implementation of the new check design standard and specifications to May 1, 2024 (CICS OM No. 23-040). Starting this date, Metrobank only accepts checks that comply with the new standard format.

Metrobank checkbooks are compliant with the PCHC's new format. Please look for these identifiable features:

You may order checkbooks in the new format through Metrobank Online or at your branch of account.

Important reminders:

1. When depositing checks in the new format, we recommend you write the date of issue using the numeric format in the MM-DD-YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY sequence.
2. For checks in the old format, please ensure to deposit or warehouse them BEFORE May 1, 2024. 

Read the full PCHC memorandum here.

Read the Memo on Clarification on the Implementation of the New Check Design here.

For questions or concerns, call our 24/7 Contact Center at (02) 88-700-700 or domestic toll-free 1-800-1888-5775.

Click here for the FAQs on the new check design and specifications implementation (CIS OM No. 23-040):

A. When is the implementation date of the New Check Design and Specifications?
The implementation of the new check design is moved from May 2, 2023 to May 1, 2024 to give customers more time to issue, deposit, or warehouse their remaining checks which are in the old format.

B. What are the changes under the new format?
Changes made are as follows:

1. MM-DD-YYYY boxed date format (e.g. 10-13-2023 for October 13, 2023)
2. Peso (₱) sign is moved out to the left side of the box
3. Signature box replaces the signature line
See graphic illustration for your reference.

NEW CHECK DESIGN

OLD CHECK DESIGN

C. What if I used the wrong date format on the new checks after May 1, 2024, such as spelling out the date or putting the day before the month?
Your check will not be accepted for deposit or encashment, and will be returned.

D. Is alphanumeric still acceptable under the new check design?
Yes, you may still use the alphanumeric format for now. However, starting May 1, 2024, we will only accept checks in the numeric format. We encourage you to practice writing the date in numeric form as early as now to get used to it already.

E. What will happen to my old checks after the implementation date?
These will no longer be accepted for deposit or encashment and will be returned. We encourage you to request for a new checkbook with the new design (see item F).

F. How can I request for a new checkbook? Is the new PCHC-compliant check available in the branch today?
Yes. You may request for a new checkbook with the new PCHC-compliant design from your branch of account or through Metrobank Online.

G. I already issued post-dated checks (PDCs) to a payee (ex. property manager, parking slot owner), will I need to have these replaced?
If the PDCs have been duly stamped “Warehoused” by your payee’s bank before May 1, 2024, these are accepted and do not need to be replaced.

H. I have been issued checks in old design. Will I need to have them replaced?
If you have outstanding checks with the old design, please have these presented and cleared before May 1, 2024, to avoid inconvenience.

I. Are there any changes to the clearing period or cut-off time?
No. Standard check clearing period and cut-off times continue to apply.