FAQs for using e-Cheque

1) Do I need to bear any costs for the usage of the e-Cheque Drop Box service?

No, it is completely free of charge.

2) What should I do if I do not know how to deposit an e-Cheque?

You can ask other trusted persons (e.g. family members) to deposit e-Cheques on your behalf through the e-Cheque Drop Box service, or refer to the information on the HKICL website, or approach your bank for assistance if necessary.

3) What is the cut-off time for e-Cheque deposit?

The cut-off time for e-Cheque deposit through the e-Cheque Drop Box service is 5:30 p.m. of each business day for same day clearing. For e-Cheque deposit through the Internet banking, you should refer to the cut-off time specified by individual banks.

4) Can I decline to receive e-Cheques?

Yes, you can ask the payer to use other payment instruments (e.g. paper cheque) if you do not prefer to receive e-Cheques.

5) How are e-Cheques handled under severe weather?

The arrangement will be the same as that for a Bank Business Day. If you deposit an e-Cheque before cut-off time, it will be processed on the same day and you can use the funds on the next Bank Business day after 3:30pm; otherwise, it will be processed on the next Bank Business Day and the funds will be available after 3:30pm on the Bank Business Day that follows.

6) What is the arrangement for returned e-Cheques?

The Bank follows the Industry Rules and Procedures for e-cheque return. Please refer to the Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited website https://www.echeque.hkicl.com.hk/ecp/ for more details.

"Bank Business Day" means a day (other than Saturday, Sunday or public holiday) on which commercial banks are open for general business in Hong Kong.

"Severe weather" refers to a scenario where Black Rainstorm Warning/Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.8 or above is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory or an ”extreme conditions” announcement is made by the HKSAR government.