How much time it takes to clear a cheque

Starting October 4, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced continuous clearing, allowing cheques to be cleared within a few hours. This transition occurs in two phases:

• Phase 1 (Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026): Cheques are processed continuously between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with funds typically credited the same day.
• Phase 2 (From Jan 3, 2026): A 3-hour confirmation window is introduced, meaning cheques are cleared within three hours of presentation and funds are credited within one hour of settlement.

For same-day realization, it is recommended to deposit cheques before 4:00 PM.