Published Apr 29, 2026 4 Min Read

Advice Not Received Cheque Return Meaning & Action Plan

The term “Advice Not Received Cheque Return” refers to a situation where a cheque you issued has been returned or dishonoured by the bank because the required advice or confirmation from the issuing bank was not received. This typically occurs in interbank transactions when the clearing process encounters an issue.

 

Why is this important?

A returned cheque can have serious financial and legal consequences, including penalties, additional charges, and a negative impact on your credit score. If you are paying an EMI through a cheque and it is returned, it is essential to act quickly to avoid further complications.

Action Plan:

  1. Verify the Reason: Check the cheque return memo from your bank to understand the exact reason for the return.
  2. Contact Your Bank: Reach out to your bank immediately to resolve the issue.
  3. Make the Payment: Use an alternative payment method to clear the outstanding amount promptly.

 

Why your EMI payment failed: The cheque return memo

When a cheque is returned, the bank issues a cheque return memo that outlines the reason for the failure. Understanding this document is critical to addressing the issue.

Key Elements of a Cheque Return MemoExplanation
Cheque Return MessageThe specific statement provided by the bank, such as “Advice Not Received.”
Reason for FailureIndicates the cause of the cheque return, such as insufficient funds or technical issues.
Balance ImplicationsDetails the financial impact, including penalties or additional charges.

For example, if the memo states “Advice Not Received,” it means that the bank processing the cheque did not receive the necessary confirmation from the issuing bank. Resolving this promptly can prevent further financial repercussions.

 

Common cheque return reasons: What 'Advice Not Received' means

Cheque returns can occur for several reasons, with “Advice Not Received” being one of the more technical causes. Here are some common reasons for cheque returns:

  1. Insufficient Funds: The account does not have enough balance to honour the cheque.
  2. Signature Mismatch: The signature on the cheque does not match the one registered with the bank.
  3. Stale Cheque: The cheque is presented after its validity period (typically three months from the date of issue).
  4. Advice Not Received: The issuing bank did not send the required confirmation to the clearing bank.
  5. Alteration on the Cheque: Any overwriting or corrections on the cheque can lead to its rejection.

Warning: Ignoring a cheque return can lead to financial penalties and even legal action under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

 

The cost of delay: Penalties and CIBIL impact of returned cheques

A returned cheque can have far-reaching financial and credit-related consequences. Here is a breakdown of potential penalties and their impact:

Penalty TypeDetails
Bank ChargesBoth the issuing and receiving banks may charge a fee for the returned cheque.
EMI Bounce ChargesIf the cheque was for an EMI payment, additional bounce charges may apply.
Interest on Outstanding AmountAdditional interest may be charged on the overdue amount.
CIBIL Score ImpactA returned cheque can negatively affect your credit score, making it harder to secure loans in the future.

 

How to avoid penalties and protect your CIBIL score:

  • Pay overdue EMIs immediately to avoid further penalties.
  • Monitor your bank account regularly to ensure sufficient funds are available.
  • Set reminders for EMI due dates to avoid missing payments.

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Grievance redressal 

Legal Warning: Section 138 and Your Repayment Obligations

A cheque return due to insufficient funds or other reasons can lead to legal action under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Here are the key implications:

  1. Legal Notice: The payee can issue a legal notice to the drawer of the cheque within 30 days of the cheque being returned.
  2. Penalty and Fine: If the issue is not resolved within 15 days of the notice, the drawer may face legal penalties, including fines.
  3. Imprisonment: In extreme cases, the court may impose imprisonment for up to two years.

Act now: Ensure you make the required payment immediately to avoid legal complications.


Why you must pay your overdue EMI immediately to avoid legal action

Failing to address a returned cheque can have severe consequences, including:

  • Legal Notices: Non-payment can lead to legal notices and potential court proceedings.
  • Higher Financial Burden: Additional penalties and interest charges can increase your financial liability.
  • Credit Score Damage: A returned cheque negatively impacts your CIBIL score, reducing your chances of securing loans in the future.

Take action now: Pay your overdue EMI immediately to avoid these complications and secure your financial well-being.

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How to complain 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a cheque return message from my bank instantly lower my CIBIL score?

Yes, a cheque return message can negatively impact your CIBIL score, especially if it is related to EMI payments. Address the issue promptly to minimise the damage.

What are the specific cheque return reasons with meaning that lead to legal notices?

Reasons such as insufficient funds, signature mismatch, or “Advice Not Received” can lead to legal notices if not resolved promptly.

Can I dispute a cheque return memo if my account had sufficient balance?

Yes, you can dispute the cheque return memo by contacting your bank and providing evidence of sufficient funds in your account at the time of cheque presentation.

What is the penalty fee for a cheque return message on a Bajaj Finserv EMI?

The penalty fee for a cheque return on a Bajaj Finserv EMI depends on the terms and conditions of your agreement. Check your loan agreement or contact customer support for details.

Is an advice not received cheque return considered a criminal offense under Section 138?

No, “Advice Not Received” is not typically considered a criminal offence under Section 138. However, it is essential to resolve the issue promptly to avoid complications.

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