Published Apr 29, 2026 4 Min Read

Cheque Bounce & Advice Not Received: Meaning, Penalties & BFL EMI Impact

A cheque bounce occurs when a cheque cannot be processed due to various reasons, such as insufficient funds or incorrect details. When a cheque is returned with the remark "Advice Not Received," it indicates that the transaction could not be completed because the necessary instructions or details were not received by the bank or financial institution.

 

Key impacts of a cheque bounce:

  • EMI rejection: A bounced cheque can result in the rejection of your Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) payment, potentially leading to overdue payments.
  • Penalty fees: Both the bank and the lender may impose penalties for the bounced cheque.
  • Credit score impact: A cheque bounce can negatively affect your credit score, reducing your chances of securing future loans.
  • Loan eligibility issues: A poor repayment history can make it difficult to qualify for loans or other financial products.

Understanding ‘advice not received’ and cheque return meaning

To understand the implications of a cheque return, it is essential to break down the terms "Advice Not Received" and "Cheque Return." The table below provides a clear explanation:

ContextExplanation
Advice Not ReceivedThis means that the financial institution was unable to process the transaction due to non-receipt of necessary instructions or details.
Cheque Return DefinitionA cheque return occurs when a cheque presented to the bank cannot be processed for reasons such as insufficient funds, incorrect signatures, or outdated cheques.
Common Reasons for Cheque Return- Insufficient funds in the issuer’s account<br>- Incorrect or mismatched signatures<br>- Bank errors<br>- Outdated or expired cheques

Understanding these terms is crucial to ensuring that your financial transactions proceed smoothly and without unnecessary complications.

 

Warning: How cheque returns affect your CIBIL score and future loans

A cheque return can have far-reaching consequences, especially when it involves EMI payments. Here is how it can impact your financial health:

  1. Negative impact on your CIBIL score:
    Every bounced cheque is reported to credit bureaus, which can lower your CIBIL score. A low score may hinder your ability to secure loans or credit cards in the future.
  2. Difficulty in securing future loans:
    Lenders assess your creditworthiness based on your repayment history. A cheque return indicates financial irresponsibility, which may reduce your chances of approval for future loans.
  3. Trust and financial credibility:
    Regular cheque returns can damage your reputation with financial institutions, making it harder to build trust.

Pro-tip:

To avoid cheque bounces, set up reminders for EMI payments through the Bajaj Finserv portal or app. This ensures that you are notified ahead of time to maintain sufficient funds in your account.

 

Immediate consequences: Cheque bounce penalty and charges

When a cheque bounces, both the issuing bank and the lender impose penalties. Below is a breakdown of the possible charges:

Penalty TypeDetails
Bounced Cheque FeeA penalty charged by the lender, such as Bajaj Finserv, for a failed EMI payment.
Bank ChargesAdditional charges levied by the issuing bank for the returned cheque.
Legal PenaltyIf the issue escalates, penalties under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act may apply.

It is important to note that these penalties can accumulate over time, further increasing your financial burden. Paying your dues on time can help avoid these unnecessary costs.

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Grievance Redressal 

Legal Implications: What Happens if a Cheque Bounces under Section 138?

A bounced cheque is not just a financial inconvenience; it can also lead to legal consequences under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Here is what you need to know:

  1. Legal notice:
    If a cheque bounces, the payee can issue a legal notice to the issuer within 30 days of the incident.
  2. Payment deadline:
    The issuer is required to make the payment within 15 days of receiving the notice to avoid further legal action.
  3. Court proceedings:
    If the payment is not made within the stipulated time, the payee can file a complaint in court. This may result in a court summons, fines, or even imprisonment for the cheque issuer.

It is crucial to address any cheque return issues immediately to avoid escalating the situation to legal proceedings.

 

Summary: Why you must pay your EMI on time

Timely payment of your EMIs is not only crucial for maintaining a healthy credit score but also for avoiding penalties, legal complications, and disruptions to your financial services. A good repayment history builds trust with financial institutions, ensuring that you remain eligible for future financial products and services.

By setting up reminders or opting for automated payment options, you can ensure that your payments are made on time every month. Taking proactive steps to manage your finances will help you avoid the stress and consequences associated with cheque bounces and missed payments.

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How to complain

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "advice not received" mean in the context of a cheque return?

It means the bank or financial institution could not process the transaction because they did not receive the necessary instructions or information.

Will one single bounced check lead to a legal notice from the lender?

Yes, a lender can issue a legal notice under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act if a bounced cheque results in a missed payment.

How can I check the reason for my cheque bounce hone par kya hota hai on the BFL app?

You can log in to the Bajaj Finserv app using your registered credentials. Navigate to the EMI section to check payment details or contact customer support for further assistance.

Is a cheque return and a bounced cheque the same thing legally?

Yes, both terms are often used interchangeably and refer to the failure of a cheque to be processed by the bank.

What if cheque bounces due to a signature mismatch instead of insufficient funds?

Even if a cheque bounces due to a signature mismatch, it is still considered a returned cheque, and penalties may apply as per the bank and lender policies.

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