Published Sep 8, 2025 4 Min Read

What Is a Demand Draft?

A demand draft is a pre-paid financial instrument issued by a bank or NBFC that guarantees payment to the specified payee. Unlike cheques, demand drafts ensure secure and reliable transactions as the amount is already paid to the issuing institution. This eliminates the risk of payment default, making demand drafts a preferred choice for high-value transactions.

Purpose and function

Demand drafts are widely used for:

  • Educational fee payments: Universities and schools often require payments via demand drafts for added security.
  • Property transactions: When purchasing real estate, demand drafts ensure guaranteed payment to sellers.
  • Business dealings: Companies prefer this instrument to avoid cheque bounce risks and ensure timely payments.

By offering guaranteed payment, demand drafts provide peace of mind to both the payer and the payee.

Demand Draft vs. Cheque: Key Differences

While both demand drafts and cheques are used for payments, they differ significantly in terms of functionality and reliability. Here is a comparison:

FeatureDemand DraftCheque
Payment guaranteeGuaranteed payment as funds are prepaid.Payment depends on the account balance.
Risk of bounceNo risk of bounce.High risk if sufficient funds are unavailable.
Issuance authorityIssued by banks or NBFCs after payment.Issued by the account holder.
Usage scenariosSuitable for high-value transactions.Commonly used for day-to-day payments.

Demand drafts are ideal for situations requiring secure payments, such as property purchases or educational fees, while cheques are better suited for routine transactions.

How to Apply for a Demand Draft Online

Applying for a demand draft online is a streamlined process, especially for Bajaj Finserv customers. Follow these steps to apply for a demand draft using the Bajaj Finserv Service Portal:

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Log into your Bajaj Finserv account: Access the Service Portal using your registered credentials.
  2. Navigate to the demand draft section: Select the relevant option under financial services.
  3. Enter details: Fill in the payee’s name, amount, and other required details accurately.
  4. Verify and confirm: Double-check the information and confirm the request.
  5. Complete payment: Make the necessary payment to initiate the demand draft issuance.
  6. Track application status: Use the Service Portal to monitor the status of your demand draft.

Tips for a smooth application process:

  • Ensure all details are accurate to avoid delays.
  • Use Bajaj Finserv’s chatbot for assistance during the application process.
  • Check the "Fees and Charges" section to understand the applicable costs.

Call to action: Log into your Bajaj Finserv account now to apply for a demand draft seamlessly.

Charges associated with issuing a demand draft

Demand drafts come with nominal charges, which vary depending on the issuing institution and the amount. Bajaj Finserv ensures transparency by clearly outlining these charges in its "Fees and Charges" section.

Common charges:

  • Issuance charges: A small fee based on the demand draft amount.
  • Cancellation charges: Applicable if you cancel the draft after issuance.
  • Courier charges: If the demand draft is delivered to your address.

It is essential to review these charges before applying for a demand draft. Bajaj Finserv makes this process easy by providing all relevant details on its platform.

Call to action: Visit the Bajaj Finserv "Fees and Charges" section to calculate your demand draft costs instantly.

How Bajaj Finserv integrates demand draft services

Bajaj Finserv enhances the efficiency of demand draft applications by leveraging its robust Service Portal and customer-centric features. Here is how Bajaj Finserv integrates demand draft services seamlessly:

Key features:

  • Service Portal: A user-friendly platform for demand draft applications, tracking, and statement downloads.
  • Chatbot assistance: Instant help for resolving queries during the application process.
  • Eligibility: Services are exclusive to existing Bajaj Finserv customers with completed transactions or established relationships.

Benefits for customers:

  • Convenience: Apply for demand drafts online without visiting a branch.
  • Transparency: Access detailed information on charges and terms.
  • Reliability: Enjoy secure transactions backed by Bajaj Finserv’s trusted platform.

Call to action: Explore Bajaj Finserv’s Service Portal today to experience hassle-free demand draft applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of a demand draft?

A demand draft is a pre-paid financial instrument issued by banks or NBFCs that guarantees payment to the specified payee. It ensures secure and reliable transactions, eliminating the risk of payment default.

How can I apply for a demand draft online?

You can apply for a demand draft online via Bajaj Finserv’s Service Portal. Log in using your credentials, navigate to the demand draft section, fill in the required details, and complete the payment.

What are the charges associated with issuing a demand draft?

Charges for demand drafts include issuance fees, cancellation fees, and courier charges. Bajaj Finserv provides detailed information in its "Fees and Charges" section.

How does a demand draft differ from a cheque?

Demand drafts guarantee payment as funds are prepaid, while cheques depend on the account balance and carry a risk of bouncing. Demand drafts are ideal for secure, high-value transactions.

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