Navigating different payment methods can be confusing. One option you might encounter is a demand draft, often abbreviated as DD. While it shares some similarities with cheque, demand drafts offer a more secure and guaranteed way to transfer money. This guide will explain everything you need to know about demand drafts, from their purpose and benefits to how to obtain and use them.
What is a Demand Draft (DD)?
A demand draft is essentially a pre-paid instruction issued by a bank to another bank, guaranteeing immediate payment of a specific amount to a designated recipient (payee).
What is demand draft form?
To initiate a money transfer using a demand draft (DD), you will need to fill out a demand draft application form. This form, also known as a DD form, acts as your request to the bank. Filling it out accurately with all the necessary details is crucial for a smooth transaction. You can usually download a DD form online from your bank's website or collect it directly from the branch.
Demand draft details
Field name |
Field details |
Bank branch |
The branch of the bank issuing the DD |
To pay |
Details of the payee (recipient) |
Date/Validity |
Date of issue and validity period (usually 3 months from date of issue) |
Amount (in words) |
The amount payable to the payee (written in words) |
DD Number |
A unique number assigned to identify the specific demand draft |
Signature |
Signatures and stamp of the issuing bank's authorised representative |
Before online banking and mobile banking became widely used, demand drafts (DD) were a popular way to make payments for loans and other transactions. Compared to cheque, DD offer a safer option with minimal risks. This is why many people have traditionally preferred DD over cheque for payments. However, even though they are safer, there are still a few potential risks associated with using demand drafts.
How to issue a demand draft?
- Visit your bank branch
- Get a receipt or acknowledgment from the bank. It will have important details like the demand draft number, date, and the payee's name. This will help you keep track of the transaction
- Ensure your account has enough money to cover the demand draft amount and any associated fees
- Pay the bank's demand draft issuance fees
- Submit the completed form along with any required documents for verification
- Once the bank approves your application, they will issue you the demand draft
- Get a receipt or acknowledgment from the bank. It will have important details like the demand draft number, date, and the payee's name. This will help you keep track of the transaction
Note: Policies and fees may vary between banks. Contact your specific bank for any additional details.
Using a demand draft
Once you have the demand draft, here is how to use it:
- Delivery: You can either give the demand draft directly to the person you are paying or send it through mail
- Presentation: The payee needs to present the demand draft at their bank branch for collection
- Verification and payment: The receiving bank will verify the authenticity of the demand draft and credit the payee's account with the mentioned amount
Demand draft Validity
Demand drafts usually have a validity period of 3-6 months from their issue date. However, the exact time frame can vary between different banks. If you exceed this validity period, the demand draft might expire. In this case, you may need to have it reissued or request an extension from the bank that issued it. Be sure to check the specific validity period mentioned on your demand draft and ensure you complete the payment within the designated time frame.
Demand draft or cheque?
Demand drafts provide a safety net compared to cheque, especially when dealing with someone you do not know well. Unlike cheque, which can bounce if there are not enough funds in the sender's account, demand drafts are guaranteed payments. The bank verifies the sender's funds upfront before issuing the DD, ensuring the receiver gets their money. This eliminates the risk of the transaction failing due to insufficient funds, making demand drafts a safer choice for situations where trust might be an issue.
Conclusion
Demand drafts offer a secure and reliable method for transferring funds, especially for larger sums or when dealing with unknown parson. They provide a level of guarantee that traditional cheques lack. Understanding their process, fees, and validity period is crucial for deciding if a demand draft is the right payment solution for your specific needs.
