How to track post-dated cheques (PDCs) in the UAE
Post-dated cheques are part of everyday business in the UAE, from shop rent to supplier payments. A missed date can mean a bounced cheque, so it pays to have one reliable list that everyone trusts.
What to record for every cheque
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cheque number and bank account | Matches the cheque to the account that must be funded |
| Payee | Shows who is waiting for the money |
| Amount | Lets finance plan the cash needed that week |
| Due date | The date the cheque can be presented |
| Branch | Shows which branch the payment belongs to |
| Status | Pending, cleared, bounced or cancelled |
| Scan or photo | Proof if there is a dispute |
A weekly routine that works
- Monday: list every pending cheque due in the next 14 days.
- Match to cash: compare the total per bank account with the balance expected on each due date.
- Top up early: move funds a few days before the date, not on the day.
- Update status: when the bank statement shows a cheque as cleared, mark it. Chase anything bounced the same day.
- Review overdue: a pending cheque past its date needs an explanation.
Controls for multi-branch businesses
- One register for the whole company, not one spreadsheet per branch.
- Staff can add cheques; only a senior person can edit or delete them.
- Keep the starting cheque number per bank account so numbers are not mistyped.
- Keep the register where the owner and the finance team can both see it.
Why spreadsheets fall short
A spreadsheet does not warn anyone when a date is close, depends on whoever last edited it, and is hard to share safely across branches. An online register with due-date visibility fixes those three problems. See how BizTracker UAE manages PDC cheques.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a cheque bounces?
It can bring bank charges, damage the relationship with the payee and the bank, and lead to legal action. Treat a bounced cheque as urgent and speak to your bank and the payee at once.
How far ahead should I fund the account?
Many finance teams fund a few working days before the due date, so a delay or a holiday does not cause a problem.
Should I keep copies of cheques?
Yes. A scan or photo kept with the record helps if there is a dispute about amount, date or payee.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change and special cases exist; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.