Back to results for “Cash Book & Petty Cash”
Bookkeeping › Bank Reconciliation

What is an unpresented cheque?

Beginner

Answer

An unpresented (outstanding) cheque is one the business has written and recorded as a payment in the cash book, but which the payee hasn't yet paid into their bank, so it hasn't cleared the business's bank account. It makes the bank statement balance higher than the cash book until it clears.
Real-world example A supplier hasn't banked the cheque yet, so it's unpresented and the bank still shows the higher balance.

Common follow-ups: How does it affect the reconciliation? | When does it clear?