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Cheques are Changing: How Does it Impact You?

The Canadian Payments Association (CPA) is leading an industry-wide initiative to modernize Canada's cheque clearing system. As the industry moves towards the future state of exchanging cheque images instead of paper-based cheques, all cheques in Canada need to meet the new CPA cheque standard format, known as "Standard 006".

"Old format" personal cheques will continue to be processed so customers can use up their current cheque supply. Cheques ordered through CIBC after April 2005 already meet the new standard.


Key changes to the cheque specifications include:

  1. Numeric date field in 1 of 3 specified formats -YYYYMMDD, MMDDYYYY or DDMMYYYY

  2. A mandatory serial number in the MICR line encoded on bottom of cheque

  3. The minimum length of a cheque increases from 6" to 6 ¼" or 15.88 cm, to ensure there is enough space for the serial number in the MICR line

  4. Positions for key fields on the cheque have been standardized, (e.g. date and amount)

  5. Elements such as inverse printing, italics or slanted fonts, a bottom border or using black carbon on the reverse will not be permitted as they may hinder image or data capture

  6. Security features should not interfere with key data, or "areas of interest"

  7. New printing requirements for the reverse of the cheque

This sample highlights the new cheque standards, called "Standard 006".

Key changes to the cheque specifications

If you are a CIBC Small Business customer, changes to your business cheques may be required. Learn more


To learn more about the new cheque specifications and standards, please visit the Canadian Payments Association website, or contact the CPA by calling 613-238-4173 or by e-mail at .