Account Payee Only is a crossing written on a cheque which means the cheque amount must be credited only to the bank account of the person named on the cheque.

It:

Cannot be encashed over the counter

Cannot be transferred to another person

Provides extra security against misuse

This crossing is usually written as “A/C Payee Only” on the top left corner of the cheque.

In simple terms, “Account Payee Only” means the cheque money can be deposited only into the payee’s bank account, not given in cash.