Muscat – The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has introduced the system of ‘partial payment of cheques’, effective from December 15, 2025, under new regulatory instructions governing cheque settlements.
Under the framework, beneficiaries will be able to receive available funds from a customer’s bank account when the balance is lower than the cheque amount, rather than having the cheque returned unpaid. The measure applies to all cheques, irrespective of value.
The CBO said the move aims to enhance financial discipline in the banking sector, improve cash flow for individuals and businesses, and reduce the likelihood of legal disputes arising from returned cheques.
The system makes it mandatory for cheque beneficiaries to accept partial payment when funds are available. Cheques that are partially settled may be re-presented to claim the remaining amount at a later date.
The central bank clarified that beneficiaries retain their legal right to recover the outstanding balance, in accordance with Article 566 of the Commercial Law and relevant provisions of the Penal Code.
The partial payment mechanism applies to crossed, account payee, bearer and order cheques. It also covers cash, bearer and order cheques presented over the counter at banks.
Banking sector officials said the new system is expected to ease pressure on businesses facing temporary liquidity constraints, while ensuring that beneficiaries are not denied access to funds that are already available.
The CBO stated that banks have been instructed to implement the system across all branches from the effective date, in line with the updated regulatory requirements.
