Tunisia has taken a major step toward modernizing its financial sector with the launch of tunicheque.tn a digital platform designed to secure cheque transactions and combat fraud. Developed under the supervision of the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), this platform aims to reduce bounced cheques, enhance financial transparency, and restore confidence in cheque payments.
Starting February 2, 2025, Tunicheque.tn will be fully operational, allowing individuals and businesses to verify the validity of cheques before accepting them. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of transitioning toward secure and digital financial transactions.
How Tunicheque.tn Works
The Tunicheque.tnplatform functions as a real-time cheque verification system, allowing users to check the validity and security of a cheque before completing a transaction. Here’s how it works:
1. User Registration
- Users must create an account on Tunicheque.tnusing their national identification number (for individuals) or business registration details (for companies).
- After verification, users gain access to the system’s cheque validation services.
2. Cheque Verification Process
- When a user receives a cheque, they can enter the cheque number and other identification details into the Tunicheque.tn portal.
- The platform cross-checks the cheque details with the issuing bank to verify:
- Cheque validity: Ensuring it has not been reported lost or stolen.
- Account standing: Confirming if the issuer’s account has sufficient funds to cover the cheque.
- Payment history: Checking if the cheque issuer has a history of bouncing cheques.
3. Instant Feedback & Risk Assessment
- Approved Cheque: If the cheque is valid and has sufficient funds, the system provides a green signal, allowing the transaction to proceed with greater confidence.
- Risk Warning: If there are insufficient funds, suspicious activities, or other risks, the platform alerts the recipient, who can decide whether to accept or reject the cheque.
4. Integration with Banks
- All Tunisian banks are required to integrate with Tunicheque.tn to provide real-time updates on cheque transactions.
- Banks will update their databases regularly to reflect newly issued cheques, blocked accounts, and suspicious activities.
- The platform also supports automated notifications for users when a cheque is flagged as risky or rejected.
5. Digital Security & Privacy
- Tunicheque.tn ensures data protection by using secure encryption protocols and follows Central Bank regulations.
- Each transaction and cheque inquiry is logged to prevent fraud and unauthorized access.
- The user’s identity and transaction details are protected under Tunisia’s data privacy laws.
Key Features of Tunicheque.tn
- Real-time Cheque Validation – Users can verify cheques before acceptance.
- Fraud Prevention – Helps detect counterfeit and bounced cheques.
- Bank Integration – Direct access to banks’ databases for up-to-date cheque information.
- Automatic Alerts – Users receive notifications on cheque validity status.
- User-Friendly Interface – Accessible via desktop and mobile for easy use.
New Cheque Regulations & Impact on Businesses
With the introduction of Tunicheque.tn, new cheque regulations will take effect in February 2025:
Cheque Issuing Limits:
- Maximum limit of 30,000 TND per cheque.
- Banks will set cheque validity periods (minimum 6 months).
Mandatory Use of Digital Tools:
- Businesses are encouraged to use electronic payments such as:
- Bank transfers
- Credit card payments
- Electronic cheques
Financial Security Benefits:
- Reduces the risk of unpaid cheques.
- Increases trust in business transactions.
- Promotes the use of digital banking solutions.
Concerns & Challenges
While Tunicheque.tn presents a modern solution, some concerns have emerged:
⚠ Privacy & Data Security – Users worry about how their financial data will be handled.
⚠ Adoption by SMEs – Small businesses need support in adapting to the new system.
⚠ System Reliability – The platform must ensure real-time accuracy without technical failures.
The Central Bank of Tunisia has assured users that data protection laws and cybersecurity measures will be in place to prevent fraud and misuse.
