A cheque drawn on a bank bears two transverse parallel lines across its face with the words 'and company' between them. Under s.126 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, the bank on which it is drawn may pay it:

A cheque bearing two transverse parallel lines, with or without the words 'and company' between them, is crossed generally under s.123 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881. Section 126 provides that where a cheque is crossed generally, the banker on whom it is drawn shall not pay it otherwise than to a banker, and where crossed specially, he shall not pay it otherwise than to the banker to whom it is crossed, or his agent for collection. A banker paying otherwise than in accordance with the crossing is liable to the true owner for the loss. Crossing protects against theft or loss, since payment is made only into an account. Payment over the counter to any holder, to the payee in person, to the drawer, or upon telephonic confirmation would violate s.126.