There are two types of cheque crossings: general and special. A general crossing involves drawing two parallel transverse lines on the cheque with optional words like "and company" or "not negotiable" written between the lines. A special crossing involves writing the name of a banker across the cheque, with optional words like "not negotiable". The crossings provide directions to the paying banker to not pay the cheque over the counter and ensure the money is paid into an account, making the recipient traceable.