How to Void a Check: A Quick & Easy Guide

Write the word “VOID” in large letters, big enough to cover most of the face of the check (except for the banking details we mentioned above). Sometimes you can also just bring them void check into them at the office directly. Basically, voiding a check you already sent is like bouncing your check preemptively. If you need to cancel a check you’ve written out, then you need to know how to void a check.

You can write it once in large letters, or you can write it in small letters on the date line, amount line, amount box, payee line, and signature line. Out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party, and cash load fees may apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.. If you don’t have your checkbook readily available when requested, here are some alternatives you can provide that will have the same information as a check. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A.

• You may also be able to set up deposit or withdrawal instructions using a deposit slip instead of a voided check.
• Voided checks reveal crucial banking information that if not shredded or disposed off properly can serve as linchpin to more dangerous scams.
• No, it isn’t necessary to sign or put any information on a voided check.
• By asking you for a check, your employer reduces the potential for errors.
• You don’t need to sign the check or enter any other information.

A Letter From Your Bank Or Credit Union

Another solution is to visit a branch and ask for a “counter check.” The teller might be able to print a check with your account information on it. If so, try voiding that check as if it came out of your checkbook. If a thief gets their hands on the check, they won’t have a blank check, which they could use to spend your money—effectively stealing from your account. The word “Void” should stand out from the pre-printed information on the check, so it’s clear to anyone that the check’s invalid.

Signing up is free and easy, and you can wave goodbye to those checks. The only way to give yourself peace of mind is to void the check and then throw it out or shred it. Therefore, if you do not have the checks, you can order them online.

If the check is not currently in the company’s possession, then contact the bank and authorize a stop payment on the check (for which the bank will charge a fee). If you write “Void” on a check, always use ink; someone could erase a “Void” mark made with a pencil and then try to cash the check. Additionally, many banks can provide a pre-printed letter or document that verifies your account details. Some institutions may accept a printed online banking statement that includes your account and routing numbers. Lastly, digital forms or authorization through your bank’s online system to provide the necessary information electronically are increasingly accepted.

Example of a Voided Check

If you make the lettering too fine, or you use a highlighter, a potential thief may be able to either erase or cover your writing, simply copy the check and make the highlighting disappear. By asking you for a check, your employer reduces the potential for errors. If you have to fill out a form, it’s possible you’ll make a mistake. If the employer has to read your handwriting, perhaps it’s not perfect and a mistake is made when entering the information. Partners are not able to review or request changes to our content except for compliance reasons. Financial products are highly regulated so we work closely with partners to make sure the information we have on our site is accurate and includes any required legal language and disclaimers.

Direct deposit eliminates the need for you to receive a paper paycheck and often allows the money to void a check meaning be deposited into your bank account faster. Many companies allow you to fill out a direct deposit authorization form. However, some still require a voided check for direct deposits. You may be asked to send a voided check if you want to set up an electronic payment method for certain bills. That will eliminate the need for you either to issue a paper check in payment, or to go online and arrange the electronic payment manually.

Avoiding Fraudulent Use

This helps you track which checks were voided and why, making it easier to balance your bank statements. You can store these records in your checkbook, a dedicated notebook, or even digitally. If you need a voided check but don’t have a checkbook, you can request one from your bank. Taking these precautions can help you avoid potential issues and keep your finances secure.

AccountingTools

A voided check is used to get the information necessary for electronic payments because it includes the following details. EFT allows you to transfer money directly from one bank account to another without the need for a paper check. This method is commonly used for payroll, bill payments, and other types of transactions. If you write the wrong amount or misspell the payee’s name, you should void the check to prevent it from being cashed or deposited. At this point, the only way to prevent the check from being cashed or deposited is to ask your bank for a stop payment, which may come with a fee. Next, take the check and write the word “VOID” across the front.

You don’t need to sign the check or enter any other information. To void a check, you’d have to cancel it before the recipient had deposited it. Write “VOID” across the front of the check with a blue or black permanent marker. Use large letters that fill up the entire check, or write “VOID” in smaller letters on the date, payee, amount, and signature lines. Also, it gives more control because the funds are deposited at the same time every month.

When you void a check by writing the word ‘VOID’ across its front in capital letters, there is no chance it will be used accidentally. This way, you can refer to it if needed and ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Voiding a check correctly ensures that it cannot be used for any financial transactions, protecting you from potential fraud. After making a copy, you can safely dispose of the original check by shredding it or storing it securely. If both of these options fail you might want to ask the bank to record your pertinent account information and then notarize the letter, making sure it’s printed on their official letterhead. That’s almost always a solid approach, though circumstances will rarely dictate you have to go down that road.

If you add one too many ‘0s’ to your check, you can’t just correct it and hope it works out. You also can’t discard it because if someone were to get hold of it they could withdraw money from your account. It means that the check can no longer be used after it has been cashed or deposited. Our writers and editors used an in-house natural language generation platform to assist with portions of this article, allowing them to focus on adding information that is uniquely helpful. The article was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editorial staff prior to publication. You can try the alternatives below if your account does not offer checks.

• By writing “void” across the check, you ensure that no bank will process it.
• A deposit slip from your checkbook has all the needed account details.
• You’ll want to account for what happened to the voided check so you’re not left wondering if you have an outstanding check when you’re reconciling your bank statement.
• If someone gets hold of a blank check, they could potentially fill it out and commit fraud.

How to Deposit a Check With Mobile Check Deposit

Yes, you can void a check after it has been partially filled out. If you’ve made an error or no longer wish to use a check that you’ve started writing, simply write “VOID” across it as described above. However, remember to record this action in your check register to keep your financial records accurate. While we don’t feature every company, financial product, or offer available, the information, reviews, and tools you’ll find on Crediful are based on independent research. We never recommend a product or service we wouldn’t use ourselves. Make a note of the check-in your check register so that you know where that particular check went.

Consumers often provide their own routing and account numbers online without any problem, so voided checks are required less frequently. For example, online banks allow you to link external accounts by typing in those details yourself. Billers, such as utility companies, also accept payments by e-check when customers input their checking account information. Some businesses even take payments over the phone, allowing customers to provide the information orally. Your paper checks all have your bank information on them—the name of your bank or credit union and your account and routing number. By giving a voided check, you give the person establishing the link to the bank account information they need to set up your direct deposit.