What is a voided check: When and how to void a check

If you make a mistake while filling out a check, it’s paramount that you void it or destroy it. You probably won’t use this check for anything, so keeping it is risky because it can be used for fraud. Try to keep a record of all your checks and write down what you did with every single one.

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. Although it might sound complicated, voiding a check is actually quite easy. You can do this by taking a check from your checkbook and writing VOID in big letters all across its front page. It’s important that the letters cover the whole front part of the check but without covering the bank details on it. Another important thing is to use a black marker or a pen that can’t be erased, making it easier for thieves to use it as a blank check.

PRODUCTS

While certain people may be concerned over the safety of voided checks, no financial institution will cash or deposit a check that has the term “void” on its face. This is because the paying bank will not release funds for the check after completing the bank transaction validation process. An illustration of this happens when a company needs to make an electronic charge to someone who purchased a service. The supplier wants to be sure that the charge will be made to the correct account and holder.

Nevertheless, if you don’t have a check, you can head to your local bank branch and ask them to provide you with a check. The bank teller should be able to print a check for you, which will have your account information on it. You’ll then be able to grab a pen and void the check in the exact manner we’ve described above. 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. Keeping a partially written check around without voiding it is risky as it could be stolen.

• For example, a company might need to apply for an unsecured business loan or set up direct deposits for its employees.
• Although voided checks are a practical way of sharing banking information, don’t use them indiscriminately.
• Make a note in your check register so that you’ll know where the check went.
• If you do not have a checkbook, the process of getting checks, voiding them and providing it to the employer for direct deposit can be difficult compared to the available alternatives.

Therefore, when you give your banking information to another person for legitimate use, you can use a voided check. This is because you can make a mistake while copying the details on the check. This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. If you don’t have a check to give, ask whether you can provide a counter check, a copy of a deposit slip, or a letter from your bank. You also might be able to provide your routing and account numbers directly.

Despite the decrease in popularity for personal checks, many entities still use voided checks for many reasons. So it’s important to understand what purpose they serve and how to void a check if there’s a need to do so. To enroll, your employer will give you a form that includes information for you to enter your banking information and preferred account(s) that funds should be deposited to.

How to Write a Void Check

• Understand the key differences between APR and APY, and how they affect your savings accounts, CDs, and even crypto investments.
• Professionals don’t even have to worry about losing their paper checks.
• Automatic electronic transfers also eliminate the necessity to use online bill payment services.
• This information is most often used to set up an electronic link to your bank account.

Remember to always maintain a record of your voided checks and destroy the check itself properly. You may be able to get a void check online if this is a service that your bank offers. However, it’s important to note that online void check services are typically only offered by major financial institutions in developed financial markets. Other examples include profits from annuities, mutual funds, deposit certificates, and income from any investments.

If you don’t have any checks at hand, you can visit your bank’s nearest branch and ask for what does void check mean a counter check. The bank teller will have to print it out for you, so you could void it and use it as needed according to the instructions outlined here. Before giving an employer a voided check, it can make sense to first make a copy of the check, so that you know how the check was used. In a computerized accounting system, there is usually a menu option for voiding a check, since this is a sufficiently common activity to warrant having its own routine. Business firms and other organizations aren’t the only entities that may involve recurring personal payments. You may have a payment arrangement set up with another person, such as a family member, a friend, or even a landlord/tenant to make recurring payments electronically.

Request a Demo

The person who receives a voided check cannot fill in the amount and other details and present it to a bank. It also prevents a thief from taking the check, filling out an amount, and forging your signature to debit funds from your bank account. If you don’t know how to make a void check or you don’t have them, you can opt for using deposit slips for certain financial actions. They also contain relevant information such as the routing number, but you will have to insert your bank account number. The Smart Investor (this website) is an independent financial website. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website may receives compensation.

The Bankrate promise

The days of receiving paper payroll checks and taking them to the bank to have them cashed are long gone. In most instances, your employer will prefer that you enroll in direct deposit so they can send your earnings directly to your bank account on payday. Wondering what happens to a check that contains errors but is presented for payment? If the date is incorrect, it may still go through as long as too much time has not lapsed. Personal checks are valid for six months from the date written on the check. (Some banks may choose to honor personal checks after this point but are not legally obligated to do so).

It is often recommended that duplicates of the voided check be kept and maintained. Voided checks can serve as a secure method to share your bank account details, eliminating the potential risk of unauthorized transactions. By providing a voided check, you ensure that your banking information is accurate, reducing the chances of miscommunication or errors. You might need a voided check to sign up for direct deposit, direct payments, or loan payments for your car, mortgage, or other personal loan.

Shaun Conrad is a Certified Public Accountant and CPA exam expert with a passion for teaching. After almost a decade of experience in public accounting, he created MyAccountingCourse.com to help people learn accounting & finance, pass the CPA exam, and start their career. Maybe you ran across a check that was misplaced at your place of employment and weren’t able to return it to the rightful owner? In this case, it would make sense to void the check and toss it to prevent fraud from occurring. Or maybe you wrote a check for $1,000 but you only intended for it to be $10 and spelled out this amount. Chances are the check won’t go through at the bank because of the discrepancy.

If you’re unable to provide a voided check, or if your bank doesn’t offer paper checks, there are alternative methods to set up a direct deposit or an electronic payment. In most cases, this includes the bank, bank address, account number, routing number, and the account holder’s name and address tied to the account. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. The most common use for a voided check is to establish a direct deposit¹.

Voided Check: How and When To Use One

If this won’t suffice, you may have to order a batch of checks overnight from your bank or a third-party and opt for overnight shipping. If you’ve been handling your finances for some time, chances are you’ve seen a personal check with the word “VOID” written boldly across the front. All this means is that the check is now invalidated and can’t be deposited or cashed by the intended recipient.

In his spare time, Kevin enjoys exploring new marketing trends, traveling, and attending industry conferences. It is normal for businesses and individuals to make mistakes while writing checks. However, leaving these checks unattended could be a serious mistake. Anyone can get their hands on these incomplete checks and fill out the rest of the details themselves to withdraw funds. Your name, address, and phone number won’t be listed at the top of the check.

Given that you cannot just submit a blank check, you void it to prevent anyone from filling it out and taking funds from your account. Most companies don’t even need an original; a copy of a voided check is good enough. It’s typically written in large letters so there’s no chance of it accidentally being used. Discover what FDIC insurance is, its limits, and the types of accounts it covers.