For example, consider encrypting the image or uploading it to a secure file vault. If your checking account doesn’t offer checks, you may be able to set up direct deposit in other ways. A voided check will have all of your bank information printed on it, so it can provide others everything they need to set up a direct deposit payment from your account. Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU — the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions.
If you don’t have any checks, and you want to set up a direct deposit or automatic electronic payment, there are other ways to do so. Once you have the voided check you need, consider scanning or photocopying it. You may need to provide voided checks numerous times in the coming years. When an original check is not required (for example, if you’re going to fax in the instructions or submit an electronic image of your check), you can use the same copy repeatedly. You can request one up until the time the person you wrote the check to presents it.
When should you void a check?
You can keep the original for yourself as a reminder that the check with this number was not used for a specific payment. There are a few things you can do if you need to submit a voided check but don’t have any. Voiding a check basically means you’re canceling it so it can’t be used to make a payment or withdraw money from your account. Discover what FDIC insurance is, its limits, and the types of accounts it covers. Learn if your money is safe in banks, credit unions, and with CDs.
Wise is a safe and easy way to send, receive and manage your money without any old-fashioned banks involved. Voided checks can serve an important role in direct deposits and other ongoing transactions. You may want to ensure no one else uses it, or you may need to present a voided check for someone to access and confirm your banking information. Making this indication ensures you can use the check for mobile deposits only. Note that some banks may charge a fee to issue a stop payment on a check. In a variety of situations, providing a voided check enables you to share your checking account information without allowing anyone to use the check.
A voided check is a paper check with the word “void” written in large, bold letters across its face. Should someone get the voided check, the person wouldn’t be able to cash or deposit it. If you’re going to provide the voided check electronically, don’t just send it out in the open, in a standard email message. Take steps to hide your account information from thieves and hackers.
- Voiding a check makes it useless for payment or for withdrawing money.
- To simplify and speed up payment, you may set up an electronic billing and payment arrangement with that client.
- You should consult your own financial, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
- This is because a blank check has all the information they need, such as routing or account numbers.
- You may have to get creative, wait for checks, or find an alternative way to link your bank account.
To void a check to provide your employer to set up direct deposit, take a blank check and write “VOID” in large letters across the entire check. Be certain that you don’t cover the routing or the account numbers, which your employer will use to make sure your paycheck goes to the right account. Make a copy of the check to send to your employer, and keep the original for your own records. Voiding a check is a straightforward process that involves writing the word “VOID” on the check. Voiding a check can be a key step in setting up financial transitions like regular payroll direct deposits. Voiding a check properly by writing “VOID” in large letters on the documents will help reduce the risk that the check will be cashed.
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. Bankrate follows a strict
editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. You may need to void a check if you wrote a check and made a mistake. If you write the wrong dollar amount, then you’d have to void the check to keep anyone from cashing it or depositing it.
Reasons for voiding a check
Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers. Typically, you’ll need to void a check when you need to provide new account verification for setting up a direct deposit or direct withdrawal. You can provide written informaition about your account, but many companies require the voided check for verification. A creative solution is to have a check printer to generate an image of a voided check for you. This method won’t work if you need to mail the check, but it can help you get an electronic image of a check containing your account information.
If you’re the one making the payments, you may need a voided check from the other party to connect the accounts. If the other person is making the payments, he or she will need a voided check from you for the same purpose. Even though fewer consumers make payments by check, voided checks remain important.
How to Balance a Checkbook
There you have it—that’s everything you need to know about how to void a check. Here’s everything you need to know about how to void a check. Aah yes, there are still some things in life that are simple and straightforward. In the other states, the program is sponsored by Community Federal Savings Bank, to which we’re a service provider.
What To Do If You Don’t Have Checks
A voided check is simply a check that you can no longer use to make a payment or withdraw money from your checking account. You may need to void a check for several reasons, including setting up online bill pay or direct deposit. Otherwise, they might give you a starter check that doesn’t have your name printed at the top.
Are There Alternatives To Voided Checks?
Don’t cover up the routing or bank account number at the bottom of the check when voiding it. Those numbers are necessary for identifying your bank account to send or receive payments. A voided check has the word “VOID” written across it, indicating that it cannot be used for payment. Voiding a check ensures it won’t be used by anyone, such as thieves who may write in a large amount for themselves. Then, it can provide key information like your routing number and account number to be used in electronic transactions.
The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its affiliates. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date. All you need to do if you want to establish a direct deposit is take an existing check and write the word ‘VOID’ across the front of it in large capital letters.
