If you mess up writing a check, then you’ll want to void the check you already wrote on and start over again. This can happen if you accidentally write the wrong amount on the check, or if you write the wrong name down for the recipient. A voided check facilitates direct transfers, giving recipients faster access to their funds. A voided check has the word ‘VOID’ written across the front of the check in capital letters. The word ‘VOID’ is written in capital letters, so it is not mistaken for cash use. When you void a check, you prevent the check from being used by anyone to withdraw money.

• It’s your responsibility to double-check all information before making any financial decision.
• 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.
• If the date is incorrect, it may still go through as long as too much time has not lapsed.

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An online check writer solution smoothes the process of printing and sending voided checks to lenders or investors. Do you prefer to set up autopay so you won’t have to worry about going in and scheduling payments to come out of your account each month on the due date or a date that you’d prefer? But for automatic payments to start, they may request that you send over a voided check so they can have your official routing and account number on file. Doing so also minimizes the chances of numbers being transposed or other issues arising when it’s time for the payment to be processed. As paper checks become less common in banking, organizations that normally require a voided check may be more receptive to another method.

A voided check is an official check from your banking institution that has had the word “VOID” written clearly (and in large print) all the way across the front of the check. The credit card offers that appear on this site are from companies from which FinanceBuzz receives compensation such as banks or CardRatings.com. If you need to prevent a check you’ve written from being cashed, you can request your bank to stop payment on the check. Once a check has been cashed, you can’t reverse or void the transaction. You may get a bonus when you open an account and set up direct deposit.

When to use a voided check

Embracing these methods can make managing your finances much simpler and more secure. Having this information ready will save you time and help the bank process your request more efficiently. It’s important to use a permanent pen to ensure the void mark cannot be erased or altered.

Many small or less formal organizations may allow you to provide the information from your checking account directly to them in lieu of sending documentation. They don’t need a voided check; it’s just a matter of convenience if you send one. If you can provide your bank name, routing number, and your personal account number over the phone, it’s often good enough. Avoid sending this information in an email due to the security risks. Employers usually ask for a voided check as a simple way to collect your banking information for direct deposit. With the routing and account numbers from your voided check, your employer can arrange to have your paycheck deposited directly into your account on payday, saving you time and hassle.

Autopay can be very useful to stay on top of recurring bills like utilities, rent, or credit card payments. By using auto-pay you won’t have to worry about forgetting any bill payment and accruing late fees and hits to your credit score. A void check is simply a check with the word “VOID” across the front.

How to Void a Check — And Protect Your Bank Account

• A woman sits at her dining room table with laptop and financial reports doing her monthly budget.
• These online platforms save plenty of time with secure options for voiding checks.
• Whenever you give your bank information to someone else, there is always a risk of it falling into the wrong hands — even if it’s only a small risk.
• Embracing these methods can make managing your finances much simpler and more secure.

Make sure the check’s important details, like the account and routing numbers, are still visible. Sometimes, you may need to cancel a payment after writing a check. Voiding the check ensures that it cannot be used for any financial transactions. This is especially important if you decide not to proceed with a purchase or service. You can still use that check to grab or provide your bank routing and account number as those numbers are tied to your bank account and not individual checks, however.

So you wrote a check and gave it or sent it, but now you need to cancel it. If either of these things occurs what you are going to want to do is get a Stop Payment Order. If any of these things occur you can simply void the check to ensure it doesn’t accidentally get used later. In a way, voiding a check you already wrote is a safe method of destroying the check. Sometimes you’ll need to cancel a check payment after you’ve already sent or given the check.

Why Should You Void Your Checks Online?

Once you have your own personal checkbook, you can write VOID on any of the checks to get a void check. To get a voided check you’ll need to talk to your bank and get them to send you a checkbook. For instance, maybe you wanted to write a check out to a newly married couple and wrote the check out to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson. This can actually be a bit of a problem for them when they go to deposit the check if the bank account they want to use for that check is only in Mrs. Johnson’s name.

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. 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. Start the process of ordering checks, and when it’s time to “preview” your what does void a check mean order, you’ll have a customized check image that you can void. Many banks now offer the option to set up direct deposit through their online banking platforms.

How to Send Certified Mail Online

Even if a thief steals this check, they cannot write down a sum of funds and then use it to withdraw money from your account. Companies often request voided checks from their employees to gather banking information to set up direct deposits. It can serve as a conduit for establishing direct deposits, ACH transfers or to schedule electronic payments from a checking account, whether for personal or business use.

Obtain a blank check from your checkbook, and don’t write anything on the regular lines. Note the official check number in your ledger while you make a void check. It would help you to know why you are skipping this check while you’re balancing your checkbook. A voided check can also help in setting up automated bill payments. Businesses don’t need to stress out while remembering the dates of their recurring payments by streamlining their budgets with voided checks.

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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. Next, take the check and write the word “VOID” across the front. You can write it in large letters that cover most of the check, or you can write “VOID” in smaller letters on the date line, payee line, amount line, and signature line.

Individuals or businesses might need more readily available spare blank checks. Requesting a bank to provide a “counter check” could be a good option. These checks are officially voided but still have the vital account information. If you happen to need a blank voided check solely for information purposes but don’t have one at your disposal, don’t panic.