How to Void a Check: A Step-By-Step Guide
You can also keep a copy for yourself as a reminder that the check with this number was not used for a specific payment. Voiding a check is as simple as writing “VOID” in large letters across the front of the check, but there are a few other things to keep in mind. This is a seldom-discussed aspect of voided checks, but it’s critically important for protection from identity theft. This will ensure it reaches the intended place without passing through third-party hands. If in person is not possible, a fax delivery is preferred to email. After all, an email can be forwarded, exposing your check information to unintended parties.
Safety precautions with voided checks
Requesting a voided check is the usual way employers set up direct deposit into their employees’ checking accounts. Employees prefer direct deposit because it’s instantaneous and eliminates the need to wait for a paper check to clear their accounts. Companies may require a voided check to set up direct deposit for employees or to establish automatic bill payments.
Voiding a check 101
Voided checks allow you to protect your funds from unauthorized use while also providing your pertinent financial information. If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or you run a business, you may have certain clients whom you work with on an ongoing basis. To simplify and speed up payment, you may set up an electronic billing and payment arrangement with that client. Setting up the arrangement may require you to provide a copy of a voided check so the client can establish the electronic link for payment purposes. You must first contact your bank and see if that particular check has already been cashed. If it hasn’t, they should be able to put a stop payment on that check.
Deposit Slips
- But if you aren’t active online for your finances or feel uncomfortable with that, then a voided check will work too.
- If you’re going to send the voided check electronically it may be a little risky to send it through a normal email sender.
- If you’re really running out of options, you can try printing out your account details on a piece of paper at home.
It’s possible that some employers or payment providers might accept this form by itself. The form asks for the same information printed on a voided check, such as your name, routing number, and account number. An online checking account still https://www.kelleysbookkeeping.com/the-legal-nature-of-the-irrevocable-commercial/ uses checks, but if you’re out of checks, you may be able to send yourself a small check through your online bank’s bill payment service. This process allows your employer to deposit your paycheck or expense reimbursements directly.
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. Instead of voiding a check and submitting it through a form, you can now set up your direct deposit or automatic payment through their online system.
If you don’t have a checkbook, you may be able to use your bank’s online bill pay service to send a small payment to yourself. Often, a direct deposit authorization form is the first part of the process when getting set up with direct deposit through an employer or for accrued revenues other types of payments. To err is human and if you make a mistake when writing a check, voiding the check is often the best way to fix the error. Be aware, however, that voiding a check happens before the check has changed hands or is presented for payment at a bank.
If the employer has to read your handwriting, perhaps it’s not perfect and a mistake is made when entering the information. Voided checks are also frequently requested when setting up recurring financial transactions because they contain all of your banking information. If a thief https://www.kelleysbookkeeping.com/ 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 only way to stop the check from being cashed or deposited is to request a stop payment from your bank, which may involve a fee.
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. In lieu of a voided check, you may also be able to provide documents such as a direct deposit slip that can provide the key financial information for the transition. A voided check is deliberately canceled, marked “VOID” to prevent any financial transactions.
Yes, it’s the digital age, but you still need to know how to void a check. Of course, the offers on our platform don’t represent all financial products out there, but our goal is to show you as many great options as we can. I graduated in 2003 from Carnegie Mellon University with a Masters in Software Engineering and I use my analytical skills to navigate the financial world. It’s through this education that I try to distill complex financial ideas into simple steps regular folks can use to take control of their money and build wealth. Writing “VOID” across the front of the check prevents anybody from using the check to make a standard check payment (by filling in a payee and an amount).
