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

To do so, an employee simply writes “Void” in large font across a check and gives it to the human resources department. If you want to be extra careful, you might write “Void” across the payee line, as well as on the signature line and in the payment box. One of the most routine instances of voiding a check is for setting up direct deposit with your employer.

If any person or organization requests a voided check, be prepared to question them about the exact purpose. Unless it’s one of the usual reasons, you should never provide a voided check to anyone. 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. If you're asked for an electronic version or image of your voided check, don't send it along as an attachment or pasted image in an email.

Providing Digital Bank Account Verification

Though we live in an age where most of our banking can be done digitally, there are some instances when you'll be asked to provide your bank information using a blank check. And anyone who has ever written out a physical check knows that it's possible to make a mistake like putting in the wrong amount. When you're faced with either of these situations, you're going to want to void the check in question.

Do I Need a Voided Check for Direct Deposit?

• And in such cases, the mistake may not be noticed until the check is returned to your bank or rejected by the recipient’s bank, causing the check to bounce.
• 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.
• You’ll have to sign an agreement that authorizes automatic payments.
• Autopay can be very useful to stay on top of recurring bills like utilities, rent, or credit card payments.

In addition, a voided check takes away the hassle of sending in payments or setting up an online payment each month because it automatically comes out on the specified date. If you already sent out a check without marking it as void or suspect that one has been lost or void a check meaning stolen, you could still put a stop order on the check to prevent your money from being stolen. 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.

Requirements for a Voided Check

Once you set everything up, the amount will be deducted from your bank account each month automatically. You’ll have to sign an agreement that authorizes automatic payments. Many employers ask their employees to submit a voided check in order to set up payroll direct deposit.

Once you have your own personal checkbook, you can write VOID on any of the checks to get a void check. However, you want to make sure the word is clearly seen so that thieves can’t write in any information and cover up the word. You don’t need to sign the check or add any other information when you’re voiding it.

Deposit Slips

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Voided checks reveal crucial banking information that if not shredded or disposed off properly can serve as linchpin to more dangerous scams. In the image, the check has the word ‘VOID’ written across its face in capital letters. This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

• No, once a check is voided, it cannot be reinstated or reused as a valid form of payment.
• These methods are not only convenient but also secure, ensuring your financial information remains protected.
• That’s almost always a solid approach, though circumstances will rarely dictate you have to go down that road.
• So, if a written check is full of the monetary amount you write on it, voiding the check makes that check financially empty.

Setting Up Direct Deposit

Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. Alternatively, the word can be written on other check parts, such as the payee line, dateline and amount box.

And in such cases, the mistake may not be noticed until the check is returned to your bank or rejected by the recipient’s bank, causing the check to bounce. 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). The point is a potential thief can gain instant access to what is probably your primary financial account. This will open the possibility of accessing your money or even stealing your identity for other purposes. It should be written across the entire front in large, preferably upper case letters. Use either with a dark pen or fine marker so it will show clearly on the one hand, but still leave the important information intact on the check.

Why do employers need a voided check?

The checks have the necessary banking information for companies to initiate direct deposits, electronic bill payments and automated clearing house transfers. You may need to provide a voided check when you set up automatic bill payments, deposits from your employer, or investments from your bank account. Your bank account information appears on those checks, and whoever asked for the voided check will use those details to set up an electronic link to your bank account.

The most common use is for a company to use it in setting up direct deposit. Voided checks are also frequently requested when setting up recurring financial transactions because they contain all of your banking information. There are several common situations when someone will ask for a voided check, which the next section discusses. We strive to provide up-to-date information, but make no warranties regarding the accuracy of our information. FinanceBuzz does not provide credit cards or any other financial products.

You can use the bank’s website to create your profile and set up an account. You will probably have to fill in an online form on your bank’s website, so make sure to have all the relevant info before you begin. 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.