The notation of “void” is used because checks are prenumbered for control purposes and every check needs to be accounted for. You should not give anyone a blank check because they can fill it out and withdraw money from your account. Voided checks reveal crucial banking information that if not shredded or disposed off properly can serve as linchpin to more dangerous scams. The word ‘VOID’ is written in capital letters, so it is not mistaken for cash use.
If you make a mistake filling out a check, write “VOID” across it so the check cannot be cashed. It’s a good idea to maintain a record of voided checks so you can account for any discrepancies in your checking account. Yes, you can void a check you’ve already written as long as it hasn’t been handed over or processed. Simply write “VOID” across the front of the check in large, clear letters.
How do I get a voided check for direct deposit?
You don’t need to sign the check or enter any other information. Just make sure whatever you provide matches the information the company is requesting. Card images shown are illustrative and may vary from the card you receive.
- This is necessary if you intend to pay your car loan, mortgage and other bills online.
- Most places where you need a voided check should accept this since it includes the appropriate account details.
- Some places may require a voided check to receive your account information and even get set up an electronic transfer of your money too.
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Keeping records of voided checks
For those unfamiliar with a traditional checkbook, seeing a voided check example can clarify how it looks and functions. Some alternate names include “invalid check” and “nullified check”. Certainly, voided checks are not very common in the current electronic era.
Voiding a check is a common practice used to nullify incorrect checks and set up direct deposits or bill payments. The process is fairly straightforward, but it’s important that you do it carefully to avoid someone using your check fraudulently. An illustration of this happens when a company needs to make an electronic charge to someone who purchased a service.
- Voided checks are useful in setting up direct deposits, payments and regular bill payments.
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- 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.
- A voided check is a paper check with the word “VOID” printed or written across it, which means it can’t be filled out or used to make a payment.
It is essentially a check with the word “VOID” written across a blank or partially written check. The word “VOID” indicates that the check cannot be accepted for payment. The word “VOID” also disables the check from being used as a blank check. In other words, the check cannot be cashed even if someone completes the check.
Alternatives to set up direct deposit
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. The most common use for a voided check is to establish a direct deposit¹. If you’re going to receive payments from an employer electronically, you can send them a voided check, so they have all of your bank information.
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. Make sure it includes your account number, account type and routing number — if the recipient just wants your accounts details, that should be enough. But verify from the recipient if this would be acceptable if you have no other options. You can then treat it as if it came from your checkbook and then voided check definition void it right there.
A blank or partially filled-out check can be stolen, completed, and used to withdraw money from your account—even without your permission. © 2025 Greenlight Investment Advisors, LLC (GIA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor provides investment advisory services to its clients. Investing involves risk and may include the loss of capital. Investments are not FDIC-insured, are not a deposit, and may lose value.
A voided check allows you to share your bank account information safely. Let’s explore why you might want to void a check and how it works. By doing this, we can see how helpful it is for managing your financial activities.
You need to receive direct deposits
Some places may require a voided check to receive your account information and even get set up an electronic transfer of your money too. 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. For example, if you are in business and your suppliers prefer to be paid electronically, then a voided check may be part of setting up automatic payments.
Why Do Companies Need a Voided Check?
Discover how APY impacts your financial choices and maximizes your savings. The only way to give yourself peace of mind is to void the check and then throw it out or shred it. If you add one too many ‘0s’ to your check, you can’t just correct it and hope it works out. You also can’t discard it because if someone were to get hold of it they could withdraw money from your account.
The Bankrate promise
Use a dark pen or marker, making sure you don’t write over the numbers at the bottom of the check. Make a note on your register so you remember that the check was voided. A voided check is still a safe and reliable way to share your banking details. This remains true even as digital options are becoming more popular. A voided check can help you in several money-related situations. You may need it when you have to provide your banking details.
In summary, a voided check is a simple yet effective tool for safely providing bank account information for purposes such as setting up direct deposits or automatic payments. While it’s a relatively secure method, it’s important to be aware of the potential security risks and to handle and dispose of voided checks appropriately. 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.
In some instances, like applying for a student loan or receiving a tax refund, organizations may request a voided check as proof of your existing bank account. For a clear visual reference, searching for a void check example can help you understand what is typically required. 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. There will also be a section for you to attach a voided check. And there are some instances where you’ll need to provide a voided check to make a special arrangement, such as setting up direct deposit or online bill pay. A voided check may be perforated with a “Void” stamp, or crossed out, or have “Void” written across it, be shredded, or simply be stored in a voided checks file.
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