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

Voided checks can serve an important role in direct deposits and other ongoing transactions.

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.

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What is a voided check?

A voided check is a check which is no longer valid and has the word ‘void’ written on the front. As such, it’s a check that banks won’t accept for payment.

So what purpose does it serve?

A voided check can be useful for providing the necessary information for certain electronic payments, such as direct debits.

Is a voided check the same as a canceled check?

Not exactly.

To void a check, you’d have to cancel it before the recipient had deposited it. But this isn’t the same as a canceled check.

A canceled check is one that the bank has already cleared. It means that the check can no longer be used after it has been cashed or deposited.

How to void a check

If you want to set up a direct deposit with your employer, you can’t just submit a blank check to provide your bank information, as anyone could fill out the check and take money from your account.

Instead, you’ll need to void a check.

To do that, you’ll have to write the word ‘VOID’ in capital letters going across the front of the check. Make sure you use a black or blue pen with permanent ink, and if you have a duplicate check, do the same for that copy.

Alternatively, you can write the word ‘VOID’ in any one of the following parts of the check:

• Payee line
• Amount line
• Amount box
• Signature line
• Date line

Do I sign a voided check?

No, it isn’t necessary to sign or put any information on a voided check.

All you should see is the bank information such as your routing number, account number, and check number, and the word ‘VOID’, which you should have written on the front of the check.

When to use a voided check

You can use a voided check for several functions, including the following:

• To establish a direct deposit

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.

• To set up automatic electronic payments

You can also use a voided check to set up automatic electronic payments, including ongoing expenses such as rent and bills.

• To cover up a mistake

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 only way to give yourself peace of mind is to void the check and then throw it out or shred it.

What is a voided check for direct deposit?

A voided check is an excellent way to set up a direct deposit with minimal effort on your part.

How do I get a voided check for direct deposit?

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.

Why do you need a voided check for direct deposit?

While you don’t strictly need a voided check to set up a direct deposit², many employers will ask for one.

This is because it is an easy and convenient way for the employer to have access to your bank information without requiring you to make a money transfer.

Voided check alternatives

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.

Here are some of the best workarounds if you don’t have any paper checks:

• Ask your bank for a voided check

If you don’t have a paper check, you can always go to your nearest bank branch and request a voided check. Bear in mind that you may have to pay a fee for this.

• Follow instructions to set up direct deposit

Often, banks will provide instructions on how you can set up a direct deposit without a voided check. Reach out to your bank, or see if there’s any information online about how you can do this.

• Find out your bank information

Your last option is to gather all your bank account information in one place so that you can fill out a form for your employer to set up a direct deposit.

This information can include your routing number, bank account number, and the name and address of your bank.

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If you’re tired of dealing with paper checks and keeping records, Wise can help you manage your money electronically.

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Sources:

All sources checked 21 April 2021.