How to Void a Check: 8 Steps with Pictures

This will help you remember that the check was voided and you’re not waiting for it to clear your account. If that check number is posted to your account, contact your bank right away. Finally, if you use duplicate checks, make sure your VOID marks are voided check seen on the duplicate, too. A void check is simply a check with the word “VOID” across the front. Writing “VOID” on a check means that the check can’t be deposited or cashed. When you void something it means you’ve made it empty, of no effect, or null.

  • If you make a mistake while writing out a check, such as entering the wrong amount or payee, you can void the check and then write another one with the correct information.
  • Get your paycheck directly deposited into your bank account to save yourself some time and hassle.
  • This also applies if you have made a mistake when writing a check (like the wrong dollar amount), so voiding the check ensures it can’t be processed by any bank.
  • It means that the check can no longer be used after it has been cashed or deposited.
  • Voiding a check is a common practice used to nullify incorrect checks and set up direct deposits or bill payments.

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. Electronic money, or e-money, is a simple way to send, spend, and receive payments online. As we start to move away from cash or checks, e-money transfers are…

Can I get a voided check from my bank?

Ask for a letter, printed on bank letterhead, which lists your account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings). Alternatively, some banks provide form letters for setting up direct deposit—print it while you’re logged in to the online banking system, and it should have everything you need. You may be asked to send a voided check if you want to set up an electronic payment method for certain bills. That will eliminate the need for you either to issue a paper check in payment, or to go online and arrange the electronic payment manually.

  • Start the process of ordering checks, and when it’s time to “preview” your order, you’ll have a customized check image that you can void.
  • If any of these things occur you can simply void the check to ensure it doesn’t accidentally get used later.
  • This will likely cost you a fee, but it can provide peace of mind — even if someone finds it, they won’t be able to cash it.
  • This will help you remember that the check was voided and you’re not waiting for it to clear your account.

Find out what ACH stands for, what it can be used for, and the pros and cons of ACH transfer.

Direct deposit is your ticket to Early Pay

A voided check will still have your account details on it but it cannot be used to process any payment. But unless you’re voiding a filled-out check, make sure you don’t cover up the routing or account number on the check—those are important. Typically, you’ll need to void a check when you need to provide new account verification for setting up a direct deposit or direct withdrawal. You can provide written informaition about your account, but many companies require the voided check for verification.

how to make a voided check

We will never ever recommend a product or service that we wouldn’t use ourselves. Invested Media LLC may have financial relationships with the companies mentioned or seen on this site. Get advice on achieving your financial goals and stay up to date on the day’s top financial stories. There you have it—that’s everything you need to know about how to void a check.

What is a Void Check?

There might also be situations like my example above, where a voided check is just the quickest and the best option to set up payroll. 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.

  • 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.
  • If a thief 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.
  • If you have to fill out a form, it’s possible you’ll make a mistake.
  • However, it is possible that some of the information is incomplete, incorrect, or inapplicable to particular circumstances or conditions.