How to Void a Check And Protect Your Bank Account

what does a voided check look like

You should also make sure that no one can remove the word void from the check. You would not want any thief to remove the word void because after that they will have a blank check in their hand. Also, you should not cover the banking information which is written at the bottom of the check. You can ask your bank to draw you up a “counter check”, a special type of check that can be officially voided by the bank but still includes your important account information.

Rather than figuring out the process as it comes up, learn everything you need to know about voiding a check now so that you’re fully prepared in the future. Banks are not responsible for the accuracy of any content provided by author or contributor. If you keep a check register, make note of which checks you void. Each check is numbered to help you keep track of each transaction. You can void a check from Wells Fargo online, by phone, or in the store. This Link will have the phone number you need to contact them and the step-by-step process of how to void a check online. If you need a Stop Payment Order for a check, your bank will probably need the information on the check you want to cancel.

Write “void” in large letters across the front of the check

If you’ve already sent a check, you can request a stop payment on a check if you’ve made an error or don’t want the payment to complete for another reason. Since this information is on every check, there’s no need to void a second check if you need to show a voided check to more than one company. For example, you could send a payment for a penny and then mark that check as void. Alternatively, you can use check printing software to print a check you can then mark as void. However, you’ll often find that you’ll need both an authorization form and some type of verification, such as a voided check. For example, many insurers offer an attractive discount if you make automatic payments.

How do I get a voided check for direct deposit?

If you need a voided check to set up direct deposit with your employer, you have a couple of choices. You can take a check from your checkbook and write “void” across it in large letters and provide the check to your employer.If you don’t have a check to give, ask whether you can provide a counter check, a copy of a deposit slip, or a letter from your bank. You also might be able to provide your routing and account numbers directly.

If you don’t have a paper shredder, you can use scissors to cut up the check. Make sure you cut directly through your name, account number, signature, and other important details. To send a voided check to your employer just ask them for the mailing address you should use to mail the void check to them. Sometimes you can also just bring them void check into them at the office directly.

Automatic Payment

The company requesting a voided check may be able to accept printed deposit slips, that have your banking account information on them, instead of a check. Your employer may request a voided check to get your bank’s information, routing number and your own bank account number so they know where to deposit your money. A voided check is simply a check that can no longer be used to make a payment or withdraw money from your checking account. A voided check has the word “VOID” written across the front of it.

So if a written check is full of the monetary amount you write on it, voiding the check makes that check financially empty. A voided check contains the word ‘VOID’ across the front end of the check. The word void indicates that the check cannot be accepted for the payment purpose. By voiding the check, it can be prevented to use as a blank check. In other words, if a thief gets hold of the voided check then also it cannot be misused by entering payee information and entering large values. For this, the word void should be written big and dark enough across the check. Voided checks are often used for setting up direct deposits or automatic payments.

Types of Financial Institutions in Canada

Fortunately, voiding a check is a simple and straightforward task. Read on to learn exactly how to void a check, why you might need to void a check, and what to do if you don’t have any checks. 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. Providing your banking information to your employer so that employer can pay you. Generally, if “VOID” is written across a check, no matter how or where, it will be recognized as a voided check. Never again do you have to worry about finding your checkbook several times a month and firing off payment through the mail . Most companies don’t even need an original; a copy of a voided check is good enough.

what does a voided check look like

You simply write the word “VOID” in big letters on the front of the check. If you need to cancel a check, no matter the financial system you’re using you can always contact them and they will run you through the procedure to stop a check payment. When you void a check it can’t be used as a check, meaning it can’t be deposited. Usually, a check is a document you sign to allow the recipient to withdraw the amount you specified from your bank’s checking account. Voiding the check makes the recipient unable to do this anymore. In a variety of situations, providing a voided check enables you to share your checking account information without allowing anyone to use the check.

Credit & Debt

Take a look at the FAQs Page for Bank of America to read all about voiding checks with their bank. If Bank of America is your bank, and you want to set up direct deposit, then you actually don’t need to void a check with them to do so. Using a blue or black pen, write “VOID” in large letters across the entire front of the check, making sure not to cover the routing or account numbers. Those numbers are what the person receiving the voided check will use to identify your checking account.

The check allows two or more parties to make a monetary transaction without exchanging paper currency. Refer to the image below displaying all the sections of a check. You can also request ACH payment for government funds, such as Social Security checks or your tax refund.

Counter checks are the same as the starter checks many banks provide when you open an account. These checks can be printed on demand and feature your bank’s routing number as well as your account number. Be aware, however, that some banks may charge a small fee for counter checks. Many times, you’ll need a voided check to set up automated loan payments such as a mortgage payment, student loan, or auto loan. This process allows your employer to deposit your paycheck or expense reimbursements directly. Payment services may also require a voided check when setting up an account. Certain types of transactions might require a voided check to verify your banking information.

  • Often you can earn a better rate by using automatic payments, so it may be worth the extra effort of setting up autopay and sending a copy of a voided check.
  • If you need to provide this info, you’ll often be asked to include your routing number and account number on a form but also to include a copy of a voided check.
  • No, it isn’t necessary to sign or put any information on a voided check.
  • If you have a question about a specific transaction on your account, please call the customer service number located on your account statement.
  • You can still use that check to grab or provide your bank routing and account number as those numbers are tied to your bank account and not individual checks, however.

If you don’t have any checks, one of the simplest ways to get a voided check is to visit your local bank and request a counter check. Yes, companies that request a copy of a voided check need to verify your bank’s routing number and your account number. If you don’t have a checkbook, you may be able to use your bank’s online bill pay service to send a what is a voided check small payment to yourself. You can then void this check by writing VOID across the front and send it to the entity that requested a voided check. Alternatively, you may be able to print a check at home and then follow the same process. These numbers contain your bank’s routing number and your account number, both of which are needed for verification.