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How To Void A Check
If you want to successfully void a check, you will need to write the word ‘VOID’ across the front of the check. It is best to write the word in clear, big writing and make sure the words cross over any part of the check which contains information.
Using a blue or black pen to write the word ‘VOID’ will make it stand out more.
Write the word ‘VOID’ over the amount of the check, and also across the signature line if the check has already been signed. You only technically need to write ‘VOID’ once, but if you have signed the check there is no harm going over your signature making sure it is completely void and unusable.
When To Void A Check
There are various reasons as to why someone would want to void a check. Perhaps you wrote a check has been issued in error, or there is a mistake on it where you may have used an incorrect payee, payment amount or date.
Alternatively, you may have had to issue a check to provide banking information to others such as employers so they can establish an electronic link to your account.
Set Up Direct Deposit
How to void a check for direct deposit: most employers like to pay electronically these days, this means that they will need to have access to your bank details in order to set up the payments.
Some employers request a voided check as they need an accurate record of your bank details (ie account number, name etc).
Set Up Direct Payments (Money In)
Situations where you may want direct payments set up via a voided check:
- Tax returns
- Employer wages
- Welfare payments
Set Up Bill Payments (Money Out)
This is less common in the days of online banking, but you may find that some companies still want a voided check to verify your banking account to configure automatic payments.
Examples:
- Mortgage payments
- Car loan payments
- Gas/electricity/water bills
- Insurance payments
How To Void A Check Without Checks
If you do not have a paper check you can ask your bank for one by requesting a printed voided check. Some banks may also have the facility to let you print checks at home, so ask them if you need access to this.
You could also use online payments to make a payment to yourself and mark the check as void, you would then have an electronic void check and not a paper one.
Check Voiding Tips
- Once the check has been marked void, make a note of the check number and mark it as voided in your check register.
- It might help you for future reference to also make a note of the reason for voiding the check.
- Writing ‘void’ on the back of the check, with the date you void the check, is good for additional protection.
- Take a photo on your phone of the void check for future reference.
How To Void A Check FAQ
Does it cost anything to void a check?
Are you wondering “how much does it cost to void a check?”
Some banks charge for voiding checks, from $0 to $35. Always check the terms of service of the bank and see if it can be voided cheaper online rather than over the telephone.
What can someone do with a voided check?
The person who has your void check can use the information on the check, for example, an employer sets up an electronic payment. Avoided check cannot be used to make payment.
Should I keep the voided check or shred it?
As long as the check is permanently defaced and cannot be used for payment, then you can either keep it as a record or shred it, or tear up a check.
Is voiding a check the same thing as a stop payment?
There is a difference, a stop payment is essentially stopping payment on a check that has been issued already.
Marking the check void on the front does not stop the payment which you have already authorized, you would need to issue a stop payment order to your bank. Do this as soon as you can.
Can I void a check that’s already sent?
How to void a check that’s already sent: You can stop payment at any point until the check is cashed in.
If the check has been cashed in then you cannot void the check, so if you do want to void a check that has already been sent you need to act fast and get in touch with your bank ASAP.
How do I know if a business or corporate-issued reimbursement check is voided?
If it’s been a while since you received a refund check or similar from a company, government institution, etc, you might be past the “void after” date.
The void after is usually 6 months after the check has been issued, this is to give the payee time to use the check-in a timely manner. Otherwise, you will find a check is void when you come to cash it in and the payment is not available.
Final Thoughts On How To Void A Check
Employers request voided checks when they want 100% accuracy in terms of bank details, however, some organizations also accept a bank letter confirming your details or a pre-printed deposit slip.
It is always worth checking what other form of document you can send in place of a void check. However, voided checks are still commonly used so make sure you keep your own security in mind when sending void checks and keep records of any check you do void.
