How to Void a Check: Set up Payments, Deposits, and Investments

Whether you’re filling out a check for the first time or first time in a while, you might have questions. Check out the Chase Auto Education Center to get car guidance from a trusted source. Open a savings account or open a Certificate of Deposit (see interest rates) and start saving your money. Once write voided check you’ve voided a check and made copies of it, shredding the original check is a good idea to help prevent fraudsters from getting their hands on it. Again, just make sure not to write over the printed numbers at the bottom of the check.

What is a voided check for direct deposit?

Make a note of the check-in your check register so that you know where that particular check went. If you don’t, you’ll have a gap in check numbers, leading you to wonder what happened. Did you write a large check to somebody and forget about it, or did that check gets stolen?

Precautions To Take When Voiding a Check

• However, for larger amounts, that fee could be worth avoiding potential complications.
• Information, including rates and fees, is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
• A voided check is a paper check with the word “VOID” written across the front.
• FinanceBuzz does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products.
• Your lender, payee, or employer’s human resources service probably has an online dashboard where you can simply type in your bank account and routing numbers.
• Ask for a letter, printed on bank letterhead, which lists your account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings).
• You can take a check from your checkbook and write “void” across it in large letters and provide the check to your employer.

A voided check isn’t meant to be deposited or cashed—but that doesn’t mean it’s useless. It serves as a secure way to share your bank account and routing numbers without risking an unauthorized transaction. You can ask your financial institution to send a letter providing all the same information to the party requesting your voided check. One of the advantages is your bank or credit union may send the letter directly to the party requesting the voided check, avoiding the need to send it by email. Physical checks commonly have an account holder’s name, address, checking and routing numbers. Having all this on a voided check makes it easier for an employer to establish and verify a connection to the bank account where you want your paycheck deposited.

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• However, no bank will deposit a check with the word “void” clearly written across its face, as this clearly indicates that the check is no longer valid.
• Chase also makes it simple to set up direct deposit with a convenient pre-filled form that you can download through their app and print or email to your employer.
• The check will be used only to set up your paycheck to be deposited directly into your account, not as a payment method.
• FinanceBuzz makes money when you click the links on our site to some of the products and offers that we mention.

We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy. A blank check invites thieves to fill in any desired amount and withdraw money from your checking account.

Our suite of security features can help you protect your info, money and give you peace of mind. See how we’re dedicated to helping protect you, your accounts and your loved ones from financial abuse. Also, learn about the common tricks scammers are using to help you stay one step ahead of them. If you see unauthorized charges or believe your account was compromised adjusting entries contact us right away to report fraud. Note that some banks may charge a fee to issue a stop payment on a check.

If you’re unable to provide a voided check, or if your bank doesn’t offer paper checks, there are alternative methods to set up a direct deposit or an electronic payment. Employers usually ask for a voided check as a simple way to collect your banking information for direct deposit. If you want to set up automated electronic payments for bills, the service provider may ask for a voided check. This verifies your identity with a credit union or bank and ensures the bank account number from which the funds will be withdrawn gets recorded correctly. A voided check is a check marked Void across it, rendering it unusable for transactions. It’s often used to provide banking information for direct deposits or payments.

• You can write a void check example by sourcing a blank unused check from your check book.
• For example, a check with a misspelled payee name may be rejected by the bank, complicating cash flow for businesses reliant on timely transactions.
• This can happen if you accidentally write the wrong amount on the check, or if you write the wrong name down for the recipient.
• Learn if your money is safe in banks, credit unions, and with CDs.
• If you don’t use checks often, it’s still worth keeping a few in case you need to set up direct deposit or automatic payments.

If You Don’t Have Checks

They may also ask you to fill out a direct deposit authorization form. Yes, you can void a check after it has been partially filled out. 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. However, remember to record this action in your check register to keep your financial records accurate. Voided checks may feel outdated, but they still play a role in setting up key financial services. Knowing when and how to use one keeps your money moving smoothly—and securely.

However, for larger amounts, that fee could be worth avoiding potential complications. You may have to get creative, wait for checks, or find an alternative way to link your bank account. Others will require you to purchase your checkbooks from them. Once you have your own personal checkbook, you can write VOID on any of the checks to get a void check. 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.

Mistake #1: Writing “VOID” too small or lightly

With Chase for Business Law Firm Accounts Receivable Management you’ll receive guidance from a team of business professionals who specialize in helping improve cash flow, providing credit solutions, and managing payroll. Choose from business checking, business credit cards, merchant services or visit our business resource center. All things considered, however, knowing how to void a check correctly can help protect your bank account and personal information, whether you’re the payer or payee. Just make sure you write void over the payee, dollar amount and signature lines. Do not sign a voided check and be sure to store it somewhere safe or eliminate it securely. GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.