Another solution is to visit a branch and ask for a “counter check.” The teller might be able to print a check with your account information on it. If so, try voiding that check as if it came out of your checkbook. 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. Although some mistakes can be corrected by marking the incorrect information and initialing it, this is not always a safe practice. It’s essential to note that some businesses may not accept such corrections. The check could still be run through the bank’s system for the incorrect amount.
This may include rent, mortgage payments, utility payments, or other recurring bills. In addition, a voided check takes away the hassle of sending in payments or setting up an online payment each month because it automatically comes out on the specified date. If you’re the one making the payments, you may need a voided check from the other party to connect the accounts. If the other person is making the payments, he or she will need a voided check from you for the same purpose. Even though fewer consumers make payments by check, voided checks remain important. That’s why it’s good to know how they work, even if you don’t frequently pay by check, so you remain protected when you use them.
No, although it’s common for both a direct deposit form and a voided check to be required and while both have similar information, they are not the same. The voided check serves as a verification of your routing number and account number. It’s possible that some employers or payment providers might accept this form by itself. The form asks for the same information printed on a voided check, such as your name, routing number, and account number. In some cases, the entity requesting a voided check might accept a letter printed on bank letterhead. The instructions you receive will outline the information they’ll need on the letter.
A Letter From Your Bank Or Credit Union
Lastly, digital forms or authorization through your bank’s online system to provide the necessary information electronically are increasingly accepted. While many people have switched to using debit cards instead of paper checks, there are times when you may still need a check. There are also instances when a company requests a voided check, or when you wish to have a check voided for your own purposes. If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or you run a business, you may have certain clients whom you work with on an ongoing basis. To simplify and speed up payment, you may set up an electronic billing and payment arrangement with that client. 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.
Grasp the meaning of APY in banking and CDs with our in-depth guide. Discover how APY impacts your financial choices and social security tax rates maximizes your savings. 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. Consider using a password-protected PDF if sending your information by email. A cleared check may contain information that you or another party may prefer to keep private.
Correcting A Mistake
- The check could still be run through the bank’s system for the incorrect amount.
- Voided checks can serve an important role in direct deposits and other ongoing transactions.
- Grab a check out of your checkbook, and write “void” across the front.
- The process is fairly straightforward, but it’s important that you do it carefully to avoid someone using your check fraudulently.
- The check cannot be presented for payment but still has information that can be used to verify your account and which bank holds your account.
A voided check is a check with the word “void” written across the front, which indicates that it shouldn’t be accepted for payment. The check can still be used to get the information needed for electronic payments. 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.
Some businesses even take payments over the phone, allowing customers to provide the information orally. Employers often use voided checks to set up direct deposits for their payroll, and service providers may need them to set up direct debits. This is because a blank check has all the information they need, such as routing or account numbers. Using a voided check reduces the likelihood of errors, like transcription errors. You may be asked to send a voided check if you want to set up an electronic payment method for certain bills.
Use a preprinted deposit slip
Note the check in your checkbook or finance software, indicating that the check has been voided. You may have to get creative, wait for checks, or find an alternative way to link your bank account. Keeping a partially written check around without voiding it is risky as it could be stolen. Thus, it’s always best to void any check that can no longer be used by writing the word “VOID” on it. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to writing checks. Voiding a check may seem as simple as just writing “void” across the front.
Requirements for a Voided Check
Take steps to hide your account information from thieves and hackers. For example, consider encrypting the image or uploading it to a secure file vault. No, once a check is voided, it cannot be reinstated or reused as a valid form of payment. It ensures that the check cannot be accepted by banks or financial institutions for payment. If a mistake was made in voiding the check, a new check must be issued.
Never give anyone a blank check, especially someone you do not know, because it could be used to make a withdrawal from your account. If you keep track of your checks in a register or spreadsheet, note the voided check number and the date. That helps you keep track of this check, so you know exactly what happened to it in the future or if you can’t remember which check number you’ve voided.
How to void a blank check?
She has over a decade of experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese from Georgetown University. Voided checks may not be as popular as they once were, an item is considered material if but it’s still important to know how to void a check, what they look like, and what their purpose is. Always remember to keep track of any checks you void out to prevent identity theft or fraud. These oversights might appear minor but can lead to confusion or potential security risks.
Let’s say you intended to write a $50 check, but mistakenly added an extra zero, making it $500. To prevent the check from being processed for the wrong amount, you void it by writing “VOID” on top of the written amount. Even if the check has been made out to an individual, store, or other institution, it can no longer be used.
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. 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.
As we start to move away from cash or checks, e-money transfers are… There’s no need to sign a voided check and it may be safer if you don’t. A voided check is simply used for verification of your banking information.
Knowing how to void a check correctly ensures safety and protects your bank account information. Check washing is also a practice where thieves have been known to erase ink on the check with chemicals. 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. If you don’t have a checkbook, you may be able to use your bank’s online bill pay service to send a small payment to yourself. However, you’ll often find that you’ll need both an authorization form and some type of verification, such as a voided check.