How to Void a Check: Quick, Simple Instructions

ByDanica Jovic
April 20,2022

Since the advent of electronic checking, paper checks have become less common. While banks and financial institutions still process them, knowledge of how they work is ebbing among the population. We simply don’t use checks to the same degree as we did. Indeed, 93% of Americans today receive direct deposits instead of physical paychecks.

However, there are still situations in which you need to know how to void a check, particularly when you want to issue checks to employees paid by direct debit or set up direct deposit accounts with vendors. 

Instructions to Void a Check

Voiding a check is incredibly simple. It involves just writing the wordVOID” on the check itself. 

There are two accepted ways of doing this: 

  1. Writing “VOID” in large writing on the front of the check, making sure the letters cover all lines but don't hide the check and account numbers
  2. Writing “VOID” separately on the signature line, amount box, payee line, amount line, and date line

Following are more detailed steps to create a voided check:

Step 1: Start with a Blank Check

Banks don’t require you to include any additional information on the lines when voiding checks. All you need to do is take out a blank check from your checkbook to proceed. 

Step 2: Void a Check with Blue or Black Ink

The next step is to take a black or blue ink pen and write “VOID” in capital letters across the front of the check. By writing “void” on a check, you prevent anyone else from filling out the remainder of it and cashing it to a different account. 

Make sure that as you write the word “VOID,” you do not cover the account and routing numbers. If you obscure them, bank clerks won't be able to identify your checking account. 

Step 3: Make a Copy

The last step is to copy the voided check and send it to the relevant party, such as your employer. You should hold onto the original copy to make sure that the check number is not used at a later date.

What Situations Require You To Void a Check?

There are many situations in which you may want to cancel a check. Voiding a blank check lets you share your account information while preventing anyone from using the check.

Mistakes

It is common to make mistakes when writing checks, mainly if you do it by hand. However, you should never throw the half-completed check in the bin. If you do, there is a risk that somebody might find it and cash it with a different bank account from the one intended. Writing “VOID” on it prevents anyone from using it in any way. 

Automatic Payments

You may also need to void a bill payment check if you set up automatic or recurring payments that are deducted from your checking account.

Direct Deposits

Lastly, learning how to void a check for direct deposit can also be helpful when you want to get the money directly into your account. Sending a void check to employers lets them view your account details to set up payment. 

What Happens if You Don’t Have a Checkbook?

If your account does not have a checkbook, how can you provide a voided check?

First, you can ask businesses and employers who need your account and routing numbers to connect to your account directly. Many establishments can do this, so you might not need to provide a voided check that could get lost in the mail. 

However, if connecting to your account is not an option, you may want to try accessing a preview of your checks online. You may then be able to print these, write “VOID” on them, and send them to the relevant parties. Always check if receivers accept the previews, as it's not always the case.

The other option is to get what's sometimes called a “counter check” at your local bank branch. Instead of handing you a large checkbook, they provide you with only one check that you can then void. You may have to pay a fee for this service. 

Of course, if you are trying to prove your account details, you don’t necessarily need to use a check. Any formal documentation from the bank should suffice. Banks, for instance, may be able to draft an official letter with your account and routing numbers that you can use instead of the regular voided check. 

How to Send a Void Check by Email

If you’re trying to void a check via email, don’t send it as a pasted image or an attachment. Instead, do one of the following: 

  • Put it in a password-protected file
  • Create a link to a file in a protected folder
  • Put it in an encrypted file

Better yet, send it as a physical copy. That way, there is no risk of a hack. 

How to Void a Check Lost in the Mail

Voiding and reissuing a check is sometimes necessary, for example, when the check gets lost in the mail. You will need to contact your bank or credit union to do this. 

Start by checking your bank statements to see if the check has cleared. If it hasn't, you can issue a stop payment order. This order instructs the bank not to clear the check. 

Next, collect the information you will need to speak to your bank. You will require an account number, the exact amount of the check, and the check number. You may also require details of the payee – the person receiving the check – and the name of the person who signed it. You should have this information on your checkbook stubs. 

Next, contact your bank directly, either via telephone, online or in writing to tell them to stop processing the check. Most banks and credit unions provide contact information on their credit and debit cards. 

Once you contact the bank, they will put the stop payment order into effect. Orders typically last six months to prevent anyone from cashing the check out without your consent. After that period, most banks will not cash the check anyway because it is more than six months old. 

Fees

Some banks and credit unions allow you to cancel checks for free, but they are few and far between. Most charge fees, sometimes up to $30, to cancel a check that would otherwise be debited from your account. Furthermore, there may be differences in tariffs when you pay over the phone and online.

Voiding a Check in Quickbooks

If you use Quickbooks accounting software and you need to void a check, you can. Here’s what to do: 

  1. Click Banking and then Use Register, then click on the account that wrote the check.
  2. Click on the check entry number that you want to void.
  3. Click Edit and then Void Check. When prompted to void the check in the current period, click Yes.
  4. Click Record to make a permanent record of the void.

Voiding a payroll check in Quickbooks is also straightforward:

  1. Click the Payroll Center or Employees, depending on the system you use.
  2. Click the arrow to Related Payroll Activities and select Void Paychecks. (If you are not using a payroll service, simply click Void Paychecks).
  3. In Show Paychecks From and Through, specify when you wrote the check.
  4. Select the paycheck you want to void from the list and click “Void.”
  5. Once you click Void, make sure that the amount on the check goes to zero. 
  6. Click Done and exit the screen.

Wrap Up

In this post, we explored how to cancel a check. The process is surprisingly easy, but understanding why you need to do it might be more complicated. You may need to void checks when proving your bank details to utility companies or employers, or when you’ve made a mistake writing them.


It is also important to know where to write “VOID” on a check. You can write it in a small script in the amount line, payee line, amount box, signature line, and date line, or in large writing across the front of the check covering all fields except the check and account numbers.

FAQ
How long does it take for a check to clear?

It takes between two and five days for checks to clear. Banks want to ensure the account holder has sufficient funds available. Some systems require manual checking, which can take longer during busy times.

Can I void my own checks?

You can void your checks by writing the word “VOID” in thick black or blue marker across the face of the check. You do not have to cover the entire check, and you should avoid the account number if you intend the recipient to gain checking account information.

How do I void or cancel a check?

Voided or canceled checks are part and parcel of the financial system. Either write “VOID” in small letters across the date line, signature line, payee line, amount line, and amount box or write “VOID” in large letters across the entire face of the check.

About the author

Danica’s greatest passion is writing. From small businesses, tech, and digital marketing, to academic folklore analysis, movie reviews, and anthropology — she’s done it all. A literature major with a passion for business, software, and fun new gadgets, she has turned her writing craft into a profitable blogging business. When she’s not writing for SmallBizGenius, Danica enjoys hiking, trying to perfect her burger-making skills, and dreaming about vacations in Greece.

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While you can outsource essential marketing to third parties, it’s still a good idea to think creatively about the best outreach strategy for your boutique.  For instance, if you’re a new brand, it might make more sense to focus on influencer marketing instead of dumping your budget into generic Google PPC. Alternatively, if you’re offering something completely new, working with journalists and issuing press releases might be a better strategy. Because there are so many ways of marketing an online boutique, your imagination is often the real limiting factor. Don’t thrash out a marketing plan in an afternoon. Instead, mull it over for several days or weeks to see if you have any breakthrough ideas. Step 4: Choose Your Company Type And Legal Entity After you write your online boutique business plan, the next step is to consider the name and legal entity type. You’ll want the name to be:  Distinctive – so that customers can remember it easily Enduring – something that won’t fall out of fashion or become dated in the future Defensible – a name that isn't too similar to another existing brand name, even one from a different industry Authentic – something that speaks to the character, mission, and values of your firm Easy to say – so you don’t wind up confusing your audience As for business entity types, you have three main choices:  Sole Proprietorship Sole proprietorships are probably the easiest business entities to set up. You don’t have to register them with the state where you will operate, and either you or your spouse can be the owner. Once you set up a sole proprietorship boutique, you (and anyone working on the project with you) will need to report any income on personal tax returns. You usually won’t have to pay taxes if you make a loss. However, you’ll be personally financially responsible for any debts you incur or legal penalties.  LLC Limited liability companies (LLCs) work differently from sole proprietorships. Instead of being personally on the hook for any business-related liabilities, it all goes through the company. This way, you can separate your assets, such as your savings and home, from your enterprise's.  By default, the IRS treats LLC boutiques as pass-through entities. However, you can choose other tax structures, too.  Corporation If you want to be able to issue stock in the future, then you might want to consider setting up a corporation. Corporations offer all-important limited liability protection like LLCs, but they have different ownership and tax structures.  When setting up a corporation, you’ll need to choose between S and C corps. S corporations don’t pay the tax directly from the business entity. Instead, owners report company revenues as their income and pay tax. C corps, on the other hand, pay tax on their income, and then owners pay additional taxes on the dividends they receive.  Before you choose any of these legal entities, speak to your accountant. They will be able to tell you which is best for your business model, the size of your company, and the industry in which you want to operate. Step 5: Find Quality Suppliers And Vet Them Finding reliable suppliers is essential. Even if you plan on making all your products yourself, you’ll still need to work with partners to procure raw ingredients.  But how do you find great suppliers? The trick is to evaluate them across various dimensions.  Do They Offer Quality? The first question is whether the supplier offers quality products that meet the standards that your customers expect. Ask them to supply you with a sample to see if it suits your target market.  Can You Have A Good Relationship With The Supplier? You also need to have a good relationship with your suppliers, particularly if you plan on working with them for any length of time. You want a punctual firm committed to meeting your needs.  Do They Offer A High Level Of Support?  Occasionally, supply chains break down, and things go wrong. When this happens, you need suppliers to get to the bottom of the problem and solve it. Because of this, it’s a good idea to give suppliers a call and talk to them before you start collaborating. Find out how much support they are willing to offer and take note of their communication style. Are There Any Reviews Of The Supplier? Lastly, look around for supplier reviews. Check what other people have been saying about them online. Find out which types of boutiques benefited most from their services, if that information is available.  Step 6: Create Your Website Once you’ve decided on your legal structure, niche and suppliers, the next stage is to build your website – your brand’s digital storefront.  Here you have two choices: build your own system (similar to what Amazon did), or use an existing eCommerce platform.  The vast majority of people starting a boutique with no money choose to go with an existing platform since they are easy to use and provide all the tools you need to get started.  Choose The Right ECommerce Platform Today, there are multiple eCommerce platforms, all offering quality services. Popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento, Wix, Squarespace, and Sellfy.  When looking for an eCommerce platform, consider the following:  The level of support that the platform offers The degree of customization the website builder allows The mobile responsiveness of the platform and the ease with which you can convert desktop designs into those suitable for smartphones and tablets The subscription cost The security of the platform, including whether it offers end-to-end encryption The platform’s hosting environment (and whether it offers sufficient bandwidth to accommodate all your website visitors) The level of dedication that the platform offers to eCommerce users. (Some platforms are generic website builders first, with eCommerce functionality bolted as an afterthought) You should be looking to pay between $30 and $80 a month for a solid eCommerce platform if you're just starting. As your business scales, subscription costs will rise. Start From Scratch Alternatively, if you don’t want to use an eCommerce platform, you don’t necessarily have to build everything yourself. You can start an online boutique store via social media pages like Instagram or TikTok or popular marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy. This way, you can become established first and then build your online store to cement your brand.  Build Your Online Store If you decide to set up a store on a domain you own, the next step is to build it. Trying to do everything all at once can be overwhelming, so you’ll want to break it down into bite-sized chunks. Design  The first place to start is the design. Most eCommerce platforms do a lot of the legwork for you, offering themes that instantly apply to all your web pages, giving your site a cohesive look.  Naturally, you’ll want to choose a design that fits your brand. Most boutiques go for a clean and modern style, but it depends almost entirely on how you sell yourself. Traditional designs are also an option.  Branding You’ll also want the look of your website to reflect your boutique’s character and mission. Visual cues should reveal more of what you’re about, what you stand for, and the type of attitude you want to convey.  Product Pages At the core of any effective online boutique are product pages. You’ll need to set prices and write accompanying copy that sells on these.  Checkout Services Customers need to be able to buy products through your website so you will need a robust checkout process. Here, you’ll want to include account options (so that your system can remember customers when they return), payment processing facilities, various payment methods (such as Apple Pay or PayPal), and shipping options (such as “next day”).  You’ll also want to include a fully functional shopping cart that allows users to see what items they’ve already chosen.  Step 7: Get An EIN To operate your business legally, you will need to do two things:  Register your online boutique with the authorities, which is something that you can do once you choose an entity type Get an EIN An EIN is a business tax identification number. It tells the authorities who you are when you pay tax. You might not be required to get an EIN in some cases, but it can still help to have one anyway because it keeps business and personal finances separate.  Step 8: Obtain The Necessary Licenses You may also need to obtain licenses to operate legally in some states. How you need to proceed depends on local law. Here’s a directory you can use to find license requirements for your particular state. You may need a license to operate and specific licenses to sell online or charge sales taxes. Step 9: Open Your Business Bank Account A company bank account is essential for opening an online boutique or any other business. This facility lets you separate your private and business finances, making it easier to track expenses and avoid accounting problems at the end of the tax year. As you search for suitable business bank accounts, look for those that offer features that you want. Generally speaking, you won’t be handling any physical cash, so you won’t have to worry about a nearby local branch when using an online provider. If you need things like cash and checkbooks, the bank can send them to you in the post.  You may also want to take out a business credit card. These can be helpful when you have limited cash flow and need a little extra money to tide you over. With a good issuer, you may be able to get 0 percent APR for a limited time on purchases. Step 10: Source Funding  Even with some capital for your online boutique, you’ll often need to source more, depending on your business model. For instance, if you adopt a direct source model, you may need to order goods from manufacturers at a minimum volume, which could be prohibitively expensive. You will also need to cover substantial startup costs, as discussed above. Fortunately, various channels can provide you with the funds you need:  Startup business loans: They are specifically designed to support businesses younger than six months. Often government or corporately-backed, these provide initial cash flow to allow for a fuller business model evaluation. Purchase order financing: You may also be able to raise money for your online boutique using purchase order financing. Here, customers place an order, and then a third-party financial institution pays the manufacturer on your behalf to cover the order, taking a small cut for themselves. Customers then pay the lender back directly, and you take a small margin later on. A business line of credit: Business lines of credit are similar to credit cards but don’t usually require you to have such a great credit score.  Of course, you can go down the traditional bank loan route, but you’ll need to carefully write down your business plan and create pitch decks to impress investors. Usually, you’ll only attract venture capital if you offer a new type of business model that VCs believe offers something substantively different from what’s already out there. Step 11: Open And Market Your Online Boutique Once all the legal and technical aspects are out of the way, it’s time to finally publish your website and start selling.  Traffic to your site will be minimal at first. Therefore, you’ll need to put your marketing plan into action. How you do this is very much up to you. In most cases, you will need to dedicate the lion’s share of your budget to it and, perhaps, hire professionals who can get the word out on your behalf.  Most eCommerce platforms are quite good at providing basic assistance, too. For instance, they might offer tools that help you identify suitable keywords or provide buttons that allow you to link your social media accounts. They might not provide the same level of support as third-party agencies, particularly for non-SEO or off-site activities, such as PPC or influencer marketing.  If you have funds ready to go, a good idea is to invest them in Facebook or Google ads. Remember, it will take several months for your SEO efforts to bear fruit, so these methods can immediately get your brand in front of users.  For the first few months, expect high costs and low revenues. Work with a mentor who can tell you whether you should continue with your enterprise or cut your losses if things aren’t working out.  Wrapping Up Learning how to start an online boutique can be a lot of fun, but what counts is making it happen. Thanks to modern technology, setting up your online store is significantly easier than before. That being said, lower barriers to entry mean more competition.  Ultimately, you need to be passionate about your online store and niche to be successful. Success can take several years, but it can lead to a more fulfilling life once it arrives.
By Vladana Donevski · April 14,2022

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