{"id":521,"date":"2023-04-18T11:52:47","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T11:52:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smallbizgenius.net\/?p=521"},"modified":"2023-06-19T08:51:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T08:51:53","slug":"how-to-void-a-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smallbizgenius.net\/knowledge-base\/how-to-void-a-check\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Void a Check: Quick, Simple Instructions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2019t use checks to the same degree as we did. Indeed, 93% of Americans<\/a> today receive direct deposits instead of physical paychecks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instructions to Void a Check<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Voiding a <\/em>check<\/em> is incredibly simple. It involves just <\/em>writing<\/em> the <\/em>word<\/em> \u201c<\/em>VOID<\/em>\u201d on the <\/em>check<\/em> itself. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two accepted ways of doing this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Writing \u201cVOID\u201d 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<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Writing \u201cVOID\u201d separately on the signature line, amount box, payee line, amount line, and date line<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Following are more detailed steps to create a voided check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 1: Start with a Blank Check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Banks don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 2: Void a Check with Blue or Black Ink<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The next step is to take a black or blue ink pen and write \u201cVOID\u201d in capital letters across the front of the check. By writing \u201cvoid\u201d on a check, you prevent anyone else from filling out the remainder of it and cashing it to a different account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Make sure that as you write the word \u201cVOID,\u201d you do not cover the account and routing numbers. If you obscure them, bank clerks won’t be able to identify your checking account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 3: Make a Copy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Situations Require You To Void a Check?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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 \u201cVOID\u201d on it prevents anyone from using it in any way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Automatic Payments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Direct Deposits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Happens if You Don\u2019t Have a Checkbook?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If your account does not have a checkbook, how can you provide a voided check?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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 \u201cVOID\u201d on them, and send them to the relevant parties. Always check if receivers accept the previews, as it’s not always the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The other option is to get what’s sometimes called a \u201ccounter check\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, if you are trying to prove your account details, you don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Send a Void Check by Email<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re trying to void a check via email, don\u2019t send it as a pasted image or an attachment. Instead, do one of the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n