voided check

It’s wise to be cautious with your bank account information, so knowing the proper way to void a check could help you set up direct deposit safely and correctly. Another option is to request a counter check at the bank branch. This is a special check printed by the teller that contains the account holder’s information. After voiding the check, it’s helpful to record the voided check number in the check register.

Once a check has been voided, it’s no longer usable as a form of tender. No matter who the check was written out to or how much it might be written for, the check can no longer be presented to a bank or credit union for payment. Reach out to your human resources department to ask which alternatives they offer. For example, they might accept a bank letter or a voided preprinted deposit slip as verification of your banking information.

Routing vs. account number: Understanding the difference

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voided check

This may include rent, mortgage payments, utility payments, or other recurring bills. In addition, a https://www.bookstime.com/articles/quickbooks-proadvisor 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. An online checking account still uses checks, but if you’re out of checks, you may be able to send yourself a small check through your online bank’s bill payment service. Many times, you’ll need a voided check to set up automated loan payments such as a mortgage payment, student loan, or auto loan.

Important tips to consider when voiding a check

You may need to provide void check meanings numerous times in the coming years. When an original check is not required (for example, if you’re going to fax in the instructions or submit an electronic image of your check), you can use the same copy repeatedly. A creative solution is to have a check printer to generate an image of a voided check for you. This method won’t work if you need to mail the check, but it can help you get an electronic image of a check containing your account information. Start the process of ordering checks, and when it’s time to “preview” your order, you’ll have a customized check image that you can void. You may also be able to set up deposit or withdrawal instructions using a deposit slip instead of a voided check.

Now that you know what a void check is, why would someone want to void a check? Once you’ve voided a check, it’s essentially disabled and cannot be used any longer. But first, let’s touch on the reasons why you might need to void a check. However, it’s just as important that you know how to do so safely, securely, and while maintaining as much of your personal and private information as possible. Lauren is a personal finance writer who strives to equip readers with the knowledge to achieve their financial objectives.

What is a Voided Check?

But, if you normally have no need for paper personal checks, this can be a way to provide a voided one. 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.

  • There are dozens of different reasons why you may need to learn how to void a check like applying for an unsecured business loan or setting up direct deposit with your employer.
  • These numbers contain your bank’s routing number and your account number, both of which are needed for verification.
  • The most purpose in pretty much every case is to provide critical banking information to an individual or an organization so they can establish a direct link to that account.
  • Compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including the order in which they may appear within listing categories.

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. However, it’s a lot easier to void a check than you may realize. Once the word VOID has been printed across the check, it simply can’t be used. So there you have it – everything you need to know about voiding a check and how this works.