How to Write a Check and Uses for a Voided Check

void check meaning

If you don’t have any checks, one of the simplest ways to get a voided check is to visit your local bank and request a counter check. If a check has been written to you, you might be wondering how to get it into your bank account or cash it. There are several options, but the first step is to endorse the check. To endorse a check, flip it over and sign your name at the top on the short side of the check. This information will allow them to set up a direct deposit for your salary into your bank account. You may have to get creative, wait for checks, or find an alternative way to link your bank account.

void check meaning

It’s a good idea to maintain a record of voided checks so you can account for any discrepancies in your checking account. He decided to void the check and issued a new one for his supplier, then he invited him and his family for a free dinner to compensate for all troubles caused. The voided check was adequately destroyed and the new one was assigned as the payment for that supplier’s invoice in the company’s accounting system. You must first contact your bank and see if that particular check has already been cashed. If it hasn’t, they should be able to put a stop payment on that check. You will need to know who it was for, how much it was for, and the check number.

Deposit slip

Whether you’re filling out a check for the first time or first time in a while, you might have questions. Write “VOID” in large, bold letters in black or blue ink across the front of the check. © 2024 Greenlight Investment Advisors, LLC (GIA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor provides investment advisory services to its clients. Invested Media LLC may have financial relationships with the companies mentioned or seen on this site. Of course it takes a whopping two seconds to do, but as a young impressionable teen at the time, being clueless about most financial things was quite common. For the past 52 years, Harold Averkamp (CPA, MBA) hasworked as an accounting supervisor, manager, consultant, university instructor, and innovator in teaching accounting online.

  • For example, consider encrypting the image or uploading it to a secure file vault.
  • Banks and credit unions are well instructed in methods of protecting personally identifying information and they will know the best way to send the letter safely to the intended party.
  • No two accounts at the same bank will have the same account number.
  • The purpose of a voided check is to provide your bank name, routing number, and personal account number.
  • For example, you could send a payment for a penny and then mark that check as void.

To void a check, simply write the word “VOID” over the area where you would normally fill in all the information. Be careful not to write over those important bank numbers at the bottom of the check. All you need to do is write “VOID” in big letters across the front of the check. Voiding the cheque ensures that you aren’t sending out a “blank cheque” that criminals could fill in and use to withdraw money from your account. If you’re really running out of options, you can try printing out your account details on a piece of paper at home.

What Is A Voided Check? Everything You Need to Know

Remember, since you endorsed the check, anyone who gets access to the check can deposit or cash it. You can take this check to a bank teller, to an ATM machine, or use mobile check deposit if your bank offers that functionality. You will need to let the bank know which account to deposit the funds or if you prefer cash.

You may need to provide voided checks 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. For example, if your company’s payroll department needs a check from you to set up direct deposit, you can provide a voided void check meaning check. Then you know that no one would be able to alter the check and spend it, because it has been voided. 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. A voided check is a paper check with the word “void” written in large, bold letters across its face.

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If you can provide your bank name, routing number, and your personal account number over the phone, it’s often good enough. Avoid sending this information in an email due to the security risks. 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. You may need to void a check when you make an electronic financial transaction.

We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers. Yes, companies that request a copy of a voided check need to verify your bank’s routing number and your account number.

If you don’t have a paper check, you can always go to your nearest bank branch and request a voided check. A voided check is a check which is no longer valid and has the word ‘void’ written on the front. 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. If you deposit a voided check in an ATM, it may be briefly accepted.

void check meaning

The recipient will be able to cash the check unless you immediately contact your bank and have them issue a stop payment on that check. Doing so will block the bank from honoring the check when the payee presents it. In order to send the correct information to the bank to stop payment, you will need to extract the requisite information from either a copy of the check or the check register. Your last option is to gather all your bank account information in one place so that you can fill out a form for your employer to set up a direct deposit. If you prefer the convenience that online banking provides, then check out Wise. Wise is a safe and easy way to send, receive and manage your money without any old-fashioned banks involved.

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