How To Void A Check And When You May Need One

They ask for this because a check has all the information your employer needs to help ensure your paycheck is deposited in your account. From employers, to payment services, to government agencies, requests for voided checks are still common. However, keep your own security in mind when sharing banking information. In order to set up a direct deposit, your employer will need your account details. They may ask for a voided check because all your account information can be found on there including your account number, account type and bank routing number. Employers usually ask for a voided check as a simple way to collect your banking information for direct deposit.

When I first learned about voiding a check from my parents as I needed to set up my direct deposit from my first job, I was a bit confused. As checkbooks become a bit more obsolete, it’s still good to have them at your disposal and you might be surprised how many people are still writing checks consistently. 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.

Do I sign a voided check?

If you write the wrong dollar amount, then you’d have to void the check to keep anyone from cashing it or depositing it. Once you have the check, use ink or a permanent marker to write VOID on the check. Be careful not to write over the numbers at the bottom of the check. Since this information is on every check, there’s no need to void a second check if you need to show a voided check to more than one company.

While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.Here is a list of our banking partners. You can easily void a paycheck or other payment through QuickBooks or other accounting software. You may need to void a check if you wrote a check and made a mistake.

Voided Check FAQ

If the employer has to read your handwriting, perhaps it’s not perfect and a mistake is made when entering the information. Never give anyone a blank check, especially someone you do not know because it could be used to make a withdrawal on your account. If your routing number and account number fall into the wrong hands, there’s a possibility void check meaning that this information can be used to make payments, purchases, or other unauthorized activity. For example, many insurers offer an attractive discount if you make automatic payments. For most void cheque information requests, you can use a form provided by CIBC that collects account information in place of a void cheque.

• 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.
• As long as the information is copied adequately and the recipient says it’s fine.
• If your routing number and account number fall into the wrong hands, there’s a possibility that this information can be used to make payments, purchases, or other unauthorized activity.
• This is because anyone can fill it out and withdraw money from your bank account.
• If you make the lettering too fine, or you use a highlighter, a potential thief may be able to either erase or cover your writing, simply copy the check and make the highlighting disappear.

You can also use a voided check to set up automatic electronic payments, including ongoing expenses such as rent and bills. In some cases, you can use a preprinted deposit slip to verify your banking information. A preprinted deposit slip has the same information as a voided check, including your name, routing number, and account number. Much like with a direct deposit paycheck, you can set up direct deposit and have your benefit payments sent to your bank account electronically. On the other hand, checks are also voided to provide banking information to employers when a person is enrolling at a new company. This will allow the company to update its cash flow estimations accordingly.

When Will You Need To Void A Check

Voided checks can serve an important role in direct deposits and other ongoing transactions. They should be given only to individuals who are both trusted and necessary in your life. If any person or organization requests a voided check, be prepared to question them about the exact purpose. Unless it’s one of the usual reasons, you should never provide a voided check to anyone. The only way to stop the check from being cashed or deposited is to request a stop payment from your bank, which may involve a fee. Thanks for posting here and letting us know you've encountered the issue when voided checks are being deleted, Dave.