How to Void a Check: Set up Payments, Deposits, and Investments

Once you printed “void” on the check, it can no longer be used for payments. If you are the payor, you should write a new one and file the accidentally voided check for record-keeping. If you are the payee, you should get the owner to write you a new one.

Can I Cash My Check if I Wrote Void on It?

1. The difference between a checking and savings account can seem confusing.
2. You need to return the check to revert the funds to the originating account.
3. There are several common situations when someone will ask for a voided check, which the next section discusses.
4. Voiding a check properly by writing “VOID” in large letters on the documents will help reduce the risk that the check will be cashed.
5. Unless it’s one of the usual reasons, you should never provide a voided check to anyone.

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.

How to Void Checks in Your Posession and Checks You’ve Already Sent

This is because a blank check has all the information they need, such as routing or account numbers. Using a voided check reduces the likelihood of a transcription or other type of error. You may be asked to send a voided https://www.quick-bookkeeping.net/ check if you want to set up an electronic payment method for certain bills. That will eliminate the need for you either to issue a paper check in payment, or to go online and arrange the electronic payment manually.

How Safe Is Voiding a Check for Direct Deposit?

If you write the wrong dollar amount, then you’d have to void the check to keep anyone from cashing it or depositing it. When you send checks, even voided ones, the risk is always higher through electronic means. Yes, 4 tips on how to categorize expenses for small business it is relatively safe to send a picture of a voided check via text or email as long as you take extra precautions. Meanwhile, every business has a set policy regarding slated checks past the voided period of 90 days.

If all else fails, you may be able to get official documentation from your bank or credit union instead of voiding a check. Ask for a letter, printed on bank letterhead, which lists your account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings). Alternatively, some banks provide form letters for setting up direct deposit—print it while you’re logged in to the online banking system, and it should have everything you need.

We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy. When voiding a check, it’s fine if the word “VOID” covers the entire front of your check and obscures the Date, Pay To, For and Signature lines. You can also write the word “VOID” on each of these lines instead if you prefer. GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.

If in person is not possible, a fax delivery is preferred to email. After all, an email can be forwarded, exposing your check information to unintended parties. Voided checks are also frequently requested when setting up recurring financial transactions because they contain all of your banking information. The information in this document was developed with reasonable care and attention.

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. If you aren’t sure of any of this information or get it https://www.quick-bookkeeping.net/average-total-assets-what-is-formula-calculation/ wrong, the check could still be cashed, and the only way to avoid financial loss would be to freeze the account. These contain almost the same information as your voided check, minus your name and address.

If that check number is posted to your account, contact your bank right away. Finally, if you use duplicate checks, make sure your VOID marks are seen on the duplicate, too. If you deposit a voided check in married filing separate status on your 2021 or 2022 tax return an ATM, it may be briefly accepted. But once the error is identified, the cleared funds will then be removed from the recipient’s bank account and returned to the original owner and a fee may be charged.

Some checks might explicitly state a different period, such as three months or a year. Writing “VOID” across the front of the check prevents anybody from using the check to make a standard check payment (by filling in a payee and an amount). This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. When opening a bank account, typically documentation and proof of identity are needed to get the application and review process started.

All the rest, including bank name, routing number, and account number, are stated. You may also be able to set up deposit or withdrawal instructions using a deposit slip instead of a voided check. A pre-printed deposit slip might be required—not the blank ones you grab at the bank and fill out by hand.

If a thief gets hold of a voided check, he cannot make it out to himself, enter any amount, and sign it. You have to request a new one from the person paying you the check for these transactions. By asking you for a check, your employer reduces the potential for errors. If you have to fill out a form, it’s possible you’ll make a mistake. If the employer has to read your handwriting, perhaps it’s not perfect and a mistake is made when entering the information. Most checks are good for six months, but banks might still cash checks that are past this expiration date.

Checks are sequentially numbered, so it is better to void them instead of shredding or destroying them right away. This is in case the owner forgets and gets a headache looking for a missing check.

If a thief gets their hands on the check, they won’t have a blank check, which they could use to spend your money—effectively stealing from your account. You can easily void a paycheck or other payment through QuickBooks or other accounting software. With checks you accidentally voided, financial institutions will not be as lenient. If you prefer, you may talk to your bank and explain what happened. They make it easier for you to share banking information without fear of someone else withdrawing money from your bank account. Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial and up to date.