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Writing “Void” across it prevents someone from using the check to falsely extract money from the person’s checking account. Another use for a voided check is to set up direct deposit payments, usually for payroll payments from your employer into your checking account. The employer needs a voided check in order to extract the bank account information from the bottom line of the check.
Some institutions may require additional information like your Social Security number or personal address. If you obtained your direct deposit form from the bank instead of your employer, you’ll probably need to provide the employer’s information as well. If you’d like a prefilled direct deposit form, follow the steps below.
What qualifies for direct deposit?
This is why employers ask for a voided check to set up direct deposit, not a blank one. Employers often use voided checks to set up direct deposits for their payroll, and service providers may need them to set up direct debits. This is because a blank check has all the information they need, such as routing or account numbers. Although it is not strictly necessary to get this information from a check, using one reduces the likelihood of a transcription or other type of error.
- Consumers often provide their own routing and account numbers online without any problem, so voided checks are required less frequently.
- By voiding the check, it can be prevented to use as a blank check.
- Be certain that you don’t cover the routing or the account numbers, which your employer will use to make sure your paycheck goes to the right account.
- It doesn’t matter if someone else picks that check up and tries to write over it.
- Those numbers are what the person receiving the voided check will use to identify your checking account.
Learn everything you need to know about how to void a check, including why you should never give someone a blank check. With step-by-step instructions and tips for avoiding common mistakes, you can confidently manage your finances and keep your money safe. law firm bookkeeping You simply write the word “VOID” in big letters on the front of the check. If you need to cancel a check, no matter the financial system you’re using you can always contact them and they will run you through the procedure to stop a check payment.
Step 3: Make a Copy of the Voided Check
Others will require you to purchase your checkbooks from them. Once you have your own personal checkbook, you can write VOID on any of the checks to get a void check. When you void a check, it can’t be used as a check, meaning it can’t be deposited. Usually, a check is a document you sign to allow the recipient to withdraw the amount you specified from your bank’s checking account. Voiding the check makes the recipient unable to do this anymore. By clicking ‘Continue’, you will leave our website and enter a site specific to making your loan payment via a debit card or electronic check.
Voiding a check is a common practice used to nullify incorrect checks and set up direct deposits or bill payments. The process is fairly straightforward, but it’s important that you do it carefully to avoid someone using your check fraudulently. They may have starter checks, aka checks printed at https://www.digitalconnectmag.com/a-deep-dive-into-law-firm-bookkeeping/ the bank with no pre-printed contact info. Or a teller might be able to print out a copy of a voided check with your account details. If you need a voided check and you don’t have a checkbook, your best bet is to ask the recipient about submitting your account details online as an alternative.