They also contain relevant information such as the routing number, but you will have to insert your bank account number. Businesses and professionals can avoid a lot of manual work and potential risks within a few clicks. They don’t have to deal with physical alterations or outdated payments.
What is a Void Check?
While you don’t strictly need a voided check to set up a direct deposit², many employers will ask for one. A voided check can be useful for providing the necessary information for certain electronic payments, such as direct debits. If you do not have a voided check available, you may be able to provide the specific account information that is being requested of you. You may be able to get a void check online if this is a service that your bank offers. However, it’s important to note that online void check services are typically only offered by major financial institutions in developed financial markets. This may include rent, mortgage payments, utility payments, or other recurring bills.
Send Checks Online
- Therefore, when you give your banking information to another person for legitimate use, you can use a voided check.
- Voided checks can either be created manually by writing the word “void” across the face of the check in large block letters or by downloading a void check from online banking.
- As paper checks become less common in banking, organizations that normally require a voided check may be more receptive to another method.
- To simplify and speed up payment, you may set up an electronic billing and payment arrangement with that client.
- Note the official check number in your ledger while you make a void check.
This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. If you don’t have a check to give, ask whether you can provide a counter check, a copy of a deposit slip, or a letter from your bank. You also might be able to provide your routing and account numbers directly. 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. All you need to do if you want to establish a direct deposit is take an existing check and write the word ‘VOID’ across the front of it in large capital letters.
At the very left-hand bottom of the front of your check is going to be your routing number, your account number, and the official check series number (in that order). Just remember to leave the bottom of the check where your checking account and routing number are listed legible, otherwise it won’t be much good as a voided check. The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.
If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Keeping a partially written check around without voiding it is risky as it could be stolen. Thus, it’s always best to void any check that can no longer be used by writing the word “VOID” on it.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to writing checks. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to void a check and you won’t spend a dime. All you have to do is grab a black pen or marker, write “VOID” using all capital letters, and you’re all set. If you’ve been handling your finances for some time, chances are you’ve seen a personal check with the word “VOID” written boldly across the front.
You can take a check from your checkbook and write “void” across it in large letters and provide the check to your employer. You can ask your bank to draw you up a “counter check”, a special type of check that can be officially voided by the bank but still includes your important account information. You might also ask the business or organization requesting a voided check if they would accept a deposit slip that has been voided as well. An illustration of this happens when a company needs to make an electronic charge to someone who purchased a service. The supplier wants to be sure that the charge will be made to the correct account and holder. In this case, the owner provides the supplier with a voided check where the required data is visible but at the same time avoids any misapplication.
If you do not have a checkbook, the process of getting checks, voiding them and providing it to the employer for direct deposit can be difficult compared to the available alternatives. Electronic money, or e-money, is a simple way to send, spend, and receive payments online. As we start to move away from cash or checks, e-money transfers what does a voided check mean are…
If you don’t have a voided check to supply to a third party, you do have other options to get one. You can ask your bank for a blank check, which is known as a counter check. Many times, this won’t have your personal information written on top, but it will include your banking information. Once you write VOID on one of your checks, it automatically means that it becomes invalid. This check cannot be treated as a blank check and used to make any payments, but it can still provide relevant information about your bank account.
Be Careful With Voided Checks
Even if a thief steals this check, they cannot write down a sum of funds and then use it to withdraw money from your account. Companies often request voided checks from their employees to gather banking information to set up direct deposits. If you don’t have a voided check, there are several alternatives you can use to provide your banking information for purposes such as setting up direct deposits or automatic payments.
Automatic Electronic Payments
This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval. Grasp the meaning of APY in banking and CDs with our in-depth guide. Discover how APY impacts your financial choices and maximizes your savings. If you add one too many ‘0s’ to your check, you can’t just correct it and hope it works out.
Reasons for Voiding a Check
- Write the word “VOID” in large letters, big enough to cover most of the face of the check (except for the banking details we mentioned above).
- You also might be able to provide your routing and account numbers directly.
- However, leaving these checks unattended could be a serious mistake.
- Lauren is a personal finance writer with over a decade of experience helping readers make informed money decisions.
- Maybe you misspelled the recipient’s name, entered the wrong amount, or used the incorrect date?
These online platforms save plenty of time with secure options for voiding checks. Individuals or businesses might need more readily available spare blank checks. Requesting a bank to provide a “counter check” could be a good option. These checks are officially voided but still have the vital account information.
There are dozens of different reasons why you may need to void a check, such as applying for an unsecured business loanor setting up direct deposit with your employer. A voided check refers to a bank check with the term “void” written across the face. This indicates that the check has been voided intentionally, which means it can no longer be used for payment. In this article, we’re going to share everything you need to know about void checks, including how to get a voided check and answers to common questions we receive about them from our members.
Ask the requester if they’ll accept a deposit slip or letter from the bank containing your account information in its place. If not, your bank may be willing to issue you what’s referred to as a counter check. All you need to do is draw out a check, grab a pen, and write the word VOID across it. When doing this, make sure that the writing covers all of the blank space in the check yet don’t cover the account details. Use a pen or marker that is bold and dark enough so that the writing is visible. No one should be able to erase the wording on a properly voided check.
Where Can I Cash a Cashier’s Check?
This can speed up the process and the funds can sometimes be on your account even a few days early. Businesses might need to hand over multiple voided checks to different recipients. Using an online check writer solution provides a convenient and secure method for printing and mailing void checks. The days of receiving paper payroll checks and taking them to the bank to have them cashed are long gone. In most instances, your employer will prefer that you enroll in direct deposit so they can send your earnings directly to your bank account on payday.