How to Void a Check: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to properly void a check

You typically can’t stop payment once they submit the check for cash or deposit it. Without a voided check, you may have entered your checking account number incorrectly. If someone else has the same account number as the incorrect entry, the wrong person may end up being debited. For that reason, voided checks should never be provided lightly. 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.

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Yes, it’s the digital age, but you still need to know how to void a check. Experian websites have been designed to support modern, up-to-date internet browsers. If you are currently using a non-supported browser your experience may not be optimal, you may experience rendering issues, and you may be exposed to potential security risks. It is recommended that you upgrade to the most recent browser version. To view important disclosures about the Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card, visit experian.com/legal. The Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account and Debit Card helps you build credit without the debtØ—and with $0 monthly fees¶.

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  1. Make a copy of the voided check to send to your employer or whoever else needs it.
  2. If a voided check clears, customers can file a claim when they receive their statement.
  3. To void a check for your employer to set up direct deposit, take a blank check and write “VOID” in large letters across the entire check.

So you may need to give your employer a voided check to set things up. This is a fancy name for checks printed on demand for specific purposes at your bank or credit union. Banks typically charge a fee for these checks, which can be anywhere from a few dollars to as much as $25. But, if you normally have no need for paper personal checks, this can be a way to provide a voided one. Whenever you give your bank information to someone else, there is always a risk of it falling into the wrong hands — even if it’s only a small risk.

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The word “Void” should stand out from the pre-printed information on the check, so it’s clear to anyone that the check’s invalid. FinanceBuzz is an informational website that provides tips, advice, and recommendations to help you make financial decisions. We strive to provide up-to-date information, but make no warranties how to calculate predetermined overhead rate: formula and uses regarding the accuracy of our information. FinanceBuzz is not a financial institution and does not provide credit cards or any other financial products. You can write it once in large letters, or you can write it in small letters on the date line, amount line, amount box, payee line, and signature line.

You’ll need to provide the check number and the total amount written. If you don’t have all the information, you likely won’t be https://www.quick-bookkeeping.net/ able to stop the payment from going through. Making this indication ensures you can use the check for mobile deposits only.

For example, consider encrypting the image or uploading it to a secure file vault. Once you’ve written your void check, photocopy it to keep on hand. This way, if you need to provide any other voided checks, you can use the copy instead of wasting another check from your checkbook. https://www.quick-bookkeeping.net/negligence-vs-tax-fraud/ If you need to provide a voided check but don’t have any physical checks, you can get a “counter check” at your local bank branch. Rather than an entire checkbook, this will be a single check that you can void. Note that some banks charge a fee for providing counter checks.

In the same vein, if the check you’ve made a mistake on is voided and someone comes across it, they can’t use it to fraudulently withdraw money from your account. You may need to void a check if you wrote a check and made a mistake. If you write the wrong dollar amount, then you’d have to void the check to keep anyone from cashing it or depositing it. 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.

Requesting a voided check is the usual way employers set up direct deposit into their employees’ checking accounts. Employees prefer direct deposit because it’s instantaneous and eliminates the need to wait for a paper check to clear their accounts. Don’t cover up the bank account or bank routing numbers at the bottom of the check. That information is necessary if you’re using the voided check to set up automatic payments, direct deposit or other financial transactions.

how to properly void a check

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If you find yourself needing to present a voided check to an employer to have your paycheck direct deposited or to a company for setting up electronic payments, visit your bank. To void a check for your employer to set up direct deposit, consignment sale definition take a blank check and write “VOID” in large letters across the entire check. Be certain that you don’t cover the routing or the account numbers, which your employer will use to ensure your paycheck goes to the right account.

Once the company you wish to pay has this information, the funds can be directly withdrawn from your account. This way, you won’t have to mail a check or use your credit card. Note that some banks may charge a fee to issue a stop payment on a check.

Read on to learn exactly how to void a check, why you might need to void a check and what to do if you don’t have any physical checks. Voiding a check may seem as simple as just writing “void” across the front. Business firms and other organizations aren’t the only entities that may involve recurring personal payments.