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How to Void a Check?

You can void a check by writing the word ‘VOID’ across the face of the check in capital letters. Here's how to do it including an example:

Article update: January 30, 2024

Article update:January 30, 2024

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Can I Get a Voided Check Online?

You may be asked for a voided check if you want to set up payments from your bank account or direct deposit.

As much as you can detach a check from your supply and void it, you can also get a voided check online in a couple of clicks. Getting a voided check online replaces the need to carry your checkbook around or wait in bank queues.

Most tools to void checks online are compatible with most banks and credit unions in the country. You can void your check using the tools by inputting your information, including your bank name and routing number. Your voided check is then delivered to you via email.

How Do I Void a Check for Direct Deposit?

A blank check can be drawn against your account, and you can lose money. Employers ask employees to present voided checks to set up direct deposits.

You can void a check by writing the word ‘VOID’ across the face of the check in capital letters. The writing across the face of the check makes it unacceptable for payment because once you void a check, no one can spend or deposit it.

A voided check still has the important banking information visible, including the account number, check number, routing number, drawer’s name, and address.

Below is an example of a check with all the important banking information visible before and after a void.

Get a blank check and detach it from your checkbook. After detaching a check from your supply, use a blue or black pen to write ‘VOID’ across the front of the check. Also, you can write ‘VOID’ in small letters on the payee line, dateline, amount box, signature, and amount line.

You can visit your bank and ask for a counter-check if you do not have checks. Your bank will print it for you, and then you can void it by writing ‘VOID’ across its face.

While writing the word ‘VOID’ on the face of the check, amount box, or date line, ensure the writing does not cover the routing or account numbers. Those numbers are crucial in identifying your bank account and setting up payments.

Also, you must ensure you write the word ‘VOID’ boldly and clearly to make it impossible to use the check for funds.

After voiding the check, you can keep the original copy for your records and provide a copy to whoever needs it.

When you keep a copy of the check for your records, it is important to note the check number. You can use a copy of the same check for many situations.

Sometimes, you make mistakes when writing a check and you can void it to make it impossible for use for funds. For example, if you write the wrong amount, voiding the check will prevent the person you write it to from depositing it.

How To Void A Check In QuickBooks?

It is easy to void a check through QuickBooks.

On QuickBooks, find the ‘Bookkeeping’ tab then go to ‘Transactions’ and select ‘Expense.’
Under the ‘Expense Transactions,’ select ‘Void’ and look for the check to void.
From the ‘Action’ column, select ‘Void’ from the ‘View or Edit’ drop-down menu.
The system then prompts you to select ‘Yes’ to confirm you want to void the check.

You can void a check payment in QuickBooks because of different reasons, for example, if the vendor did not receive the check.

When you void a check in QuickBooks, it changes the transaction amount to zero but still keeps a transaction record. However, deleting the transaction removes it entirely in QuickBooks.

When You May Need to Use a Voided Check?

There are different situations when you may need to use a voided check, including:

You can void a check if you want to schedule electronic payments to run a business or for personal use.

If you have a business and your suppliers want to be paid electronically, voiding a check forms part of setting up automatic payments.

You must submit a voided check to schedule payments from your checking account. For example, if you want to pay your bills, loans, and mortgages, you submit a voided check to schedule the payments.

When you set up direct deposits, it helps in getting paid faster. Your employer needs banking information to process the direct deposit, including your bank account and routing number.

A voided check is a simple way to provide those details.

You may have to void a check if you are writing a check and you make a mistake. For example, if you write the wrong amount, you may void the check to keep the person or entity you write it from either depositing or cashing it.

However, you cannot void a check after giving it to the payee. After giving a check to the payee, you can only stop the check from being used for funds by requesting your bank to stop the payment. In most cases, banks charge to stop payments.

What Can You Do When You Don’t Have Checks?

You may need to use a voided check when you write a check and make mistakes. Also, you can use voided checks to set up direct deposits, direct payments, and regular bill payments.

However, if you do not have checks, you can use the following options to set up electronic payments and direct deposits.

The options have the necessary banking information and reduce any likelihood of errors.

Use deposit slips. If you do not have checks, you can use deposit slips if your bank offers them. The slips have the banking information necessary to set up direct deposit or direct payments, including account and routing numbers.
Use a starter check. Your bank may print a sample or starter check with the banking information you can use for voiding purposes.
Submit the details online. You may do that through online banking access if you intend to set up online bill payments. The process does not require the use of paper forms or voided checks.
Use other bank documentation. If you cannot use a starter check or deposit slip, your bank may provide an official letter with the necessary banking information. You can use the information instead of looking for a voided check.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Void a Blank Check?

You can void a blank check by writing ‘VOID’ in capital letters across the face of the check. Also, you can write ‘VOID’ on the amount box, payee line, dateline, or signature line.

After voiding the check, no one can deposit the check or use it to withdraw funds.

How to Void a Check That Has Been Sent?

You cannot void a check after you have sent it. Instead, you have to reach out to your bank and ask them to stop payment for that specific check number.

Most banks charge for this service.

When you make a stop payment request, the bank stops the check from being deposited or cashed.