Table Of Content
What Is A Voided Check?
A voided check is a check with the word ‘VOID’ across it, showing that it should not be used for payment.
The word ‘VOID’ is written in capital letters, so it is not mistaken for cash use. When you void a check, you prevent the check from being used by anyone to withdraw money.
A voided check is used to get the information necessary for electronic payments because it includes the following details.
- Account number
- Check number
- Routing number
Voided Check Features
There are different features of a voided check, including:
- The Word ‘VOID’ Across Its Face
A voided check has the word ‘VOID’ written across the front of the check in capital letters.
Alternatively, the word can be written on other check parts, such as the payee line, dateline and amount box.
- Bank Information
A voided check contains useful bank information that your employer can use in setting up direct deposits.
Given that you cannot just submit a blank check, you void it to prevent anyone from filling it out and taking funds from your account.
Therefore, when you give your banking information to another person for legitimate use, you can use a voided check. This is because you can make a mistake while copying the details on the check.
Voided Check Example
The image below shows an example of a voided check.
In the image, the check has the word ‘VOID’ written across its face in capital letters.
- The writing across the front of the check indicates that the check should not be accepted for payment. After voiding a check, as shown in the image above, no one can change it or spend it.
- The important banking information is visible on the voided check, for example, the drawer’s name and address, account number, routing number and check number.
- Such a check is mostly used to provide your banking information for legitimate uses, such as setting up direct deposits or electronic payments.
A voided check easily and conveniently gives access to your banking information. You do not need to sign the check or enter any other information for it to serve the intended purpose.
Reasons for Using a Voided Check
When you void a check by writing the word ‘VOID’ across its front in capital letters, there is no chance it will be used accidentally.
Voiding a check disables it from being used as a blank check. There are different reasons for using a voided check, including:
- Covering up a mistake
There are mistakes that you cannot correct on your check. Also, you cannot discard it because someone may use it to withdraw funds from your account.
Therefore, you void the check to give yourself peace of mind.
- Setting up direct deposit
Direct deposit helps you get paid faster. However, the employer needs your banking information to get the process started.
The banking information necessary to start the direct deposit is the account and routing numbers.
Voiding a check is a simple way of providing such financial information.
- Setting up direct payments
Voiding a check may be useful if you intend to schedule electronic payments.
For example, if you are in business and your suppliers prefer to be paid electronically, then a voided check may be part of setting up automatic payments.
- Regular payments
You can use a voided check to schedule regular payments from your checking account. This is necessary if you intend to pay your car loan, mortgage and other bills online.
Voided Check Pros and Cons
Voided checks have different pros and cons.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Eliminates The Risk Of Loss Of Funds
| Process Is Complicated In Some Cases |
Faster Access To Funds | Can Serve As Source Of Fraud
|
Useful In Different Types Of Transfers
|
- Eliminates The Risk Of Loss Of Funds
When you void a check, you make it unusable for cash.
This eliminates any risk of losing funds from your account because no one else can use the check to withdraw funds.
- Faster Access To Funds
A voided check facilitates direct transfers, giving recipients faster access to their funds.
Also, it gives more control because the funds are deposited at the same time every month.
- Useful In Different Types Of Transfers
There are different reasons for using voiding checks. Voided checks are useful in setting up direct deposits, payments and regular bill payments.
This is because they contain the vital information necessary to initiate the transfers.
- Process Is Complicated In Some Cases
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.
- Can Serve As Source Of Fraud
Voided checks reveal crucial banking information that if not shredded or disposed off properly can serve as linchpin to more dangerous scams.
How Do I Get a Voided Check?
You should not give anyone a blank check because they can fill it out and withdraw money from your account.
A blank check is like cash, so companies or employers ask for voided checks to set up direct deposits.
There are different ways of getting voided checks, including:
- Writing ‘VOID’ across the check: You can get voided check by detaching it from your supply and writing ‘VOID’ across its front using black ink. Ensure you write it clearly and boldly to make it unusable for funds but leave the check information visible.
- Get a counter check: If you do not have checks, you can get a one-time check and void it to set up a direct deposit. You can get a countercheck by visiting your bank and asking for it. Your bank will print it for you then you can void it by writing ‘VOID’ across its front.
Alternatives to a Voided Check
There are different alternatives to a voided check that you can explore if you do not have checks and you want to set up automatic payments and direct deposits.
You can try the alternatives below if your account does not offer checks.
- Deposit slip: You can use a deposit slip if your bank offers them. The slips should have your banking information, including routing and account number.
- Starter check: Your bank may print a starter check that you could use for voiding purposes. The starter or sample check contains the same information as a voided check, such as account and routing number.
- Submit details online: If you are setting up online payments, you might be able to do that through your bank’s online banking platform with no voided checks required.
- Follow your bank’s instructions: Banks usually give instructions on different ways of setting up direct deposits without using a voided check. Therefore, you can reach your bank or search online on how to do it.
- Get other documents from the bank: If you cannot use a starter check or deposit slip, your bank can give you other official documents with the necessary banking information that you can use instead of a voided check.
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FAQs
How Do You Get a Voided Check Without Going to the Bank?
You do not have to get a voided check from the bank.
You can detach a check from your supply and write ‘VOID’ across its front. The word does not have to cover the entire face of the check, but it should be big enough so no one else can use it.
Do I Need a Voided Check for Direct Deposit?
Yes. Most employers ask for voided checks to set up direct deposits. They ask for a voided check because it contains all the information they need to ensure your paycheck is deposited into the right account.
Therefore, if you do not have the checks, you can order them online.
Why Do Companies Need a Voided Check?
Companies need a voided check to set up direct deposits for their employees. The checks have the necessary banking information for companies to initiate direct deposits, electronic bill payments and automated clearing house transfers.
Voiding a check implies that it cannot be used in withdrawing or making a payment from your checking account.
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